Nualtra: Dietitian Cafe #RD2B

Today, we’re kicking off Season 5 with a subject that’s often overlooked in dietetic training but affects 1 in 8 women – polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). 

Together we’ll unpack what PCOS actually is, explore the lived experience many women struggle with, and look at where diet and lifestyle fit in based on the latest evidence. By the end of this episode you’ll have practical ways to start building your knowledge right away, know where to find credible resources, and get fresh ideas on how women’s health could become a future career pathway in dietetics. 

To deep dive into this often misunderstood topic, I’m thrilled to be joined by Jodie Relf. Jodie is a Registered Dietitian with close to a decade of experience working in women’s health, and a specialist focus on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). As the creator of the PCOS ReBalance Protocol™, Jodie has supported hundreds of women worldwide to reduce their symptoms, restore confidence, and improve long-term health through an evidence-based, food-first approach. Having navigated her own PCOS journey, she brings empathy, clarity, and empowerment to her practice. Jodie also speaks regularly on PCOS awareness, the gaps in healthcare, and the vital role dietitians can play in women’s health. 

Show notes: 

Instagram: @jodie_relf 

Website: https://www.thepcosdietitian.co.uk/ 

Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s often misunderstood—critical thinking. While many student dietitians associate it with academic writing or exam preparation, critical thinking goes far beyond the classroom. It’s a core skill that underpins every decision we make as future healthcare professionals—from delivering evidence-based advice to navigating complex patient scenarios with clarity and confidence.

Joining me today is the brilliant Aisling Pigott, a Registered Dietitian based in Cardiff, Wales, who brings a wealth of clinical and academic experience to the conversation. Aisling recently delivered the 2024 Elsie Widdowson Memorial Lecture titled “Fuelling the Future of Dietetics”, where she advocated for nourishing our profession -intellectually, emotionally, and practically. Known for championing reflection, leadership, and growth, Aisling is the perfect guest to help us unpack what critical thinking really looks like in dietetic practice and how we, as students, can start mastering it now.

Show notes: 

Instagram: @dietitianwales

X: @dietitianwales

Website - https://dietitianwales.co.uk/

Critical Appraisal Skills guide - https://casp-uk.net/

Aisling’s research highlights include delivering a TEDxNHS talk on the dangers of diet culture in diabetes care, chairing national screening guideline groups, and being awarded multiple research grants and scholarships. Passionate about integrating research into practice, Aisling is committed to advancing dietetic care for young people, even after stepping away from her clinical role.

Before we dive into today’s episode, some exciting news from our podcast family: The Dietitian Café has been shortlisted for Nutrition Resource of the Year at the 2025 CN Awards! If any of our episodes have ever left you feeling more confident, connected or inspired, we’d be so grateful if you could show your support by casting a vote. You can find the link in our show notes. 

Now onto today’s topic—one that is both urgent and deeply meaningful. In this episode, we’re exploring the vital role that dietitians play in supporting people experiencing food insecurity. We’ll unpack how nutrition and social justice are closely connected, and how we, as future healthcare professionals, can adopt a food insecurity-informed approach in practice. We’ll also hear tips for identifying signs of food insecurity during placements and hear how students can gain real-world experience by volunteering or engaging with grassroots projects and organisations.

Joining me is the brilliant Isabel Rice. Isabel is a Registered Dietitian and Campaign Coordinator at Sustain: the alliance for better food and farming, where she leads the Food Poverty Campaign. She works closely with councils, food partnerships, and other local actors to influence policy and address the root causes of food insecurity, both at a national and local level. With a background in clinical and public health nutrition, research and working with marginalised communities, Isabel brings an inspiring and evidence-based perspective to today’s conversation. 

Show notes: 

LinkedIn: Isabel Rice 

London Food Poverty Campaign: https://www.sustainweb.org/foodpoverty/

Good Food Local: The London report: https://www.sustainweb.org/good-food-local/london/

Research paper on improving access to health and nutrition services for disabled children in Uganda: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mcn.13642

Research paper the role of the dietitian in food insecurity: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jhn.13407

Are you a qualified nutritionist considering a move into dietetics? Or maybe you’re currently studying for your undergraduate dietetics degree and wondering if a postgraduate route could be the right fit. In this episode, we’ll be talking about what it’s really like to transition into postgraduate study, the skills and experiences you gain, and how to navigate the highs and challenges along the way.

