HCA Talks Health

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Can AI support mental health without replacing human connection?
In this episode, Zena speaks with Steve Peralta, co-founder and former Chief Wellbeing Officer of Unmind, a workplace mental health platform supporting over 2 million employees globally. Steve opens up about his own catastrophic breakdown in 2024, what healing really looks like, and why true flourishing has nothing to do with self-optimisation.
He also shares a refreshingly honest take on AI in mental health and coaching, what it can genuinely support, and where human presence remains irreplaceable.
In this episode, you will discover:
- Why a proactive, preventative approach to mental health beats simply treating problems
- How managers can shape our wellbeing even more than therapists
- What genuinely helps when nothing else seems to work
- Where AI can support your mental health and coaching, and where it simply can't
- Why human presence remains irreplaceable for Health Coaches
- How true flourishing comes from becoming whole, not from self-optimisation
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to Steve Peralta
01:00 - Overview of the Unmind platform
03:00 - Strategies for proactive workplace mental health
06:00 - Has mental health gotten worse over time?
07:00 - Steve's personal story and breakdown
11:00 - What actually helps when you're really struggling
14:00 - AI and mental health, what it is and isn't
20:00 - Should Health Coaches use AI in practice?
23:00 - Will AI replace coaches?
25:00 - What really helps people heal
31:00 - Where to find Steve
32:00 - Steve's one key takeaway for listeners
Honest, grounded, and deeply human, this conversation is a must-listen for Health Coaches, offering rich insight into what truly supports healing, how to hold space for clients with real presence, and why human connection remains at the heart of lasting change, even in a world of AI.
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In this episode, we’re joined by Jason Nelson, a personal trainer, former bodybuilder and founder of Body Image, a fat loss and longevity practice built around systems rather than quick fixes. Jason works primarily with people over 40, helping them preserve strength, metabolic health and cognitive function so they can build bodies that support the life they want to live now and for decades to come.
Jason shares the deeply personal experiences that shaped his work, from watching his mother battle Alzheimer’s to navigating intense stress during his own bodybuilding journey and discovering just how powerfully stress can disrupt metabolism, body composition and long-term health. We talk about why getting leaner after 40 requires a different approach, why weight loss alone is too narrow a goal, and why strength, recovery, sleep and muscle preservation matter so much more as we age.
In this episode, you will discover:
- Why stress can block fat loss and recovery
- Why sleep matters more after 40
- How muscle supports long-term health
- Why “eat less, move more” can backfire
- How simple systems make habits easier
- Why GLP-1s and peptides should support, not replace, strong foundations
This conversation is a powerful reminder that healthy ageing is about much more than the number on the scale. It’s about building strength, resilience and vitality in a way that supports a long, capable and meaningful life.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction to Jason Nelson and his work
00:01 – Jason’s personal why and prevention focus
00:03 – Why stress matters more after 40
00:04 – Sleep, recovery and overall health
00:05 – How stress affected Jason’s metabolism
00:06 – Stress management through planning and structure
00:08 – Meal prep, systems and simplification
00:09 – Why Jason focuses on people over 40
00:10 – Why longevity matters beyond weight loss
00:12 – Strength, muscle and bone health after 40
00:14 – Why nutrient density matters
00:16 – Digestion, training intensity and muscle preservation
00:18 – Why recovery becomes more important with age
00:19 – Common mistakes people make in their 40s
00:21 – Closing the gap between knowledge and action
00:24 – Jason’s view on GLP-1s and peptides
00:28 – Muscle loss and strength on GLP-1s
00:32 – How Jason coaches clients one-to-one
00:35 – A simple starting roadmap for change
00:38 – Why basics done consistently matter most
00:39 – Jason’s message: your best health is ahead
00:40 – How biological age can improve in months
00:41 – Final thoughts on longevity and healthy ageing
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 Izabella Natrins, CEO of the UK & International Health Coaching Association (UKIHCA), a health research psychologist, registered Health Coach, trained chef and author of The Real Food Solution. With nearly 40 years across nursing, research, corporate leadership and coaching, Izabella brings a rare depth of insight to the conversation about why health coaching places the person, not the problem, at the very heart of lasting change.
Izabella shares her path from corporate life to chef training in Ireland, where she learned that food and health "start in the soil", and explains why clients are the real experts in their own lives. We talk about behaviour change, the importance of professional standards in a largely unregulated space, and our lost connection to real food and cooking.
In this episode, you will discover:
- Why health coaching focuses on behaviour change and self-empowerment rather than delivering treatment
- How a whole-person approach weaves together our biological, psychological, social and spiritual wellbeing
- What truly separates a well-trained, accredited Health Coach from the "Instagram health coach" crowd
- How holding space for the messy, non-linear reality of health helps clients thrive
- How reconnecting with real food and cooking can become a quiet act of self-care
- Izabella reminds us that health isn’t about chasing perfection, but about reconnecting with what makes us human and taking the lead on a life that truly flourishes.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction & welcome
00:01 – Izabella's background & career journey
00:03 – From corporate life to chef training at Ballymaloe
00:04 – Launching a cookery school and stepping into health coaching
00:07 – The mission & vision of UKIHCA
00:09 – Why health coaching matters
00:13 – Self-empowerment vs empowerment
00:14 – Anecdote: the client who already had the answers
00:16 – The future role of Health Coaches
00:20 – Accreditation & what sets a trained coach apart
00:25 – The challenges facing Health Coaches
00:27 – The "Take the Lead On Your Health" campaign
00:31 – Anecdote: scrapping the intake form
00:37 – Defining whole person health
00:41 – Food, cooking & "The Real Food Solution"
00:45 – IPM Conference: "Unprocessed: Taking Back our Plates"
00:49 – How Izabella's definition of health has evolved
00:53 – Personal reflections on ageing, movement & creativity
00:56 – What's for dinner: the yuk sung recipe
01:01 – Where to find UKIHCA
01:03 – Closing message: health is deeply human
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 of HCA Talks Health, Zena Le Roux interviews Dr. Mark Morningstar, a leading expert in scoliosis care and integrative medicine. Dr. Morningstar shares his transformative journey from frustration with patients seeking quick fixes to finding purpose in working with children with scoliosis and their dedicated families. He dives into the root-cause approach to scoliosis management, exploring how factors like hormones, digestion, and nutrient status impact spinal health. Dr. Morningstar also highlights practical, evidence-based strategies to manage scoliosis conservatively, reduce the need for surgery, and support long-term back health.
