Rethinking Pain Management: Beyond Pills & Quick Fixes | Dr. Deepak Ravindran | HCA Talks Health
What really is pain and why doesn’t pain management always work the way we expect? In this episode, Dr. Deepak Ravindran, consultant in pain medicine and author of The Pain-Free Mindset, shares insights from over two decades of helping people live beyond chronic pain.We explore why pain isn’t always caused by structural damage in the body, and how the brain plays a powerful role in deciding when we feel it. Dr. Ravindran explains why conventional pain management approaches like scans and medications can fall short, and introduces practical ways to think differently about recovery.From the body’s built-in alarm system that detects potential threats, to the influence of stress, trauma, and mindset, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on what pain really means and how Health Coaches, clinicians, and individuals alike can reframe their approach to pain management.Topics covered in this episode:- Why pain is not always linked to structural damage in the body- How the brain influences when (and why) we feel pain- The limits of scans and medications in pain management- Understanding the body’s internal warning system- The role of stress, trauma, and mindset in chronic pain- How health coaches and clinicians can support better recovery- Insights from The Pain-Free Mindset and trauma-informed careTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction to Dr Deepak Ravindran02:00 – Standard approaches to pain management05:00 – Why pain is more than just a structural problem09:00 – How the brain interprets pain signals13:00 – Trauma-informed approach to pain17:00 – Effectiveness (and limits) of pain medications22:00 – Why pain meds remain the “go-to” solution24:00 – The role and limitations of MRI scans29:00 – Surgery, scans, and the “Choosing Wisely” principle32:00 – The Pain-Free Mindset framework (MINDSET acronym)35:00 – Placebo, meaning response & surgery as “the ultimate placebo”43:00 – Role of the clinician: listening, rapport, and expectations49:00 – Nervous system sensitivity & overprotection54:00 – ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) and links to chronic pain1:02:00 – Can the nervous system be calmed? Practical approaches1:07:00 – The role of technology and VR in pain management1:09:00 – Patient stories: calming the system to reduce pain1:12:00 – Resources: book, talks, YouTube, training1:14:00 – Final thoughts: the role of Health Coaches & hope in recovery🌿 More from The Health Coaches AcademyFollow HCA on Instagram 👉 @healthcoachesacademyDiscover a rewarding career in Health & Wellness Coaching: https://www.healthcoachesacademy.com🎙 Subscribe & ReviewIf you loved this episode, please subscribe to our channel and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more health coaches with these life-changing insights. Thanks for tuning in to HCA Talks Health! See you in two weeks!
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Escaping Corporate Burnout | Debi Mason on Finding Health, Freedom & Purpose | HCA Talks Health
Feeling stuck in burnout, exhausted, and unheard? You’re not alone.In this episode of HCA Talks Health, we’re joined by Debi Mason — Certified Health & Wellness Coach and mentor at both HCA and Health Coaches Hub. Debi shares her powerful journey from severe health struggles in a high-stress corporate role to reclaiming her energy, freedom, and purpose through health coaching.🎧 Tune in to discover:The warning signs of burnout she ignored before her body crashedWhy being “unheard” delayed her healingThe key steps she took to restore her health and shift her mindsetHow reconnecting with herself brought clarity and resilienceWhy her guiding principle became: “How will this nourish me?”Debi now helps others break free from burnout and create a healthier, more fulfilling life — proving that it’s possible to turn exhaustion into empowerment.🔗 Explore more HCA Talks Health episodes: https://www.healthcoachesacademy.com/health-wellness-podcast✅ Timestamps0:00 Welcome & introduction to Debi Mason1:00 Debi’s corporate career & silent health struggles2:00 Success at UGG Europe while living on adrenaline3:00 Ignoring symptoms: migraines, pain & poor sleep4:00 Productivity vs. health decline — running on adrenaline5:00 Why it was so hard to stop & seek change6:00 Seeing multiple specialists but missing the root cause7:30 The turning point: moving back to South Africa9:00 Total body crash — when adrenaline wears off10:00 First steps toward healing with a functional nutritionist12:00 Discovering the power of food & functional medicine13:30 Food intolerances, histamine issues & personalised nutrition15:00 Whole foods, balanced eating & tailored supplements16:30 Keeping a detailed food & symptom diary18:00 Reconnecting with the body after years of “body deafness”19:00 Six months to improvement, years to full recovery20:00 Food changed my life — inspiring a career shift21:30 Finding Health Coaches Academy & training as a coach23:00 Starting a second career & stepping into her purpose25:00 A day in the life of a thriving health coach27:00 Nourishing body, mind & spirit daily29:00 Impact on clients, families & communities31:00 How to connect with Debi & her coaching work32:00 Final thoughts — health is our greatest asset🌟 More from The Health Coaches AcademyFollow HCA on Instagram: @healthcoachesacademyIf you have a passion for health and wellbeing and would like to discover a new, rewarding career in Health & Wellness Coaching, we invite you to visit our website: https://www.healthcoachesacademy.com🎙 Subscribe and ReviewIf you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe to our YouTube 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!