Joining me are three wonderful guests - Beth Bainbridge, Ellie Stobie, and Emily Charlton - all of whom are currently in their final year of the MSc Dietetics programme at Leeds Beckett University.

Beth is 27 and from Middlesbrough. She studied Sport and Exercise Science at Leeds Beckett for her undergraduate degree, and before joining the master’s course, she spent two years working as a Dietetic Assistant and Personal Trainer. Ellie is 23 and from Lincoln, having completed her undergraduate studies at University of Leeds, where she transitioned from Food Science to Nutrition in her second and third years. And Emily is 24, originally from a village outside of Hull, and previously studied Exercise Science at the University of Hull.

Before we go, a quick shoutout to our sister podcast, The Dietitian Café, which has just been shortlisted for Nutrition Resource of the Year at the CN Awards 2025!

If that podcast has helped you at any stage in your student journey, please consider showing your support by casting a vote. You can do so at nutrition2me.com/cn-awards/voting it only takes a moment and means a lot. The links also in the show notes.

To vote for the Dietitian Cafe, please visit here:

nutrition2me.com/cn-awards/voting

Today, we’re exploring one of the most pivotal - and sometimes daunting - parts of the student dietitian journey: clinical placements. Transitioning from lecture halls to busy hospital wards can be a big leap, and we know it’s something that can bring a mix of nerves and excitement. That’s why in this episode, we’re diving into practical, honest advice to help you make the most of this formative stage in your training.

Joining me today is the incredible Long Li. Long is not only an experienced clinical dietitian but also an award-winning educator who leads the MSc Dietetics program at Sheffield Hallam University. He’s a Clinical Lead for Dietetics in GIRFT Head and Neck Cancer workstream at NHS England and a BDA England board member, and he’s deeply passionate about supporting the next generation of dietitians through mentorship, teaching, and advocacy. With years of experience supervising students and guiding them through placements, he’s the perfect guest to help us understand how to truly thrive in clinical practice-based learning.

Social media: 

@LongLiPro (Instagram, X and LinkedIn)

Today, we’re diving into an incredibly important topic: embracing neurodiversity within dietetic practice. With neurodivergent conditions like ADHD and autism gaining increased recognition, it’s vital for dietitians to develop inclusive approaches to meet the needs of these patients effectively. In this episode, we’ll explore how neurodivergent conditions can shape dietary behaviours, discuss communication strategies, and consider how we can better support neurodiverse service users to create a more inclusive and effective healthcare environment.

Joining me is the incredible Dr Emma Derbyshire. Emma is the founder and CEO of Nutritional Insight, a scientific consultancy working across corporate, public, and private sectors to provide innovative, evidence-based nutritional expertise. With a PhD in Human Nutrition and a strong focus on maternal nutrition and gut health, she is also a Registered Public Health Nutritionist. Her work includes over 200 peer-reviewed publications and two major books: Nutrition in the Childbearing Years and Nutrition for ADHD and Dyslexia: Unlocking the Potential for Learning and Wellbeing. Emma’s diverse expertise and passion for translating science into actionable insights make her the perfect guest for this episode. 

Show notes: 

20% discount code for Emma's book "Nutrition for ADHD & Dyslexia" available from www.jkp.com

Discount code: %NUTRI20

Dr Emma Derbyshire’s Socials & Websites

Instagram - @dremmaderbyshire

Nutritional Insight - https://www.nutritional-insight.co.uk/ 

Dyslexia Insight - https://www.dyslexiainsight.com/

NUTRITIONAL INSIGHT provides:

CPD Courses tailored for neurodivergent individuals.

https://www.nutritional-insight.co.uk/cpdcourses

Nutrition and Neurodiversity Training

https://www.nutritional-insight.co.uk/general-clean

As the new semester begins, the demands of coursework, exams, and placements can feel overwhelming. That’s why today, we’re delving into the fascinating science of how nutrition impacts cognitive function. We’ll also uncover practical dietary strategies to help you stay sharp, focused, and resilient, even during the busiest times. 