In this episode, you will discover:
- Why a root-cause approach is essential for scoliosis management.
- How hormones, digestion, and nutrient status influence spinal health and bone density.
- The importance of early intervention and proactive care for scoliosis.
- Practical lifestyle habits to support a stronger, more resilient back.
- The role of health coaches in empowering patients to take an active role in their care.
For Health Coaches, this episode offers invaluable insights into supporting clients with scoliosis through a holistic, proactive approach. Dr. Morningstar’s expertise provides a roadmap for addressing the root causes of scoliosis, empowering clients to manage or even prevent progression while improving overall wellbeing. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of spinal health and integrative care.
🌐 To learn more about Dr. Mark Morningstar and his work, visit www.scoliosispractice.com. 
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction: Welcome with Zena Le Roux and Dr. Mark Morningstar
01:00 – Dr. Morningstar’s journey: From ethical dilemmas to specialising in scoliosis care
04:00 – Early success stories: The role of parents and proactive scoliosis management
06:00 – Root causes of scoliosis: Hormonal, digestive, and genetic factors
09:00 – Importance of early intervention and addressing long-term neglect in adults
12:00 – Lifestyle factors: Physical activity, anti-inflammatory diets, and neurotransmitter testing
16:00 – Shifts in patient attitudes: Financial pressures and proactive health care
18:00 – Integrative care: Individualised testing for gut and hormone health
22:00 – Dr. Morningstar’s personal health practices and family lifestyle
23:00 – Misconceptions and evidence-based conservative treatments for scoliosis
27:00 – When surgery is necessary: Medical reasons versus cosmetic purposes
31:00 – Early detection advice: Symptoms, x-rays, and proactive care
33:00 – Resources for scoliosis care: Back Genius network and Dr. Morningstar’s practice
34:00 – Final thoughts: Leaving no stone unturned in scoliosis care  
📸 Follow HCA on Instagram: @healthcoachesacademy
🌿 Explore a rewarding career in Health & Wellness Coaching: https://www.healthcoachesacademy.com
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In this episode of HCA Talks Health, Zena Le Roux interviews Dr Jane Seghal, an NHS GP who shares her powerful journey from the high-pressure environment of the medical field to her current role as a Health Coach. Dr Seghal provides a candid look at the personal and professional challenges—including a demanding training system and significant family health crises—that eventually led to her own experience with burnout. Now working as a health practitioner and coach, she discusses the importance of workplace wellbeing and why "your health is your wealth".
In this episode, you will discover:
- Burnout is often a result of sustained, "creeping" pressure rather than a single event.
- Recognising the professional and personal importance of being told "it’s okay to not be okay".
- Navigating high-pressure environments (like the NHS) where systemic demands can erode team empathy and individual compassion.
- Identifying how severe mental burnout can frequently present as physical symptoms.
- Challenging the "power through" mentality.
- Emphasising that a practitioner’s health is their greatest wealth.
For a Health Practitioner or Health Coach, tuning into this episode offers a vital roadmap for navigating the high-pressure demands of the industry without sacrificing personal wellbeing. Dr Jane Seghal’s powerful transition from a burnt-out NHS GP to a balanced Coach provides essential insights into identifying the early "creeping" signs of exhaustion before they manifest as physical illness. By understanding the systemic pressures that erode compassion, listeners will feel empowered to establish healthier boundaries and move from a reactive to a proactive model of care. This shift not only protects the practitioner but creates a ripple effect of authentic, empathetic support that deeply enhances client outcomes. Ultimately, this conversation proves that a professional life built on health is the foundation for truly sustainable healing.
🌐 To learn more about how Dr Jane can help you, visit www.betterhealthwithdrjane.com. 
Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome to HCA Talks Health with Dr Jane Seghal
00:19 – Jane’s journey: From chemistry degree to medical school 
03:09 – Early years: Music scholarships and childhood aspirations 
04:52 – The transition from medical student to junior doctor 
06:36 – GP training and the impact of personal challenges 
08:09 – Systemic barriers to flexible and part-time working 
11:23 – Family health crisis: Navigating a husband’s brain surgeries 
13:22 – "It broke me": The cumulative toll of stress and lack of compassion 
16:55 – Physical warning signs: Severe back pain and the road to burnout 
18:03 – Maggie’s Cancer Centre: Receiving the "power of permission" to rest 
20:21 – Six months off: The reality of recovery and reflection 
20:46 – Hindsight and wisdom: What she would have done differently 

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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If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review!