HCA Talks Health

The key to long-term success on GLP-1 medications is less about the drug itself, and more about the habits built alongside it. Do you agree?
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In this episode of HCA Talks Health, Zena Le Roux sits down with Ana Reisdorf, registered dietitian and founder of GLP-1 Hub, to unpack what it really takes to stay healthy while using GLP-1 medications. Ana shares her own four-year journey, the nutrition risks nobody talks about, and why ongoing support from a Health Coach or Weight Loss Coach can make all the difference between short-term weight loss and sustainable, long-term health.
In this episode, you will discover:
- Why GLP-1 medications have become a turning point for people living with obesity
- The hidden risks of malnutrition, muscle loss and bone health decline
- How to manage common side effects like nausea and constipation through nutrition
- Why professional support is essential, not optional, when using these medications
- What really happens when people come off GLP-1s, and how to prepare for it
- Who should (and shouldn't) consider these medications
- Why letting go of diet culture is key to long-term success
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to Ana Reisdorf and the GLP-1 Hub
01:00 - Why GLP-1 medications matter for people struggling with obesity
03:00 - The risks of malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies
05:00 - Managing side effects: nausea, constipation and dosage considerations
09:00 - The importance of professional support when taking GLP-1 medications
11:00 - What happens when people come off GLP-1 medications
16:00 - Introducing the GLP-1 Hub and its mission
18:00 - Long-term safety research on GLP-1 medications
21:00 - The role of health coaches in supporting clients on GLP-1s
27:00 - Who should (and shouldn't) consider GLP-1 medications
32:00 - Letting go of diet culture and finding food freedom
36:00 - Final thoughts and key takeaways
This conversation is a powerful reminder that medication alone isn't the full picture. As a Health Coach or Weight Loss Coach, you have a vital role to play, helping clients on GLP-1 medications build the sustainable habits around nutrition, movement and mindset that will support them long after the prescription runs out. Whether you're already working with clients navigating this journey or considering how health coaching could open the door to this growing area of support, this episode offers plenty to reflect on and put into practice.
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What does it take to complete one of the toughest ultra marathons in the world, as a recreational runner, after setbacks that would have stopped most people in their tracks?
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In this episode, host Zena Le Roux sits down with Lindie Nortje, Student Relationship Manager and Mentor at Health Coaches Academy and a qualified Health Coach with her own private practice in South Africa. Lindie shares her journey to completing the Comrades Marathon, a gruelling 90km ultra marathon between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, despite recovering from a knee operation and a foot fracture during training.
In this episode, you will discover:
- How Lindie went from injury setbacks to the Comrades Marathon start line, and the story that made her believe it was possible
- What six months of training really looked like, from early morning runs to strength work, Pilates, and cycling
- How real food and blood sugar balancing principles fuelled her, instead of processed energy gels
- The mindset tools that carried her through the toughest moments on race day
- Why community and family support make such a difference to any big goal
- How health coaching skills like goal-setting and overcoming barriers can support your clients on their own journeys
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to Lindie and the Comrades Marathon
02:00 - What inspired Lindie to take on the challenge
04:00 - Overcoming a knee operation and a foot fracture before race day
06:00 - Lindie's mindset during the race and her run-walk strategy|
08:00 - What Lindie learned about herself and the power of community
14:00 - A typical day of training: structure, strength work, and recovery
17:00 - Fuelling with real food and blood sugar balancing principles
22:00 - Why nutrition choices matter for recovery, not just performance
27:00 - Mental preparation and taking it one day at a time
30:00 - The role of health coaching in setting goals and overcoming barriers
33:00 - What finishing the Comrades meant to Lindie
36:00 - Lindie's advice for anyone considering their own big challenge
Whether you're a Health Coach, an aspiring Health Coach, or simply someone who needs a reminder that big goals are built from small, consistent steps, this episode is full of honest insight into what it really takes to push through setbacks and achieve something meaningful. Lindie's story is a wonderful example of how the skills we teach at HCA, like goal-setting, accountability, and overcoming barriers, show up in every part of life, not just in client sessions.
This is where the role of a Health Coach really shines: by guiding clients to build small, sustainable habits one step at a time, a Health Coach helps turn even the biggest goals into something achievable, and helps people believe in what they're capable of. 
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Want the secret to a sharper brain, stronger bones, and a longer, healthier life…no matter your age or where you're starting from?
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In this episode of HCA Talks Health, Zena Le Roux sits down with Paul Ehren, a qualified Personal Trainer, British Champion Master's bodybuilder, and owner of a bespoke UK-based fitness company with over 20 years of experience. Paul bridges real-world coaching experience with the latest science on longevity and healthspan, sharing insights that are practical and easy to apply in your own health coaching practice.
