Vibrant Lives Podcast

Farewell for now

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 08 May 2023 20:30:00 +0000

Thank you so much to everyone who has supported Vibrant Lives Podcast...I've had a blast speaking with amazing guests from all over the world and creating a platform where health promoting advice is delivered to you in a friendly and easy to understand format.

It's time for me to take a six month break from podcasting and reassess where I'm heading with my podcast, and with my life generally.

You can still listen to all my episodes on your favourite podcasting platform or find them on my website at: https://vibrantlivespodcast.com/podcasts/

Understanding gender and neurodiversity with disability and queer rights activist Zane Landin

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 10 Apr 2023 20:30:00 +0000

I feel lucky to be able to share Zane Landin’s story with you on Vibrant Lives Podcast. Zane has many strings to his (young) bow but the message that came through very clearly in our discussion was the importance of empathy, storytelling and positivism. For me, this episode was insightful because inclusion, acceptance and understanding are at the forefront of the minds of Zane and his peers.

Zane is a mental health and disability advocate, a queer rights activist, entrepreneur and founder and CEO of Positive Vibes Magazine, a digital magazine dedicated to telling authentic stories about mental health, wellness and inspiration.

Our discussion ranges over the importance of identity - Zane himself identifies as Hispanic, queer and disabled. We discuss how he experiences these identities and then we cover intersectionality, the interconnection between different identities.

In 2022, Zane was selected as one of 30 young people to attend the inaugural Mental Health Youth Action Forum at the White House in Washington DC and he shares his experiences there including his vision of how the media can be leveraged to impact mental health in a positive way. If Zane is one of the world’s young leaders then I feel like we are in capable hands.

ZANE LANDIN

Positive Vibes Magazine: https://positivevibesmag.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zanelandin/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zane-landin-b2417a187

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LandinZane

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Quitting alcohol and finding purpose with Grey Area Drinking Coach, Sarah Rusbatch

Amanda Hayes — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 19:30:00 +0000

I am pretty excited about this episode with Sarah Rusbatch. Sarah is a Health and Wellbeing Coach, Sobriety and Grey Area Drinking Coach, Motivational Speaker and all round inspiring person!

Sarah was the consummate party girl - always ready for a drink and a big night out with friends. Gradually, Sarah found her drinking, and efforts to moderate it, were consuming her mental space, causing her some regrets and that alcohol was ultimately taking more from her than it was giving. Sarah had fallen into a pattern of drinking known as “grey area drinking” (more on what that actually means in the episode). After attempts to quit alcohol and then relapses to her former drinking patterns, Sarah quite alcohol for good in April 2019 and the benefits to Sarah’s health, her energy levels and her relationships have continued to flow.

Sarah transformed her own life and has now helped thousands of women change their relationship with alcohol or quit drinking for good. She is an excellent example of someone whose passion has become her career.

If you are concerned about or question your own (or a friend’s or partner’s) relationship with alcohol, I guarantee this will be a very helpful episode for you.

Sarah offers Alcohol Free Challenge courses throughout the year. The next one is due to start in April 2023.

ALCOHOL FREE CHALLENGE

April Alcohol Free CHallange: https://sarahrusbatch.com/af-challenge-apr23

SARAH RUSBATCH

Website: https://sarahrusbatch.com/

The Women’s Wellbeing Collective facebook community:https://www.facebook.com/groups/342319476897067

Sarah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahrusbatch/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-rusbatch-4b189128/?originalSubdomain=au

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Eliminating chronic pain with Sports & Orthopaedic Physical Therapist, Rick Olderman

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 19:30:00 +0000

This week I have a fascinating and informative discussion with Sports and Orthopaedic Physical Therapist, Rick Olderman.

Rick has dedicated his career to solving the puzzle of chronic musculoskeletal pain and has developed a unique approach to eliminating pain without medication.

