In this episode, Matt speaks with Dana Ariss — a recovery coach, trauma‑informed yoga and mindfulness teacher, and wellness specialist based in Dubai. SilverBell+1 They dig into the lesser-seen pressures women face, particularly as mothers juggling career, home, and identity — a phenomenon often called the “second shift.”

Dana brings her experience in psychology, trauma work, and recovery to this conversation, offering compassion, insight, and actionable strategies for women dealing with guilt, stress, shame, and coping mechanisms. SilverBell+1

In this conversation, they explore:

• The “second shift” — why many mothers are doing a full day’s work, then coming home to intense emotional labor
• How modern financial demands and societal expectations amplify stress, guilt, and shame
• Why some coping strategies (including substance use) emerge when women feel overwhelmed
• Dana’s own journey — how she came to coach others from a place of lived experience
• Tools and frameworks for processing guilt and setting boundaries
• Strategies to cultivate resilience, self-compassion, and sustainable support systems

Whether you’re a mother, partner, or someone supporting women in your life, this episode offers honest conversation and heartfelt guidance on holding space for yourself amid the demands.

Want to connect with Dana or Silverbell Global. Details 

[email protected]

dhttp://www.silverbellglobal.com/

If you have a question for the podcast or are interested in working with Matt, you can reach out at:
 • Email: [email protected]
 • Website: www.wellnesseducationdubai.com
• Instagram: @wellness_education_dubai
• Facebook: @mattmarneyfitness
• LinkedIn: Matt Marney (Wellness Education Dubai)

This is the follow-up to Episode 148 — a deeper dive into the inner landscape of meditation and the powerful shifts it can create in how we experience the world.

In this solo episode, Matt explores what comes after the breath and body: mindfulness of sound, mind, and emotion — and how these practices can help build emotional awareness, resilience, and a more open-hearted way of living.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why paying attention to sound is a doorway to deeper presence
• What mindfulness of mind actually means — and how to observe your thoughts without judgment
• How to understand vedanā (feeling tone) and why it’s key to emotional intelligence
• How seeing impermanence clearly helps you deal with uncertainty and change
• What the Brahma Vihārās are — and how joy, kindness, gratitude, and compassion can rewire your heart
• How these teachings can shift your lens on the world — making you less reactive and more appreciative

This is a rich, expansive companion to Part 1 — giving you the next layer of insight to grow your meditation practice and recondition both the mind and heart.

If you have a question for the podcast or are interested in working with Matt, you can reach out at:
 • Email: [email protected]
 • Website: www.wellnesseducationdubai.com
• Instagram: @wellness_education_dubai
• Facebook: @mattmarneyfitness
• LinkedIn: Matt Marney (Wellness Education Dubai)

In this solo episode, Matt reflects on his recent two-week silent retreat and shares the insights, lessons, and clarity that came from that experience. After receiving lots of questions about why he meditates and what he gets from it, Matt decided to share what he wishes he had known when he first started.

This is a practical, beginner-friendly introduction to meditation — not just how to do it, but why it might change your life.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why meditation is often misunderstood — and what it actually is
• The importance of intention before you even begin
• How practices like focusing on the breath and body can impact everyday life
• The real benefits of mindfulness — less distraction, more clarity, improved impulse control
• Why knowing the “why” behind meditation is just as important as knowing “how” to do it
• A grounded breakdown of mindfulness of breath and body to get you started

This is Part 1 of a two-part series designed to lay a strong foundation.
 Stay tuned for Part 2, where the journey continues and we build on everything shared in this episode.

If you have a question for the podcast or are interested in working with Matt, you can reach out at:
 • Email: [email protected]
 • Website: www.wellnesseducationdubai.com
• Instagram: @wellness_education_dubai
• Facebook: @mattmarneyfitness
• LinkedIn: Matt Marney (Wellness Education Dubai)

Dogs bring so much joy, love, and laughter into our lives — but when something isn’t quite right in the relationship, it can cause real stress for owners and even entire families.

In this episode, Matt is joined by Cheryl Marney, a reward-based dog trainer certified by the IMDT (Institute of Modern Dog Trainers). With years of experience helping owners and dogs build better bonds, Cheryl brings a compassionate, practical approach to canine wellbeing — one rooted in kindness, clarity, and understanding.

Together, they explore the bi-directional relationship between dog and human wellbeing — and why helping your dog feel safe, seen, and understood is one of the most powerful things you can do for your own mental health.

In this conversation, they explore:

• The importance of breed-specific needs — and how to meet them in daily life
• Why enrichment matters — with a special focus on scent work at home and on walks
• How sleep impacts canine behaviour, mood, and overall health
• Subtle signs that your dog may be in pain or feeling unwell
• How to read your dog’s body language to assess comfort in different environments
• What to consider before choosing a doggy day care
• Why small changes can make a big difference to your dog’s emotional safety

If you want your dog to feel happy, healthy, and secure — and you want less stress at home — this episode is full of practical tips and heartfelt advice you can start using today.