In this episode, you will discover:
- How skeletal muscle and brain health are deeply connected and 
- How myokines like BDNF act as a "growth medium" for the brain
- Why the fear of getting "bulky" from strength training is a myth
- The powerful link between muscle mass, blood sugar control, and insulin sensitivity in healthy ageing
- Why preserving type two muscle fibres is essential for fall prevention, mobility, and independence in older adults
- Practical behaviour change strategies Health Coaches can use to help clients start resistance training 
- How to use "newbie gains" as a motivational coaching tool to build early client confidence and consistency
- Why cutting through fitness information overload starts with one simple coaching question: "how much can you commit to without burning out?"
- How community, connection, and a supportive training environment contribute to mental wellbeing as we age
Timestamps:
00:00 - Welcome to HCA Talks Health with guest Paul Ehren
01:00 - Paul's journey from judo to British Champion bodybuilder
10:00 - Is muscle only about aesthetics? Debunking the "bulky" myth
14:00 - The muscle-brain crosstalk and the power of myokines
23:00 - Muscle size vs muscle quality - what really matters
28:00 - The Centurion Decathlon: training for life, not just looks
36:00 - How muscle contraction supports blood sugar control
43:00 - Training for health span vs training for size
53:00 - Practical strategies: how to start resistance training safely
1:00:00 - Paul's own training and lifestyle today
1:12:00 - Paul's one key message on muscle and healthy ageing
Paul's story is a powerful reminder that it is never too late to begin and that small, consistent steps can lead to profound changes in how we move, think, and feel as we age. Whether you are a qualified Health Coach looking to deepen your understanding of healthy ageing, an aspiring Health Coach exploring the science behind behaviour change and lifestyle medicine, or someone on their own journey towards better health and longevity, this conversation gives you both the knowledge and the confidence to take meaningful action. 
Use these insights in your coaching practice, share them with your clients, or simply let them inspire your next step forward. Because when it comes to healthy ageing, the best time to start is always now.
To get in touch with Paul Ehren, you can contact him at paulehren123@btinternet.com. 
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Have you ever felt like your mental health struggles were something to hide rather than heal?
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In this powerful episode, we sit down with Dr Rani Bora, a leading voice in mental health and wellbeing, to explore how Health Coaches can play a vital role in supporting mental resilience. Whether you're a practising Health Coach or considering a career in health coaching, this conversation offers a deeper understanding of the mind-body connection and practical tools you can use to support yourself and your clients.
Dr Bora shares her own journey and professional insights, breaking down the stigma around mental health and showing just how much impact compassionate, informed support can have on someone's life.
In this episode, you will discover:
- Why mental health should be a core part of every health coaching conversation
- The warning signs Health Coaches should be aware of, and when to refer to a professional
- Simple, evidence-based techniques to support clients experiencing anxiety or low mood
- How Dr Bora built a career dedicated to mental wellness
- Ways to protect your own mental health while supporting others
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to Dr Rani Bora
00:50 - Dr Rani Bora's background and transition to holistic psychiatry
06:30 - Coaching principles and support tools
08:50 - Knowing when to refer: the importance of basic safety needs for Health Coaches
28:30 - Core mental health concepts and the mental wealth paradigm
59:00 - Closing thoughts and where to find Dr Rani Bora 
Mental health is something we all navigate, and as a Health Coach, understanding how to approach it with compassion and confidence can make all the difference. Tune in for an honest, uplifting conversation that will leave you feeling more equipped to support the people you care about, starting with yourself. 
Listen to the conversation between Dr Rani and Gabor Maté on trauma, healing, and what mental health really means: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61wa55gjgC0
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If we already know what’s good for our health, why is lasting change still so hard to make?
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In this episode of HCA Talks, Health Coaches Academy Joint CEO and Co-Founder Ann Garry shares her remarkable journey from a high-pressure corporate career in London's financial district to becoming one of the UK's most influential voices in Health Coach training. She opens up about the personal turning point that led her to retrain in nutrition, and how a chance meeting with co-founder Carolyn helped her discover that real, lasting change comes not from information alone, but from coaching and behaviour change working together.
In this episode, you will discover:
- Why information doesn't automatically lead to action
- The science behind lasting behaviour change
- What Health Coaches really do
- Whether AI could ever replace a Health Coach
- The future of prevention, lifestyle medicine and personalised healthcare
Whether you're curious about becoming a Health Coach, passionate about improving your own health, or simply wondering why healthy habits can feel so hard to stick to, this episode will leave you feeling inspired, reassured and equipped with practical insights you can start using today.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to Ann Garry and her corporate to health coaching journey
02:00 - The moment Ann realised there was more to life than her corporate career
10:00 - What it means to lead Health Coaches Academy today
19:00 - The evolving role of health coaching in a changing world
25:00 - Why knowledge alone isn't enough for lasting behaviour change
29:00 - The "Passenger vs. Driver" metaphor explained
43:00 - Can AI replace a Health Coach?
50:00 - Ann's advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed by their health
54:00 - The "Upstream Prevention" philosophy in lifestyle medicine
Ann's story is proof that meaningful career change is possible at any stage of life, and that the world needs more people willing to guide others towards healthier, happier lives. Tune in now to discover the real work behind lasting health change and the role Health Coaches play in supporting this.
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