Joining me for this episode is Dr. Emily Leeming, a microbiome scientist at King’s College London, registered dietitian, former chef, TEDx speaker, and author of Genius Gut: The Life-Changing Science of Eating for Your Second Brain. You may recognise her work from The Daily Mail, Women’s Health, and her appearances in Vogue, BBC Radio, The Guardian, and more. With her incredible expertise in how nutrition supports cognitive function, Dr. Emily is the perfect guest to guide us through how to optimise brain power through food - something every student dietitian can benefit from.

Socials and websites: 

Website: www.emilyleeming.com 

Instagram: @dremilyleeming 

Substack: Second Brain

As a student dietitian, you're equipped with the knowledge to advise on nutrition, but how do you truly connect with your patients? In this episode of The Dietitian Café RD2B podcast, we delve into the transformative power of Motivational Interviewing (MI) with Dr. Alistair Duff, a qualified clinical psychologist, Head of Paediatric Psychology Services at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, and Honorary Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Leeds. 

With extensive experience in using MI within healthcare settings, including chronic illness management, Dr. Duff brings a wealth of knowledge on how this evidence-based communication technique can improve patient outcomes and foster behaviour change. Join us as we uncover how MI empowers dietitians to navigate ambivalence, build trust, and guide patients towards their health goals with empathy and effectiveness. 

 Whether you're preparing for placements or looking to sharpen your communication skills, this episode offers practical insights and actionable advice to help you master one of the most impactful tools in dietetic practice. Don’t miss this chance to elevate your consultations and inspire meaningful change!

In today’s episode, we’re diving into an exciting area that many student dietitians may not have considered - nutrition writing. From blogs and magazine articles to academic journals and content strategy, we’ll be exploring how you can turn your passion for nutrition into impactful, written content that educates and inspires, while also building your professional brand. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, this episode will guide you through the essentials of becoming a standout voice in the field. 

I’m delighted to introduce our guest today, Emma Coates. Emma is a Registered Dietitian with a diverse career that spans both clinical practice and the world of nutrition writing. As the Editor of Network Health Digest Magazine, she curates evidence-based, engaging content for nutrition professionals, bridging the gap between clinical knowledge and accessible communication. In addition to her editorial work, Emma also serves as the Medical Affairs and Regulatory Manager at Nualtra, where she plays a key role in developing medical nutrition products. Her wide-ranging experience in both the clinical and industry sectors, combined with her passion for clear and compelling communication, makes her the perfect guest to help us uncover the world of nutrition writing. Today, she’ll be sharing her insights into how you can find your voice, build a professional portfolio, and make an impact in the field of dietetics through writing.

Emma’s Socials:

X: @coatesyRD

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-coates-rd-0b8602a6/?originalSubdomain=uk

As a student dietitian or nutrition student, you might have encountered comments or assumptions about your diet, appearance, or lifestyle simply because of your chosen degree. In this episode, we will explore the stereotypes and pressures faced by nutritionists and dietitians and delve into the unrealistic expectations and stigmatising perceptions when it comes to diet, appearance, and the concept of ‘professional perfection’.

Join us for a powerful and thought-provoking episode featuring Pixie Turner, a nutrition counsellor, psychotherapist and author specialising in intuitive eating, disordered eating and body image. As the founder and Clinical Lead of The Food Therapy Centre, Pixie brings a unique blend of nutritional expertise and psychotherapy to help clients reshape their relationship with food and foster self-compassion. Passionate about addressing the gaps in training for nutrition professionals, Pixie also offers invaluable mentorship opportunities through courses, supervision, and shadowing. Beyond her clinical work, Pixie is a highly regarded science communicator, active on social media, in academia, public speaking, and her podcast ‘In Bad Taste’. In this episode, we’ll dive into the stereotypes surrounding dietitians and nutritionists, and how to challenge the pressure to be 'perfect' in these roles. 

Pixies’s Socials & Websites

Instagram - @pixienutrition

X – pixienutrition

Website – https://foodtherapycentre.com/