Want to connect with cheryl? See details below:

• We love Dogs podcast (found anywhere you get your audio podcasts)
• Cheryl’s Website
• Find a Trainer Near You
• Instagram: @chelstails
• email – [email protected]
• Facebook & TikTok: Chelstails

If you have a question for the podcast or are interested in working with Matt, you can reach out at:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.wellnesseducationdubai.com
• Instagram: @wellness_education_dubai
• Facebook: @mattmarneyfitness
• LinkedIn: Matt Marney (Wellness Education Dubai)

We often talk about sleep as a pillar of health — but the truth is, sleep is mental health.

In this episode, Matt speaks with Dr David Garley, a UK-based GP and clinical lead at one of the country’s leading sleep clinics. Dr Garley’s team supports individuals, Olympic athletes, and professional sports teams, offering evidence-based treatments for sleep disorders including insomnia and sleep apnea. The clinic uses interventions like CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia), diagnostic screening, and tailored support to help people get the rest their brain and body need.

This episode focuses specifically on the link between sleep and mental wellbeing — and why improving sleep might be the most important thing you can do for your mood, mindset, and resilience.

In this conversation, they explore:

• The basics of sleep architecture — and why REM sleep is vital for emotional and cognitive reset
• How poor sleep impacts mental health — including anxiety, depression, and burnout
• Common sleep myths — and the truth behind them
• The real effects of alcohol, cannabis, and sleep medications on sleep quality
• Sleep challenges in older adults and children — and how they differ
• What schools and organisations can do to support better sleep as part of a mental health strategy

Whether you're a parent, a professional, or a leader trying to support your team — this conversation offers actionable insights to help you prioritise sleep as the foundation of long-term wellbeing.

Want to connect with Dr David? See details below:

Website - www.thebettersleepclinicuk.co.uk

Email - [email protected]

Instagram @thebettersleepclinicuk

If you have a question for the podcast or are interested in working with Matt, you can reach out at:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.wellnesseducationdubai.com
• Instagram: @wellness_education_dubai
• Facebook: @mattmarneyfitness
• LinkedIn: Matt Marney (Wellness Education Dubai)

Pilates has stood the test of time — but in our distracted, hyper-stimulated modern world, do its core principles hold new relevance?

In this episode, Matt is joined by Heba Abdel Gawad, a leading international Pilates educator, co-owner of Dubai-based Bodyhack Fitness Education, and former Olympic synchronised swimmer. Heba brings a unique blend of movement mastery and neuroscience insight, drawing from her background in functional neurology and elite athletic performance.

Together, they unpack the six original Pilates principles — concentration, control, precision, flow, centering, and breathing — and explore why these may be more essential now than ever.

In this conversation, they explore:

• Why concentration and precision are crucial attention-building tools in a distracted world
• The role of control in managing pain and perceived threat through the nervous system
• How breath helps calm a chronically “always on” state
• The role of flow in movement learning, emotional regulation, and overall enjoyment
• Why these principles are not rigid rules — and how overemphasising one can disrupt balance
• How to honour both classical and contemporary Pilates to meet the needs of real people

Whether you're a teacher, a mover, or someone curious about how Pilates can support mind-body health in the modern era — this one’s for you.

If you want to know more about Heba and the training she provides in this area, details below 

www.bodyhack.co

instagram @bodyhackuae @neuropilates

faecebook @bodyhackuae

whatsapp enquires +971 56 296 3541

If you have a question for the podcast or are interested in working with Matt, you can reach out at:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.wellnesseducationdubai.com
• Instagram: @wellness_education_dubai
• Facebook: @mattmarneyfitness
• LinkedIn: Matt Marney (Wellness Education Dubai)

We all talk about being “stressed,” but few understand what that really means — or how serious it can be for our health.

In this episode, Matt speaks with Dr Bernadette Dancy, an exercise scientist with 15 years of university lecturing experience, a PhD in Sports Psychology, a master’s in Preventative Cardiology, and a professional background in personal training and exercise referral. After witnessing the damage chronic stress can do — including in her own life — Bernadette made it her mission to help people manage this silent killer.

She now leads Stress Ed, a platform connecting people with the right tools, experts, and education to take back control of their mental and physical wellbeing.

In this conversation, they explore:

• Bernadette’s personal story of stress and burnout — and how it changed her life
• What stress really is — and what happens inside your body when it builds
• The key drivers of chronic stress in modern life
• Why exercise is powerful — but only when the dose is right
• The “Four B’s” — Bernadette’s simple but powerful blueprint for managing stress
• Practical, science-backed tools you can use today to reduce overwhelm

If you’re feeling stretched thin, running on empty, or watching stress affect those around you, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and direction — from someone who’s been there and now helps others every day.

