Virgin Active Minds

We set out to answer the question, "Will buying things make me happier?" expecting that the answer would, of course, be, “No”. But, to our surprise, this conversation with Bec Mitchell enlightened us to a less black-and-white way to consider materialism. Join us as we delve into the complex realm of materialism and its impact on our happiness. Bec, an international keynote speaker, shares her insights on evidence-based wellbeing and the pursuit of true fulfilment. Discover the primal need for human connection that drives our desire for material possessions and status. We explore the concept of the arrival fallacy and how it challenges our expectations of lasting happiness. Gain a fresh perspective on finding joy in everyday experiences and uncover the transformative power of mindfulness. Tune in and embrace a new perspective on living a meaningful life.

Our favourite quotable moments:

“In order to gain connection, one of the ways we do that is to try and portray this sense of status and success.” - Bec Mitchell

"We're not great at giving ourselves compassion as human beings for some of these qualities that we might consider a bit grotesque." - Bec Mitchell

"If you're aware of the fact that gaining these goals is not going to achieve that lasting happiness, you can enjoy the journey a little bit more." - Bec Mitchell

"The research shows we can change the way that we view the world and what we value." - Bec Mitchell

"Comparing yourself only to yourself is generally the most helpful strategy." - Bec Mitchell

Resources:

Bec Mitchell Website

Email: [email protected]

Linkedin Bec Mitchell

About Bec:

Bec Mitchell is an Organisational Wellbeing Specialist. Spending the first 7 years of her career as a Physiotherapist in Melbourne and Sydney's top Sports Medicine clinics she learnt the importance of science-backed health for performance. Her passion for spreading evidence based wellbeing strategies for happiness and productivity has seen her complete additional certifications in Meditation, Pilates and Nutrition. She is also currently completing her Masters of Applied Positive Psychology at Melbourne Uni. For the last 6 years she has taken her knowledge and molded it into fun wellbeing programs and seminars for Australia's top corporate executives including CBA, The Australian Army, Westpac and EY.

Have you ever done an extra 20 minutes on the treadmill so you can “cheat” later with an extra cocktail or extra fries on the side? It’s something many of us do and yet, is it a healthy mindset to have? Join our conversation with Lyndi Cohen, renowned dietician and nutritionist as she delves into the controversial topic of cheat meals and cheat days. Lyndi and host Mark Seeto explore the culture surrounding cheat meals, discussing whether they truly motivate or hinder progress towards health goals. Discover why cheat meals can contribute to a dangerous relationship with food and potentially lead to disordered eating. Lyndi sheds light on the psychological implications of associating certain foods as rewards or punishments, challenging the notion of good versus bad foods. Tune in to gain insights on forming a healthier perspective on nutrition and self-care.

Our favourite quotable moments:

"If your day-to-day diet is so restrictive and hard to stick to that you need to incentivize yourself with a cheat or a reward at the end, then it is not a smart thing for you to be doing." - Lyndi Cohen

"Eating perfectly clean macro portion controlled foods throughout the week and then deviating during cheat meals messes with our relationship with food." - Lyndi Cohen

"Cheat meals trigger a primal response in our bodies, leading to overeating and binging." - Lyndi Cohen 

"Cheat meals can result in feelings of shame and self-loathing, leading to extreme under-eating and a clean eating mindset." - Lyndi Cohen

"Exercise is sometimes used as a way to punish ourselves for what we ate." - Lyndi Cohen

Resources:

Lyndi’s Website

Instagram - Nude Nutritionist

About Lyndi:

Lyndi Cohen is one of Australia’s most well-known and trusted health experts. Lyndi is a dietitian, best-selling author, podcaster and resident nutritionist on Channel 9’s TODAY show. She never uses photoshop and uses her channels to advocate for real health without the wellness wankery. Lyndi has also developed her Back to Basics App which helps people be healthy without dieting and also provides support and coaching for people suffering from binge eating disorder through her Keep It Real program. Her 2nd book, Your Weight Is Not The Problem came out this year in January 2023.

Did you know that outdoor training can help improve your balance, coordination, and overall physical performance? In this episode of Virgin Active Minds, Dr Zondi joins Mark Seeto to discuss the benefits of outdoor training and how to take advantage of the great outdoors. From better mental health outcomes, increased vitamin D from sunlight, and improved fitness and flexibility, training outdoors is a great addition to your weekly routine. Dr Zondi also notes that outdoor activities are often free, making them a great option for those on a budget. Tune in to learn more about the advantages of training outdoors and how you can incorporate it into your fitness routine.