In Rick’s experience, the medical and allied health professions are excellent at identifying and isolating damaged tissue and treating it. However, they are not necessarily excellent and understanding why the tissue was damaged in the first place. As a result, chronic pain can often remain unresolved.

Rick focuses on how forces act on the structures in our bodies and if your patterns of movement are dysfunctional, these forces can act in such a way as to cause chronic pain. Understanding the architecture of our bodies and how to change dysfunctional movement patterns is at the core of Rick work. He has developed a system Fixing You to help you eliminate pain without medication.

If you’ve experienced physical pain or you want to avoid it or you simply want to know more about its causes, this is a perfect episode for you.

RICK OLDERMAN

Rick's website: https://rickolderman.com/

RICK'S SOCIAL MEDIA

https://www.facebook.com/FixingYouMethod

https://www.instagram.com/fixingyouclinic/

https://www.youtube.com/@RickOldermanPT/

Fixing You® Method At Home Course

http://www.fixingyoumethod.com/
Listeners get 20% off their orders with code: FIXINGYOU

Fixing You® Method for Health Professionals

https://www.healpatientsfaster.com

Use the code FIXINGYOU to get 20% off

RICK'S BOOK, Solving The Pain Puzzle

Here's the link where the book can be purchased: https://amzn.to/3Y9pnjU

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Five Minute Food Facts - Adaptogens

Amanda Hayes — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 19:30:00 +0000

Adaptogens are herbal supplements that can help the body adapt to stress and maintain balance. Adaptogens have an impressive array of health benefits from helping us conserve vitality as we age, enhancing mental performance and improving physical endurance.

Adaptogens have been used for centuries in traditional medicine and scientists are starting to understand how these precious little gems work.

Some of the most well known ones are - Ashwagandha, Panax ginseng, Rhodiola rosea, Schisandra and Cordyceps.

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REFERENCES

Todorava, V et al., Plant Adaptogens - History and Future perspectives, Nutrients, 2021, 13:2861.

Panossian, A et al., Evolution of the adaptogenic concept from traditional use to medical systems: Pharmacology and stress- and aging-related diseases, Medicinal Research Reviews, 2021, 41:630

How to heal past traumas with Spiritual Teacher, Karena Kilcoyne

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 19:30:00 +0000

A warm welcome to the first Vibrant Lives Podcast episode of 2023 and it is a wonderful one, both touching and informative.

My guest this week is Karena Kilcoyne, a defence lawyer turned author and spiritual teacher. Karena helps people process trauma and shame. Often the experience of trauma leads us to tell ourselves stories about ourselves that can profoundly affect how we are in the world. For example, if we felt abandoned as a child, we might believe that we are unworthy of love and that can play out in all sorts of destructive behaviours. Our stories can hinder us from finding joy in life or forming loving relationships.

Karena generously shares her own experience of childhood trauma that included her father going to prison and, at the age of 12, having to look after her siblings and become the "parent" in her household.

I'll say no more here - tune in to my conversation with Karena to hear this uplifting, courageous and life affirming episode.

KARENA KILCOYNE

Karena's website: https://karenakilcoyne.com/

Karena's social media handle: @karena_kilcoyne

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Vibrant Lives Podcast 2022 Wrap Up

Amanda Hayes — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 04:00:00 +0000

Amanda reflects on 2022 a year that was underwhelming and tinged with sadness but punctuated with some bright spots.

She gives a run-down of the five most popular episodes and shares some of her learnings.

Vibrant lives Podcast wishes you a happy, healthy fun and safe festive season.

