Matt Marney Podcast

In this episode, Matt speaks with Ryan Hopkins, one of the most influential voices in workplace well-being today. Ryan is the Chief Impact Officer at JAAQ, an award-winning digital mental health platform, and the author of the bestselling book 52 Weeks of Well-Being.

Together, they unpack the evolution of workplace well-being, the difference between wellness and well-being, and the cost to organizations that continue to ignore their people.

In this conversation, they explore:

• The changing landscape of workplace well-being, and what’s still being missed
• The true cost of poor well-being in the workplace: productivity, culture, and bottom line
• How to quantify and measure well-being impact within an organization
• Why “wellness perks” aren’t the same as a well-being strategy
• Practical strategies for individuals, especially if your boss isn’t willing to change
• Actionable insights from Ryan’s book 52 Weeks of Well-Being

Whether you’re a leader trying to support your people, or someone stuck in a culture that won’t shift, this episode offers tools, insight, and a sense of hope that change, even small, is always possible.

Want to contact Ryan. Details below

Linkedin – Ryan Hopkins

Instagram @theryanhopkins1

www.theryanhopkins.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)

It’s November — a time when many men grow moustaches to raise awareness for men’s mental health and suicide prevention but beyond the facial hair, there’s a much deeper conversation to be had.

In this powerful and necessary episode, Matt speaks with Dubai-based clinical psychologist and coach Dr David Lee, founder of The Better Man Initiative. Together, they explore the stark reality that three out of four suicides are men — and ask the difficult question: what’s going wrong?

In this conversation, they explore:

• The shocking statistics around male suicide — and what they’re telling us
• The role of modern society and how it's failing young men
• The influence of the manosphere, toxic masculinity, and online narratives
• Why men are still not talking — and what prevents them from doing so
• The importance of community, safe spaces, and strong male role models
• The surprising power of nostalgia, banter, and shared experience
• Why more men are needed in education and mental health fields
• Low-hanging fruit for better mental wellbeing — from movement to connection

If you’re a man who’s struggling — or someone who loves and supports one — this episode is for you. It’s a reminder that you’re not alone, and that real help doesn’t always start with therapy — it starts with conversation, connection, and compassion.

Connect with Dr David Lee:

IG: @davidleepsychology

Facebook: @DrDavid Lee Facebook Group. The Better Man Initiative

LinkedIn: Dr. David A. Lee

https://openmindscenter.com/team/dr-david-lee

https://silverbellglobal.com/about

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 episode, Matt is joined by Dan Rees, a seasoned leader in fitness education with over 25 years’ experience. Having led multiple major training providers and awarding bodies in the UK, Dan brings a rare depth of insight into what’s really going on in the world of fitness qualifications and education.

Together, they unpack one of the most important — and misunderstood — topics in the industry today: the difference between being certified and being qualified.

In this conversation, they explore:

• Are standards in fitness education improving — or declining?
• Why the marketplace is becoming a race to the bottom
• The pros and pitfalls of online course delivery
• Why the average career span of a UK fitness professional is just 12 months
• What can be done to support longevity and real-world competence in trainers
• Why the NHS is calling out for preventative support — and how the fitness industry could (or should) bridge that gap
• The systemic barriers to making that connection work

If you're a coach, educator, or someone working within the fitness or healthcare space, this episode offers a candid, behind-the-scenes look at where the industry is heading — and what needs to change to make it sustainable.

Want to contact Dan. Details below:

Email – [email protected]

Linkedin Dan Rees

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 episode, Matt speaks with Antony White — lead coach and founder of Level Up DXB, a Dubai-based strength training community designed to empower women through education, lifting, and community support.

Ant has created a space where women learn the foundations of strength — from proper form to big compound lifts — while building confidence, agency, and a sense of belonging. This episode is a deep dive into why strength training isn’t just about fitness — it’s about autonomy, longevity, and mental resilience.

In this conversation, they explore:

• Why lifting heavy is one of the best things women can do for long-term health
• The metabolic and hormonal benefits of resistance training
• Bone density, aging, and how strength work protects the body
• Misconceptions women still hold about “bulking up”
• How language matters — and how to talk about strength without intimidation
• The power of community — and why group environments can supercharge motivation and retention
• Why feeling strong changes how women see themselves in and out of the gym

This episode is for anyone — coach or client — who wants to better understand the real value of strength training, especially for women. Because strength isn’t just physical. It’s personal, emotional, and deeply human.

Want to connect with Anthony. Details below 

Instagram 

@antwhitecoach

@levelupdxb.women

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 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)