Our favourite quotable moments:

"Any form of exercise, of course, indoors or outdoors, has got fantastic health benefits. So whichever way you're doing it, just keep moving." - Dr Zondi

"Something like as little as five minutes of walking in green space has been shown to have enough benefits to reduce stress and increase motivation." - Dr Zondi

"If you're somebody who's looking, for instance, to lose weight, just training outside and having to face certain wind resistance can lift your calorie burn by something up, like up to 10%." - Dr Zondi

"Exercising outdoors is a great way to experience nature's natural remedy and get some fresh air, sunshine, and birds." - Dr Zondi

Resources:

Dr Zondi on LinkedIn

About Dr Zondi:

Dr Zondi is a Physician and Business Executive with diversified healthcare and leadership experience. Her mission is to see Africa and her people thrive, applying her expertise and experience in clinical strategy, strategy implementation, change management and project execution. She is a dynamic and inspirational orator who has addressed local and international audiences on topics related to clinical medicine, change management, transformation and diversity and leadership. Dr Zondi has a sound track record working meritoriously in fast-paced, competitive, and highly pressured environments, and has established a reputation for developing and maintaining excellent business rapport and credibility with key stakeholders.

If you want to improve your overall health and wellbeing, this episode of Virgin Active Minds with Dr Tim Spector is a must-listen. Learn from the leading genetic epidemiology professor at King's College London about why gut health is so important and how you can cultivate a healthy gut microbiome for optimal physical, mental, and immune health. In this conversation, you'll learn how the gut microbiome is actually a community of hundreds of trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, that all work together like a jungle or a garden. You'll also discover how gut microbes produce chemicals that regulate the immune system, metabolism, and brain. Dr Spector emphasizes the importance of having a healthy gut microbiome with diverse species for optimal physical, mental, and immune health. You'll walk away from this conversation with actionable tips and practices you can implement today for a healthier gut - and mind!

Our favourite quotable moments:

"We know that we've evolved with gut microbes for millions of years for a reason, and that is they are absolutely essential for our health." - Dr Tim Spector

"The community of gut microbes, which we call the microbiome, is really this collection of hundreds of trillions of microorganisms, which are bacteria. viruses, fungi, parasites, that all work together in a little community; a bit like a jungle or a garden." - Dr Tim Spector

"The more healthy our gut microbes are, the healthier our body is." - Dr Tim Spector

"The healthiest guts are those that have the most diverse species." - Dr Tim Spector

"Diet still trumps exercise and fitness in terms of getting your gut health right. It's the number one factor." - Dr Tim Spector

"Bloating, constipation, they're not just problems of single foods; it's a whole problem of you're not feeding your gut microbes properly. Most people haven't yet made that link and are still just trying to cut out foods and treat it like it's an allergy and not look at a holistic picture of their health." - Dr Tim Spector

"To try and get more variety in your diet, you have to not be in a food desert." - Dr Tim Spector

Resources:

Instagram - @tim.spector

Twitter - @timspector

Food for Life Book

Join Zoe

About Dr Tim Spector:

Tim Spector is a professor of genetic epidemiology at King’s College London and honorary consultant physician at Guy’s and St Thomas’ hospitals. He is a multi-award-winning expert in personalised medicine and the gut microbiome, and the author of five books, including the bestsellers Spoon-Fed and The Diet Myth and his most recent, Food for Life. He appears regularly on TV, radio and podcasts around the world, and is one of the top 100 most cited scientists in the world. He is co-founder of the personalised nutrition company ZOE and leads the world’s biggest citizen science health project, the ZOE Health study. He was awarded an OBE in 2020 for his work fighting Covid-19.

Overcoming the fear and intimidation of attending your first exercise class is a real challenge. In this insightful episode, Mark Seeto speaks with Virgin Active Singapore's head of Pilates, Renee Rommeswinkel, about the anxiety many people feel when going to a group exercise class for the first time, especially alone. They discuss the reasons behind this fear, including the fear of the unknown, comparing oneself to others, and feeling like you don't belong. They also highlight the benefits of group exercise, such as the joy and transformation it can bring, and share personal experiences of overcoming their fears. Tune in to experience a confidence boost and excitement to try group exercise classes for a fulfilling and enjoyable workout experience.