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Eating Disorder Therapy & Recovery | Harriet Frew on Intuitive Eating & Coaching with Sensitivity | HCA Talks Health
What does effective eating disorder therapy really look like in practice? Have you ever struggled with your relationship with food, or wondered how to support someone caught in the cycle of disordered eating?In this episode of HCA Talks Health, counsellor Harriet Frew shares her journey of recovery from bulimia, her insights into eating disorder therapy, and how she now works to help others heal.Harriet discusses her current therapeutic approach, her experience with intuitive eating, and the way her relationship with food has evolved. For anyone struggling personally, she shares practical ways to begin breaking free from disordered eating patterns.This conversation is also invaluable for Health Coaches and those considering a career in health coaching with guidance on how to approach disordered eating with sensitivity, compassion, and awareness.🔑 Topics covered:Eating disorder therapy and recovery insights Intuitive eating and building a healthier relationship with foodPractical first steps for those struggling with disordered eatingGuidance for Health Coaches and future Health Coaches on working with clients affected by food strugglesCreating emotional safety in coaching conversations⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to Harriet Frew (accredited counsellor & eating disorder therapist)02:00 The hidden struggle of bulimia: functioning outside, turmoil inside03:00 Why help was hard to find in the late ’90s04:00 What would have helped: psychoeducation & breaking the restrict–binge–purge cycle06:00 Purpose-led path: the “wounded healer”07:00 How common disordered eating is; normalised behaviours and shame08:00 Beyond body image: conditioning, stigma & deeper drivers10:00 First step to healing: tell someone you trust11:00 Turning point: time in Australia & training as a therapist12:00 Life now: intuitive eating with flexibility (no rigid rules)14:00 Finding the middle ground: trial, error & the “sweet spot”15:00 When medical restrictions exist (e.g., coeliac): workable alternatives16:00 Harriet’s integrative approach: story, motivation & self-care eating17:00 Structure vs intuition, relapse planning & body-image work19:00 How Harriet works: 1:1 therapy, online courses & resources21:00 Guidance for coaches: scope, listening & avoiding restrictive plans24:00 Hope: recovery is possible—don’t give up25:00 Closing 🌿 More from The Health Coaches AcademyFollow HCA on Instagram 👉 @healthcoachesacademyDiscover a rewarding career in Health & Wellness Coaching: https://www.healthcoachesacademy.com🎙 Subscribe & ReviewIf you loved this episode, please subscribe to our channel and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more health coaches with these life-changing insights. Thanks for tuning in to HCA Talks Health! See you in two weeks!
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Lifestyle Medicine & Whole-Person Healing Before Surgery | Dr. Sunil Kumar | HCA Talks Health
What if preparing for surgery involved more than just the operation itself? Discover how Lifestyle Medicine and whole-person healing can transform surgical recovery and improve long-term health.In this episode of HCA Talks Health, Dr. Sunil Kumar - a Specialist Anesthesiologist, Lifestyle Medicine Physician, Author, and Master Health Coach, explains why focusing on the whole person, not just the procedure, is key to better surgical outcomes. With over 30 years of medical experience, Dr. Kumar highlights the power of “prehabilitation”: optimising mindset, nutrition, and lifestyle to support physical and mental wellness before surgery.Whether you’re exploring Lifestyle Medicine, integrative health, or simply want to understand how lifestyle choices impact healing, this episode reveals practical strategies to boost recovery, reduce complications, and promote lasting wellbeing.If you have a passion for health and wellbeing and would like to discover a new, rewarding career in Health & Wellness Coaching, we invite you to visit our website: https://www.healthcoachesacademy.comIf you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe to our Podcast 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!
