Real World Wellness

In this episode of Real World Wellness, I’m joined by the insightful Emma Leonard of Soulspeak Astrology for a grounded, relatable dive into the world of astrology. Together, we explore what astrology actually is—beyond the memes and mystique—and how to bring this ancient practice down from the ether into everyday rituals, reflections, and moments of meaningful connection.

Emma breaks down the fundamentals of birth charts and why they matter, offering an accessible look at the twelve signs, the significance of mutable, fixed, and cardinal qualities, and the elemental influences of water, fire, earth, and air. We explore how these themes show up in real life and how anyone can use them for deeper self-understanding.

We close with a fascinating astrological forecast for 2026, highlighting the energetic shifts on the horizon and what they might mean collectively and personally.

If you’re curious about astrology, want to understand your chart, or simply love learning new ways to connect with yourself, this conversation is full of insight, clarity, and grounded wisdom.

Connect with Emma here

Alex's website

Alex on Instagram

Guys …I LOVED this chat!! This week I sit down with the fun loving Elise from Nourish and Wild to talk about true nourishment - the kind that goes far beyond what’s on your plate.

If you’re juggling a hundred tabs - in particular if you’re a solopreneur hustling so hard your coffee is basically a personality trait… this conversation will feel like someone finally turned the lights back on inside you.

We dive into:

✨ What nourishment really means when life is full

✨ How to weave tiny rituals of movement + nervous system support into your actual day (not your imaginary “when things calm down” day)

✨ Why regulation isn’t about being perfectly calm or “zen” -  sometimes it looks like dancing it out, shaking it off, or taking 30 seconds to breathe like you mean it

✨ Simple shifts that help you feel more balanced, energised, and whole  

For more from the amazing Elise:

Check out her website here

Instagram Here

Alex's Website

Alex on Instagram

In this week’s episode I sit down with the brilliant Hayley Guinness for a heart-opening chat on burnout, nervous system regulation, and the art of honouring your needs through compassionate boundaries.

Think of this episode as a permission slip to stop powering through, to soften, and to remember you’re allowed to have needs too, my love.

Tune in if you’ve ever thought:“Why am I so tired?”  “Why can’t I just cope like I used to?” or “How do I honour myself without feeling guilty?”

For more from Hayley, check out her website or Instagram. 

Alex on Instagram

Discover how childhood core beliefs, attachment styles, and nervous system responses shape your coping patterns - and how to rewire them for lasting wellness.

In this episode of Real World Wellness, we explore how the core beliefs we form in childhood shape the way we see the world, relate to others, and care for ourselves as adults.

You’ll learn how, when we are young, our brains are in a theta state - soaking up the words, behaviours, and energies around us. These early imprints become powerful core beliefs that influence our attachment styles, coping mechanisms, and even the way our nervous system responds to stress.

But here’s the good news: we’re not stuck with them. In this episode I share how we can begin to rewire these beliefs and reclaim our power using both mindset tools and somatic practices so change happens not just in the mind, but in the body too.

If you’re ready to release old patterns and create new pathways for wellness, join the free masterclass happening on Wednesday 22nd October with replay available:

Sign up here

Take the Archetypes Quiz

Connect with Alex on Instagram

In this episode, I introduce you to five common Wellness Archetypes - the inner characters that often take centre stage in your health and healing journey. They can bring strengths and wisdom, but if left unchecked they have a habit of hijacking the mic and leading you into stress, burnout, or disconnection.

From the Overfunctioner who never stops, to the Nurturer who forgets her own needs, the Analyzer who seeks safety in understanding, the Achiever who ties worth to output, and the Dissociator who numbs out to cope, I walk you through each archetype with compassion and authenticity.

You’ll learn to recognise yourself (and maybe your loved ones) in these patterns, discover both their gifts and challenges, and take away one small, gentle shift to begin supporting each part.

This is just a taste - we’ll be diving deeper in the free masterclass where I will guide you through safe and embodied practices to lovingly work with your inner cast! Take the free quiz and sign up at www.alexballagh.com/wellnessevents

Connect with me on Instagram here

We all have “parts”.

Those inner voices, archetypes, little characters that shape how we move through life and wellness.

In this episode, I introduce you to the world of Parts Work: what it is, why it matters, and how these voices can both sabotage and support your wellbeing.

You’ll learn how to start recognising which part is speaking, why every part is ultimately trying to protect you, and how to bring compassion and curiosity to the mix. Think of it as gathering your inner orchestra and inviting harmony.