Our favourite quotable moments:

"The fear and intimidation factor before attending your very first exercise class is so real." - Mark Seeto

"That fear and anxiety about doing a class, going to a class for the first time, going alone...we've all been there." - Renee Rommeswinkel

"[Group exercise] is a beautiful way to exercise...it's a shame if people are missing out simply because of fear of the unknown." - Renee Rommeswinkel

"Some reasons why people can be intimidated include: comparing themselves to others, feeling like they're not good enough, lack of belonging, and uncertainty about enjoyment." - Renee Rommeswinkel

"Once you've done something and found a passion for a type of exercise that you love, it's amazing." - Renee Rommeswinkel

Resources:

Renee’s Instagram

About Renee:

Renee is a fitness professional breaking the glass ceiling of traditional Pilates and bringing her passion for the practice straight to the studio. She is passionate about creating an inclusive and dynamic exercise experience for her students. As the Head of Pilates at Virgin Active Singapore, Renee is intent on curating a practice accessible to all and one that fellow Pilates instructors will adopt in their classes, as well. In her spare time, Renee stays competitive on the Ju Jitsu mat.

Discover the truth about irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), why it’s crucial to understand its symptoms, and how to use natural management techniques to improve your overall health. In this fascinating episode, Mark Seeto delves deep into IBS with functional diagnostic nutrition practitioner Aline McCarthy. Discover why IBS is often misunderstood and how to manage its symptoms more naturally. In addition, you’ll learn how stress reduction techniques, probiotics, and prebiotics can help reduce symptoms. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking insight into this commonly treated condition and looking for natural ways to alleviate its symptoms and live healthier lives.

Our favourite quotable moments:

"Irritable bowel syndrome is basically a garbage diagnosis." - Aline McCarthy

"[IBS] is a term that conventional medicine gives you, but there isn't really a lot of help in terms of getting relief for it." - Aline McCarthy

"Chronic stress is certainly always a factor with any kind of gut issue." - Aline McCarthy

"We have to look at the food that people are eating. Are they eating for their individual body type and individual needs?” - Aline McCarthy

Resources:

The Wellness Witches WebsiteInstagram - Aline McCarthy

About Aline:

Aline is a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner, Functional Health and Nutrition Coach helping you beat the bloat, have better poop, and break free from endless food sensitivities, so you can finally stop worrying what to eat and fit into your favourite jeans without pain and discomfort.

Are you a runner who struggles with aching or throbbing shins during or after a run? With up to one in every five runners experiencing shin splints at some point, it's more common than you think! Join Mark Seeto as he dives into the topic of shin splints with sports medicine specialist and expert advisor to Virgin Active South Africa, Dr Phathokuhle Zondi, in this important conversation. First, Dr Zondi breaks down what shin splints are, their symptoms, and common causes, from overuse to intrinsic factors such as flatfoot and previous injuries. Then, Mark and Dr Zondi discuss the best way to manage the damage and reduce the risk of it reoccurring. So whether you're an experienced runner or just starting, tune in to learn about this common but potentially debilitating issue and what you can do to avoid it.

Our favourite quotable moments:

“Shin splints are a common overuse injury of the lower extremity and it manifests as throbbing or aching of the shins during or after a run." - Dr Zondi (2:39)

"Rest seems to be often a hard one [for most people]...especially when the goal is so important." - Dr Zondi (3:13)

“Try and get to the root cause of what's driving the symptoms." - Dr Zondi (5:18)

"The way you run, the way your foot strikes the ground - all of that can impact whether you develop shin splints or not." - Dr Zondi (6:43)

"Make sure that you're listening to your body...if it hurts, stop." - Dr Zondi (7:38)

"So often when people are in pain, they try and push through it. That's not a good idea." - Dr Zondi (7:43)

"[Make] sure that you're taking the time to allow your body to heal...that's really important." - Dr Zondi (7:47)

Resources:

Dr Zondi on LinkedIn

About Dr Zondi:

Dr Zondi is a Physican and Business Executive with diversified healthcare and leadership experience. Her mission is to see Africa and her people thrive, applying her expertise and experience in clinical strategy, strategy implementation, change management and project execution. She is a dynamic and inspirational orator who has addressed local and international audiences on topics related to clinical medicine, change management, transformation and diversity and leadership. Dr Zondi has a sound track record working meritoriously in fast-paced, competitive, and highly pressured environments, and has established a reputation for developing and maintaining excellent business rapport and credibility with key stakeholders.

Are you looking for a fun way to exercise…that doesn’t even feel like exercise?! In this inspiring episode, host Mark Seeto talks to Jade Rapley, Virgin Active Australia's head of cycling, about the rising trend of rhythm cycling. But what is rhythm cycling, and why is it so popular? Listen now to learn why it's more than just a cycling class. As in, it's a dance party, therapy, and joyous movement all rolled into one. Unlike other forms of cycling, rhythm cycling focuses on riding to the beat of the music rather than tracking numbers or calories burned. You’ll walk away understanding why it's not just about the workout - it's about the experience. So if you're ready to try a new and addictive way to get moving, tune in to this episode to learn more about rhythm cycling.

