HCA Talks Health

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Jaz Robbins, a clinical professor of psychology, licensed psychologist, and board-certified holistic nutritionist, to explore the powerful intersection of nutritional psychology and mental health.
Dr. Jaz shares her unique journey of combining her background in food science with her clinical psychology practice to address the "food-mood connection." She explains how our nervous system functions like a traffic light and how chronic anxiety can keep us stuck in a "yellow light" state of fight-or-flight, draining our body's resources. Dr. Jaz breaks down the science of the enteric nervous system, a.k.a. our "second brain" in the gut, and provides practical, low-pressure strategies for health coaches and individuals to recalibrate their wellbeing through intentional, baby-step dietary changes.
In this episode, you will discover:
In this episode, you will discover:
- How to identify if your nervous system is stuck in a state of chronic stress
- The biological link between your gut microbiome and emotional regulation
- Why stimulants can mimic or worsen symptoms of anxiety
- How to correctly pair proteins and carbohydrates to boost serotonin production
- Practical coaching techniques to help clients build confidence through small, achievable wins 
Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome to HCA Talks Health
01:00 – Dr. Jaz’s journey: Combining psychology and nutrition
03:00 – What is Nutritional Psychology?
07:55 – The Traffic Light Analogy: Understanding your nervous system
10:45 – The Second Brain: Gut health and the microbiome
12:00 – Taking baby steps toward lifelong change
15:30 – Common mistakes: The impact of caffeine and alcohol
16:20 – Why sleep is the foundation for nutritional interventions
19:40 – The hidden dangers of highly processed "health" foods
23:20 – When "healthy" exercise backfires: High-intensity vs. slow-paced
26:50 – Feeding the gut: The power of fermented foods and fibre
30:30 – The science of Tryptophan and Carbohydrates
38:50 – Behavioural Activation: How to stop overwhelming clients
41:30 – Creating intentional "homework" for sustainable habits
52:15 – The "Slow to Rise" and "Slow to Rest" daily transitions
55:30 – How to connect with Dr. Jaz Robbins
56:40 – Final Tip: Self-compassion and "drawing a line in the sand"
This episode is an insightful listen for Health Coaches, wellness professionals, and anyone who may experience anxiety. It is also perfect for those looking to understand the biological roots of mental wellbeing and seeking compassionate, manageable ways to support their nervous system through the power of nutrition. 
To connect with Dr. Jaz Robbins, visit her website 🌐www.drjazrobbins.com or follow her on Instagram: @drjazrobbins
Connect with Health Coaches Academy:
📸 Follow HCA on Instagram: @healthcoachesacademy
🌿 Explore a rewarding career in Health & Wellness Coaching: https://www.healthcoachesacademy.com
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In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Louise Oliver, an NHS GP, Functional Breathing Practitioner and therapeutic Life Coach, to talk about the profound impact of breathing efficiency on our physical and mental wellbeing.
Louise shares her personal journey of how correcting her own breathing patterns resolved her snoring, transformed her sleep and increased her capacity to handle stress. She explains that many of us have lost the ability to breathe "as nature intended" due to modern lifestyles, leading to a host of hidden health issues. 
Tune in to discover:
The nose as a filter and how it connects directly to our brain's emotional centres
24/7 breathing efficiency as part of our unconscious breathing patterns vs. breathwork
The “light, low, slow” framework to induce a relaxation response and move out of a chronic stress state
How diaphragmatic breathing assists in removing toxins during sleep
How to correctly position the tongue and improve your airway health
Louise’s approach reminds us that breathing is a free, accessible tool that can improve everything from brain fog and exercise recovery to hormonal balance and chronic pain.
🌐 Visit Dr Louise Oliver’s Website: www.drlouiseolivertherapeuticlifecoaching.com
💤 Louise only recommends MyoTape, as it is a safe, non-restrictive solution (available globally, including on Takealot). 
Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome to HCA Talks Health
00:54 – Louise’s story: How breathing changed her life and stopped her snoring
02:08 – What it means to breathe "as nature intended"
03:10 – The dangers of mouth breathing and the benefits of the nose
05:31 – Why 50% of people may be breathing inefficiently
06:21 – How hormones (menopause, pregnancy) impact your breath
08:00 – The impact of "sucking in your stomach" on the diaphragm
11:58 – The difference between breathing efficiency and traditional breathwork
17:09 – The 3 dimensions: Breathe Light, Breathe Low and Breathe Slow
18:13 – Demonstration: How posture and mouth breathing trigger stress
22:38 – Over-breathing and how to recalibrate your body
25:05 – Breathing at night: The glymphatic system and brain detox
27:40 – Mouth taping: Benefits and safety considerations (MyoTape)
32:38 – Advice for Health Coaches: How to observe client breathing
35:58 – Surprising health links: From brain fog to improved smell and thyroid health
40:02 – The #1 Tip: The correct tongue position for an open airway 
🌱 More from the Health Coaches Academy 
Follow HCA on Instagram: @healthcoachesacademy
Discover a rewarding career in Health & Wellness Coaching: https://www.healthcoachesacademy.com
🎙️Subscribe and Review
If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe to our channel and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more Health Coaches who need these insights. Thanks for tuning in to HCA Talks Health - see you in two weeks!