TOP 5 EPISODES OF 2022

1st - Treating teen acne and nurturing mature skin with skin expert, dermatologist Dr Emma Ryan: https://vibrantlivespodcast.com/podcasts/emma-ryan/

2nd - Getting around men's mental health with resilience trainer and former Special Forces Soldier, Nathan Bolton: https://vibrantlivespodcast.com/podcasts/nathan-bolton/

3rd - Five Minute Food Facts - Eggs; https://vibrantlivespodcast.com/podcasts/eggs/

Equal 4th - The power of positive psychology to enhance you happiness and wellbeing with Life Coach, Steph Noon: https://vibrantlivespodcast.com/podcasts/stephanie-noon/

Equal 4th - The future you - artificial intelligence and your health with Harry Glorikian: https://vibrantlivespodcast.com/podcasts/harry-glorikian/

5th - Learning to live with chronic depression with civil engineer, Gerry Doyle: https://vibrantlivespodcast.com/podcasts/gerry-doyle/

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
Follow me on Instagram @vibrant_lives_podcast
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If you could rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts, that would be super helpful.
Check out ways you can support the podcast on my website: https://vibrantlivespodcast.com/be-involved/

How to build your emotional immunity with psychotherapist, Marie Rowland

Amanda Hayes — Wed, 14 Dec 2022 19:30:00 +0000

This week I have a wide-ranging conversation with Marie Rowland, Psychotherapist and Director of Talking Matters, a private therapy practice where she helps clients work through matters from relationship conflicts, managing stress and anxiety to notions of success including self-image and social relevance.

Marie and I discuss what she refers to as the “other pandemic" of stress, sadness and loneliness and how COVID both contributed to and brought that into focus. We also discuss emotional pain, part of the human condition, and how you can build your emotional immunity. Marie shares some really helpful tools with us. My favourite one is to show up because we all know this can be hard at times but if we continue to show up for ourselves, step by step we make progress towards our goals. All those small steps add up over time.

We end our conversation wth a discussion of Stoicism. If you want to learn something about the Stoics and how ancient wisdom is so relevant in the modern world, this is a great place to start.

MARIE ROWLAND

Talking Matters: https://talking-matters.com/home/

Marie's Wellbeing Magazine articles: https://www.wellbeing.com.au/author/marie-rowland

MAGIC MIND

Magic Mind Website: https://www.magicmind.co/vibrant

Discount code: VIBRANT20

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Yoga instructor Veronique Ory shares how to show up with love and compassion on and off the mat

Amanda Hayes — Tue, 06 Dec 2022 19:30:00 +0000

I simply adored my discussion with yoga instructor, Veronique Ory of Yoga with Veronique. If you need some prompting to show up in your life with love and compassion, to remember self-love, please listen to my chat with Veronique because it will make you feel really good.

Veronique’s journey towards yoga is an interesting one. She studied Theatre at Russell Sage College in New York and worked in that space for years, including 17 years at the helm of her own theatre company, Athena Theatre Company. As many of us can appreciate, making a living in independent (off-Broadway) theatre is financially precarious and all the passion and dedication in the world cannot overcome the need to fund raise. Yoga was an antidote for Veronique to relieve the stress of that part of her job. In fact, Veronique was so taken by how yoga made her feel both on and off the mat that eventually, she wanted to help others find that stillness and happiness so she trained to become a yoga instructor.

Veronique has a unique approach to teaching yoga where she weaves in her passion for storytelling and expression through movement which she explains in our interview. Veronique was a joy to interview!

VERONIQUE ORY

Yoga with Veronique website: https://www.yogawithveronique.com/

Shine On & Off The Mat: https://www.yogawithveronique.com/shine-book

Veronique's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veroniqueory/

Spotify playlist Veronique is listening to: Empowering Women

AS BARE AS YOU DARE

A private fundraiser event for women to be held on Saturday 4th February, 2023 at 4.30pm in Adelaide.

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Five Minute Food Facts - Blue Zones

Amanda Hayes — Tue, 29 Nov 2022 19:30:00 +0000

The Blue Zones are communities around the world where people live to a ripe old age and in relatively good heath. In the Blue Zones, the proportion of 90 to 100-year-olds to the overall population is unusually high.