A heads up! This episode contains explicit language.

Our favourite quotable moments:

"It's a dance party. It's therapy." - Jade Rapley

"You are riding to the beat of the music. There's no numbers, there's no calorie count, there's none of that." - Jade Rapley.

"The main reason people are actually becoming addicted to rhythm cycle is because they just want to feel joyous in movement." - Jade Rapley

"It is an experience. It's the music; it's a rhythm that takes you on this journey." - Jade Rapley

Resources:

About Virgin Active Cycle

About Jade:

Jade Rapley has dedicated over a decade of her career to the fitness industry, working exclusively with Virgin Active. Her unwavering devotion and strong passion for Rhythm cycle have led her to her current position as the National Cycle Head Coach of Australia. Prior to her foray into the fitness world, Jade was a professional dancer, having performed in various shows across the globe, including the renowned Moulin Rouge. Her love for music, connection, and joyful movement led her to seamlessly integrate these elements into her coaching of all things Rhythm cycle at VA, where she finds true happiness in living and breathing her passion.

Are you tired of feeling defeated by rejection? In this episode of the Virgin Active Minds podcast, host Mark Seeto delves deep into the topic of rejection with Tracy Dawson, a multi-talented actress, writer, comedian, and author. Join the conversation as they explore the reasons behind rejection's negative reputation, the impact it can have on different areas of life, and the coping strategies that can help with overcoming rejection. Dawson also shares insights from her book, "Let Me Be Frank," which chronicles her own experiences in the entertainment industry and offers valuable advice for anyone - especially women - facing rejection in their own lives, including top tips for handling rejection. Discover how reframing rejection as a catalyst for growth and personal development can help you thrive in the face of adversity and achieve greater personal development.

A heads up! This episode contains explicit language.

Our favourite quotable moments:

“So much is out of our control. So much has nothing to do with us.” - Tracy Dawson

“If you took everything personally - every rejection or every failure - it'd be hard to get outta bed in the morning.” - Tracy Dawson

“[Rejection is] something that we all go through. We all experience it in some way, shape or form.” - Tracy Dawson

“I just wanna write jokes. I'm really good at writing jokes and you're telling me I can't because there's already two women you've hired out of seven.” - Tracy Dawson

Resources:

Tracy Dawson’s Website

Twitter @DawsonTracy

About Tracy:

Tracy Dawson is the author of Let Me Be Frank: A Book About Women Who Dressed Like Men to Do Shit They Weren’t Supposed to Do which came out in 2022 from HarperCollins. Tracy is an award-winning actress and a TV writer who began her career at The Second City in Toronto. She was a writer and lead actor on the Canadian sitcom, Call Me Fitz and went on to win the Gemini Award and the Canadian Screen Award for Best Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for her work opposite Jason Priestley on that show. Tracy was born in Ottawa, Canada, and is currently based in Los Angeles where she lives with her life partner Isaac, who is a dog.

Feeling stressed out and tired? In this episode of Virgin Active Minds, Mark Seeto welcomes sleep expert Olivia Arezzolo to discuss the impact of stress on sleep. Olivia shares her insights and experiences as a sleep expert and explains how stress affects our biochemistry and nervous system, causing restlessness and difficulty sleeping. The conversation covers the various types of stress and how they contribute to poor sleep, including psychological stress, blue light exposure, and cortisol spikes from checking your phone in the morning. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding the sources of stress and how they impact our sleep and overall health.

Our favourite quotable moments:

"People are waking up mentally foggy, exhausted and relying on three cups of coffee." (2:45)

“Drinking too much alcohol stresses the body. Having too much caffeine stresses the body. Lack of sleep also stresses the body." (9:29)

"The most effective exercise for sleep, overall, which outweighs aerobic exercise, which outweighs anaerobic... is actually yoga because it connects mind and body. It helps calm down the central nervous system so you are less stressed overall." (12:44)

Resources:

Chronotype Quiz

About Olivia:

Olivia Arezzolo is Australia’s leading Sleep Expert, Speaker and Author. After 9 years of study, Olivia’s qualifications include a Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology), Certificate of Sleep Psychology, Diploma of Health Science (Nutritional Medicine), and a Certificate 3+4 in Fitness.

To date, Olivia has been featured on Forbes, The Today Show and The Morning Show; partnered with global brands including Sealy Posturepedic and Ikea, has her own column in the leading health publication in Australia - Body and Soul - and has recently released her book, Bear, Lion or Wolf, now published in 11 countries.