Why are so many women today feeling drained, struggling with mood swings, or finding it hard to feel their best — no matter what they try? The missing link may not be willpower, but nourishment. 
In this episode of HCA Talks Health, we’re joined by Jodi Duval, Naturopathic Physician and founder of Revital Health, who has over 15 years’ experience in women’s health. Jodi unpacks why so many women are undernourished — from hormonal imbalances and nutrient deficiencies to lifestyle pressures and emotional depletion. She also shares practical strategies to restore balance, improve energy, and create sustainable wellbeing. 
🎧 Tune in to discover: 
The difference between being undernourished and underfed
How hormonal cycles impact nutrition, cravings, and energy
Common deficiencies women face (iron, vitamin D, and more)
The role of emotional and energetic nourishment in health
Why women often undereat, overexercise, and feel guilt around food
Practical steps to reset the body’s “set point” for lasting balance
Plus much more
Whether you’re navigating your own health journey or supporting clients as a coach, this episode will give you powerful insights into how women can reclaim energy, nourishment, and confidence.
 
⏱️ Timestamps
0:00 Introduction
1:20 Why women today are undernourished
5:00 Nutritional vs emotional nourishment
9:40 How hormonal cycles affect energy and food needs
13:00 Signs and symptoms of deficiencies
17:20 The role of lifestyle, stress, and self-care
20:00 Strategies for resetting the body’s “set point”
24:00 Jodi’s holistic approach to testing and treatment
27:00 Simple daily non-negotiables for women’s health
28:00 Final thoughts & how to connect with Jodi

🌱 More from The Health Coaches Academy
Follow HCA on Instagram → @healthcoachesacademy
Discover a rewarding career in Health & Wellness Coaching → https://www.healthcoachesacademy.com

🎙 Subscribe and Review
If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe to our channel and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more Health Coaches who need these insights. Thanks for tuning in to HCA Talks Health — see you in two weeks!

Ever feel like you’re rushing through life, trying to build healthy habits but never quite finding a rhythm that truly sticks?

In this episode of HCA Talks Health, we’re joined by Mediterranean lifestyle expert and author Olivia Malonda to explore a way of living that goes far beyond food. 

Rooted in tradition and supported by modern science, the Mediterranean lifestyle offers a practical, sustainable approach to developing healthy habits that support long-term wellbeing, stronger relationships, and a more balanced life, wherever you live.

Tune in to discover:

- Simple, practical ways to build healthy habits inspired by the Mediterranean lifestyle, even with a busy schedule

- A fresh perspective on health and longevity grounded in both cultural wisdom and research

- Tools to bring more balance, connection, and joy into your everyday routine

Whether you’re navigating conflicting health advice or simply craving a slower, more meaningful way of living, this episode offers a refreshing, human approach to wellbeing, helping you create healthy habits that last.

🔔 Subscribe & Review

 If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to our YouTube channel and leave a review! 

Connect with Health Coaches Academy: 

📸 Follow HCA on Instagram: @healthcoachesacademy

🌿 Explore a rewarding career in Health & Wellness Coaching: https://www.healthcoachesacademy.com

Do we have to accept pain as we get older? In this episode of HCA Talks Health, we speak with Stacey Roberts - a registered nurse, musculoskeletal specialist, pelvic and sexual health physiotherapist, and functional medicine expert, about practical ways to live pain-free, regain movement, and feel more in control of your health.
Stacey is also the author of The Pain-Free Formula: Solving the Puzzle of Muscle and Joint Pain Without Surgery, Drugs, or Injections, bringing evidence-based strategies and real-life insights to the conversation.
She shares her own experience of sudden knee pain and how it inspired her to help others live pain-free, without immediately turning to surgery or medication. Stacey explains why pain isn’t just a mechanical issue, and how your brain, hormones, diet, stress, and lifestyle all play a role. 
Tune in to discover:
How to retrain your brain and body to move without pain
The surprising links between diet, inflammation, hormones, and joint health
Insights into pelvic pain in men and women and what often goes unnoticed
Practical, everyday strategies for staying active and living pain-free at any age
Stacey’s approach reminds us that pain doesn’t have to control our lives and that small, mindful changes can make a huge difference.
📚 Read Stacey’s book: The Pain-Free Formula on Amazon
🌐 Visit New You Health & Wellness: newyouhealthandwellness.com
🎧 Tune in to The Pain-Free Formula Podcast on iTunes

Connect with Health Coaches Academy: 
📸 Follow HCA on Instagram: @healthcoachesacademy
🌿 Explore a rewarding career in Health & Wellness Coaching: https://www.healthcoachesacademy.com
🔔 Subscribe & Review
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to our YouTube channel and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more aspiring health coaches and people seeking guidance on their weight loss journey. 🎙
Thanks for tuning in to HCA Talks Health - see you in two weeks!