The concept and classification of the BZ came about through a National Geographic expedition led by Dan Beuttner to investigate communities around the world that live longer and better and understand what common factors enhanced longevity in those populations. The BZ researchers distilled 9 features common across the BZ areas coined the “Power Nine”. In this podcast, I set out what the nine factors are are and talk briefly to each one. They include incorporating movement into your daily life, eating a diet made up of plenty of plants and legumes and avoiding processed foods, knowing your purpose and putting your loved ones first.

Personally, I am a fan of the Blue Zones literature because a lot of the principles are firmly based in common sense and generations of wisdom.

I hope you find this episode an interesting starting point to finding our more about the Blue Zones.

Further reading about the Blue Zones

Blue Zones website: https://www.bluezones.com

Blue Zones books: https://www.bluezones.com/books/

Blue Zones Founder’s statement: https://www.bluezones.com/founders-statement/

World Bank life expectancy data: https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.DYN.LE00.IN

Sustainable period care with Hello Period founder, Robyn McLean

Amanda Hayes — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 19:30:00 +0000

Over the course of a lifetime, a menstruating women will use between 5 and 15 thousand tampons and pads. Most of those will end up in landfill as plastic waste - standard tampons take about 500 years to break down. That means, the world's first ever tampon is still on this planet.

What if we could do period care differently?

Enter Hello Period, the world's first sustainable period company that offers reusable products - cups, discs, pads and period underpants. Hello Period was co-founded by today's guest, Robyn McLean.

This is a story about innovation, about looking after our planet and about how an idea became a successful business.

ROBYN McLEAN

Hello Period website: https://helloperiod.com/

How to use videos: https://helloperiod.com/pages/how-to-use-a-reusable-menstrual-cup

MAGIC MIND

Magic Mind Website: https://magicmind.co/vibrant

Discount code: vibrant20

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How to deal with your clutter with Professional Organiser and Productivity Specialist, Sandra Lane

Amanda Hayes — Tue, 27 Sep 2022 20:45:00 +0000

Do you ever feel defeated by the clutter in your life? Where do you even start the decluttering process?

The good news is that this week’s guest, Sandra Lane, is a Professional Organiser and Productivity Specialist and she shares with us some useful, practical tips to tackle that clutter - both physical and mental.

Our discussion ranges from why we accumulate so much stuff and the negative impact all that stuff can have on our physical and mental wellbeing to the liberating and empowering feeling of taking steps to deal with clutter. Sandra talks us through how to deal with our clutter and what I liked most about this conversation is her practical focus. Not all of us can achieve the minimalist dream i.e. pack away all our earthly belongings into boxes only to liberate the exact thing we need, say a kitchen knife or a shoe, when we need it. Sandra’s approach is a realistic one for busy people in busy households.

We also talk about digital clutter, a problem so many of us face these days, and dealing with procrastination which, by the way, is not laziness or poor time management.

I hope you enjoy this episode; it is packed (but not cluttered) with so many helpful tips.

PS My apologies for the random dog barks that I could not edit out. During the recording of this episode, it was raining heavily and my dog was scared.

SANDRA LANE

Sandra's website: https://organizationlane.com/

Sandra's TEDx talk, The Real Cost of Clutter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7ocDqkyHtc&t=14s

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Exploring some of the links between food and mood with Celeste Ferraris OLY

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 20:45:00 +0000

I have been looking forward to my discussion with Celeste Ferraris OLY for a while now and it did not disappoint!

Celeste is a Clinical Nutritionist with a special interest in the gut microbiome and how food affects mood. Celeste gives us a really good overview of the gut microbiome, what our gut bacteria do for us and what can happen when our bacteria is out of balance.

Celeste’s current research for her PhD is about the association between a liking for salty foods and depression, stress and anxiety. It is a fascinating area including how we experience taste and how our neurotransmitters many be involved. In terms of future implications of Celeste’s research, alternation in taste may be used as a screening tool for mood disorders, like depression. Reliable, non-invasive screening tools are important as screening can lead to diagnosis and then treatment.