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Preventing Burnout in Healthcare | Dr Emma Presern on Self-Care, Recovery & Reclaiming the Art of Medicine | HCA Talks Health
Are you a healthcare professional feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or questioning how long you can keep going? Burnout in medicine is real and you're not alone. In this podcast episode, Dr Emma Presern shares her personal story of burnout and recovery, and how self-care could hold the key to transforming healthcare from the inside out.Dr Emma Presern is a GP locum, Lifestyle Medic, and the founder of Rebellious Health. She joins us on HCA Talks Health to discuss the growing burnout crisis in healthcare and why it’s not just acceptable but essential for clinicians to prioritise their own wellbeing.This episode is for doctors, nurses and any healthcare professional struggling with the weight of constant giving. Dr Presern talks about what led her to the edge of burnout, the warning signs she missed, and the mindset shifts and recovery techniques that helped her rebuild a more sustainable, human-centred approach to care.🎧 Tune in to explore:Burnout in healthcare: causes, symptoms, and how to spot it earlyWhy self-care is not selfish and how it can protect your ability to care for othersRebellious Health: a new movement advocating for clinician wellbeingHow restoring the art of medicine — intuition, empathy, creativity — could spark system-wide changeTools and strategies for recovery, boundaries, and long-term sustainability in healthcare⏱️ Timestamps:0:00: Introduction0:45: What is Rebellious Health?3:00: The current healthcare system and why it is leading to burnout for many 7:40: Dr Emma’s own health journey and personal experience of burnout in healthcare 15:00: Simple strategies to recover from burnout in the workplace18:55: How Rebellious Health is helping other healthcare professionals to prevent burnout and reconnect with themselves and their practice 22:40: Why a system-wide change is needed more than ever in healthcare and what that could look like 28:30: Final thoughts and further resources For more information on Rebellious Health, visit: www.rebelliousmedic.com If you have a passion for health and wellbeing and would like to discover a new, rewarding career in Health & Wellness Coaching, we invite you to visit our website: https://www.healthcoachesacademy.comIf you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe to our Podcast 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!
The Health Coaches Academy podcast series, HCA Talks Health, is a must-listen for anyone who is passionate about health and wellness. With a focus on in-depth health and wellness related subjects, the podcast series aims to bring together experts in the field of health and wellness coaching to share their insights and experiences.HCA Talks Health explores a wide range of health-related issues, including mental health disorders and diseases, sustainable weight loss, stress, sleep, self-empowerment, and popular topical subjects such as perimenopause and anxiety. By covering such a diverse range of topics, HCA ensures that there is something for everyone who is interested in health and wellness.One of the unique features of the podcast series is its focus on how to become a successful Health Coach. The series will provide insights into the daily lives of Health Coaches, including the areas that they work with clients such as mindset, behavioral change, and setting new habits. This focus on the profession of Health Coaching provides valuable insights for anyone who is considering a career as a Health Coach.The podcast series also features innovative experts and pioneers in the world of wellness who are making a real difference in the field of health and wellness coaching. By featuring these experts, listeners are kept up to date with the latest developments in the profession and they have access to the most cutting-edge information.Listen to the podcasts on the go, whether that is on the way to work, in the gym, or relaxing on a beach - wherever you choose! This accessibility ensures that you can stay up to date with the latest health and wellness information, no matter how busy your life may be.HCA Talks Health is an excellent resource for anyone who is passionate about health and wellness. Whether you are a qualified Health Coach, studying to become a Health Coach, thinking about becoming a Health Coach, or simply want to be healthier, the podcast series has something to offer. With its focus on up to the minute health and wellness related subjects, its insights into the profession of Health Coaching, its innovative experts, and its accessibility, it is unequivocally a must-listen for anyone who wants to stay up to date with the latest developments in the field of health and wellness coaching.
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