And stay tuned as next week we’ll dive into the Wellness Archetypes so you can begin to spot your own.

I also have a special invitation in this poddy episode to join me soon for a special event. Listen now on Apple/Spotify! 

Take the free Wellness Archetypes Quiz

Sign up for the Free Masterclass

#WellnessPodcast #PartsWork #InnerWork #IFS #SelfCompassion #MindBodySoul #HolisticWellness #InnerHealing #WellnessJourney #NervousSystemSupport #MindBodyConnection #WellnessArchetypes #WholenessNotPerfection #IntegrationNotPerfection #WellnessCoach

I am so thrilled to welcome back two incredible guests Jessica Cross and Julie Afsahi of Sound for Stress. Some of you will remember that Sarah and I first connected with these ladies when their gorgeous book came out, and we had the absolute joy of interviewing them right here on the podcast about this time last year. That conversation was such a hit with so many of you resonating with their words, their wisdom, and their warmth. So naturally, I couldn’t resist reaching out again to see if they might be up for a part two… and lucky for me, they said yes!Jessica and Julie have a gift for weaving the science, the spirit, and the very real, everyday benefits of sound into something that feels both expansive and practical. They break down the research in a way that makes sense, they honour the energetics of the practice, and they give us tools we can actually integrate into our day-to-day lives. From quick, do-it-yourself sound practices to deeper meditative experiences, their work makes sound healing accessible and relatable for everyone whether you’re brand new to it or already curious to go deeper.So friends, settle in because this conversation is going to leave you inspired, soothed, and with some simple practices you can bring into your own rhythm straight away.

Learn more about the Sound Healing Online Certification 

Order Seasons of Sound Book

Connect with Jess

Connect with Julie

Work with Alex

#RealWorldWellness #RealWorldWellnessPodcast #SoundforStress #SoundHealing #EverydayWellness #WellnessCoach #WellnessPodcast #BestPodcasts 

In this episode, I sit down with the radiant Rebecca Lynn of Everyday Santé to explore what real, sustainable wellness and reaching our ideal body shape and composition looks like for women in the thick of busy lives. 

We chat about her origin story and why she created Everyday Santé, the power of focusing on progress over perfection, and how to measure your growth by looking back at how far you’ve come.

Bex shares practical, doable strategies for nutrition, movement, and lifestyle that don’t feel like another “should,” as well as ways to build confidence in your body without chasing an unrealistic ideal. We also bust a few common wellness myths, talk mindset shifts that make habits stick, and wrap up with one simple, empowering step you can take this week to feel more grounded and well.

The Gap and The Gain Book

⁠Bex on Instagram⁠

⁠Bex’s Website⁠

⁠Alex on Instagram⁠

⁠Alex’s Website⁠

Please let us know what you think of this episode via a comment or a review! 

#realworldwellness #realworldwellnesspodcast #womenshealth #womenswellness #sustainablefatloss #wholefoodnutrition #wellnessmindset #everydaysante #alexballaghwellnesscoaching

In this episode, I sit down with the radiant Rebecca Lynn of Everyday Santé to explore what real, sustainable wellness and reaching our ideal body shape and composition looks like for women in the thick of busy lives. 

We chat about her origin story and why she created Everyday Santé, the power of focusing on progress over perfection, and how to measure your growth by looking back at how far you’ve come.

Bex shares practical, doable strategies for nutrition, movement, and lifestyle that don’t feel like another “should,” as well as ways to build confidence in your body without chasing an unrealistic ideal. We also bust a few common wellness myths, talk mindset shifts that make habits stick, and wrap up with one simple, empowering step you can take this week to feel more grounded and well.

The Gap and The Gain Book

Bex on Instagram

Bex’s Website

Alex on Instagram

Alex’s Website

Please let us know what you think of this episode via a comment or a review! 

#realworldwellness #realworldwellnesspodcast #womenshealth #womenswellness #sustainablefatloss #wholefoodnutrition #wellnessmindset #everydaysante #alexballaghwellnesscoaching 

In this week's episode I get to chat to the impressive Jordanna Alba - Qualified and Registered Naturopath and Medical Herbalist and Retreat Manager at Manawa Retreat in Christchurch, NZ. Within this conversation, we take a real world approach to hormones; discussing everything from what they actually are, their role, signs they may be out of balance, and helpful nutritional and lifestyle tools that can support our hormones to thrive and help us feel great. This episode is down to earth, insightful, and packed with accessible and achievable tips and tricks to elevate our health right now.

To connect and learn more from Jordanna, check out the following links:

Website

Instagram

Work with Alex