Learn more about Dr Bernadette Dancy & Stress Ed:

www. stress-ed.co.uk

email [email protected]

If you have a question for the podcast or are interested in working with Matt, you can reach out at:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.wellnesseducationdubai.com
• Instagram: @wellness_education_dubai
• Facebook: @mattmarneyfitness
• LinkedIn: Matt Marney (Wellness Education Dubai)

Is balance always the goal in training? Not necessarily. In this episode, Matt speaks with Scott Hills — personal trainer, strength and conditioning coach, stroke rehab expert, and founder of Hills Physical Development — about why training sometimes needs to be deliberately unbalanced to meet the unique challenges of the modern body.

With decades of experience across general fitness and clinical rehab, Scott shares what he's learned about tailoring movement to the individual — and why his focus has shifted toward something much deeper: making people happier through how they move.

In this conversation, they explore:

• Scott’s evolution from trainer to rehab specialist and coach
• How modern life creates imbalances — and why workouts shouldn’t always be symmetrical
• The most common mobility struggles people face today
• Strategies for training with pain, injury, or limited time
• The mental side of fitness — and why joy and motivation matter more than perfection
• Why Scott is now offering online coaching to reach more people where they are

This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt like traditional training didn’t quite fit. Scott’s approach is practical, compassionate, and deeply human — rooted in the belief that movement should restore not just strength, but quality of life.

Connect with Scott Hills:

Instagram @scotty.is.my.coach 

Whatsapp +44 7736 277 131

If you have a question for the podcast or are interested in working with Matt, you can reach out at:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.wellnesseducationdubai.com
• Instagram: @wellness_education_dubai
• Facebook: @mattmarneyfitness
• LinkedIn: Matt Marney (Wellness Education Dubai)

Depression and anxiety are at an all-time high. At the same time, we’re more sedentary than ever — even though we know movement helps. So why aren’t we moving?

In this episode, Matt is joined by Dr Brendon Stubbs, one of the world’s foremost researchers in the field of physical activity and mental health. Together, they unpack the growing mental health crisis and explore why movement — even in small doses — may be one of the most underused tools we have.

In this conversation, they explore:

• The paradox of modern mental health and rising inactivity
• Why physical activity protects against future anxiety and depression
• The myth of needing an hour in the gym — and how 15 minutes can be enough
• The link between lifestyle, chronic illness, and poor mental health
• Groundbreaking research on children: how just one extra hour of light activity per day can reduce rates of anxiety and depression by 10%
• How to apply these insights to adults — especially in the workplace

Whether you’re a leader, a parent, or just someone looking to feel better, this episode offers practical, science-backed ways to move your body and shift your mind — without punishment or pressure.

Learn more about Dr Brendon Stubbs:

Instagram @drbrendonstubbs

Linkedin Dr Brendon Stubbs 

Online course https://drbrendonstubbs.thinkific.com/

If you have a question for the podcast or are interested in working with Matt, you can reach out at:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.wellnesseducationdubai.com
• Instagram: @wellness_education_dubai
• Facebook: @mattmarneyfitness
• LinkedIn: Matt Marney (Wellness Education Dubai)

In a world that’s constantly “on,” finding peace can feel out of reach. In this episode, Matt speaks with sound therapist Caira Lavelle Clack, whose journey from occupational therapy to sound healing is rooted in compassion, curiosity, and a deep commitment to wellbeing.

With over 16 years as an OT — working with elderly patients, children, and those with disabilities — Caira brings a unique depth to her sound therapy practice. Her first encounter with a gong bath changed everything. One session a month turned into a life path, and eventually, a full-time mission to help others through sound.

In this conversation, they explore:

• How Caira transitioned from occupational therapy to full-time sound healing
• What actually happens in the brain and body during a sound bath
• Why sound can trigger physical, emotional, and even spiritual transformation
• How sound affects us on a cellular level — and what that means for healing
• The different sound therapy modalities, including Caira’s powerful one-to-one sessions

Whether you're a wellness professional, a stressed-out leader, or someone simply curious about alternative approaches to health, this episode offers a grounded look at how sound can calm the nervous system and open new doors to personal transformation.

Connect with Caira Lavelle Clack:
Instagram: caira_soundtherapy

If you have a question for the podcast or are interested in working with Matt, you can reach out at:
 • Email: [email protected]
 • Website: www.wellnesseducationdubai.com
• Instagram: @wellness_education_dubai
• Facebook: @mattmarneyfitness
• LinkedIn: Matt Marney (Wellness Education Dubai)