We also discuss Celeste's Olympic and Commonwealth Games success as a synchronised swimmer. It may be one of the lesser known Olympic sports but I was fascinated to hear about it, especially the rigorous training regime involved.

CELESTE FERRARIS OLY

Celeste's website: https://celesteferraris.com

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
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If you could rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts, that would be super helpful.
Check out ways you can support the podcast on my website: https://vibrantlivespodcast.com/be-involved/

Achieving what matters in your life with oncologist turned executive and personal coach, Dr Tabitha Healey

Amanda Hayes — Tue, 30 Aug 2022 21:00:00 +0000

How do we know what matters in our lives and how do we achieve what matters?

This week’s guest, Dr Tabitha Healey, helps people identify what matters to them and sets them on a path to achieving it. After 20 years as a medical oncologist, for reasons you’ll learn in our discussion, Tabitha switched careers and became an Executive, Leadership and Wellbeing Coach and a Clinical Hypnotherapist.

Tabitha has looked after people at their most vulnerable, she’s tended to people near death and learned some valuable life lessons throughout which she shares with us and which inform her coaching business. We learn about the importance of self-care and how that can look, how to set boundaries around using our time and why that is important.

The burgeoning area of medical hypnosis is a true passion for Tabitha. The application is vast from treating anxiety and chronic pain, helping people to quit smoking to dealing with trauma. The more we learn about the power of the human brain, the more adept we become at channeling that power. Totally fascinating!

DR TABITHA HEALEY

Small moments, Big lives: https://www.tabithahealey.com

Glo Clinical Hypnosis: https://www.glohypnosis.com.au

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST

Huberman Lab podcast: https://hubermanlab.com

Work Smart hypnosis podcast: https://worksmarthypnosis.com/podcasts/

Feel Better Live More podcast with Dr Rangan Chatterjee: https://drchatterjee.com/blog/category/podcast/

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
Follow me on Instagram @vibrant_lives_podcast
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If you could rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts, that would be super helpful.
Check out ways you can support the podcast on my website: https://vibrantlivespodcast.com/be-involved/

Eating insects - sustainable farming using insects as fodder with Dr Kristy Digiacomo

Amanda Hayes — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 21:00:00 +0000

Eating insects is not new; in many cultures insects have traditionally made up an important component of people's diets supplying protein and good fats. What is an emerging area of scientific research though, is using insects as fodder for production animals.

My guest this week, Senior Research Scientist Dr Kristy Digiacomo, is very well acquainted with her research subjects, black soldier flies. Kristy entertainingly talks us through how the larvae of these flies, fed on food waste, can be converted into high quality fodder for production animals and it seems they find it delicious!

We humans produce so much waste, particularly food waste. The ingenuity of growing insects on all our waste is that a low value product (e.g. supermarket waste) that cannot be fed directly to animals becomes a high value, safe food for animals via insects. A very neat circular economy can be created and it's a big win for sustainability, the crux of what scientists like Kristy are seeking to advance.

Kristy confesses that she has eaten black solder flies…tune in to hear her description of how they taste.

I found my conversation with Kristy so interesting and heartening to find out that so much innovative research is going in to improving agricultural practices and finding sustainable solutions.

MY FREE GUIDE

5 Common Nutrition Myths Debunked: https://vibrantlivespodcast.com/free-guide/

KRISTY DIGIACOMO PhD

Kristy's researcher profile: https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/profile/136989-kristy-digiacomo

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE

Seven Seasons Green Ant Gin: https://www.somethingwild.com.au/product-page/green-ant-gin

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
Follow me on Instagram @vibrant_lives_podcast
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If you could rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts, that would be super helpful.
Check out ways you can support the podcast on my website: https://vibrantlivespodcast.com/be-involved/

Is the #fitspo trend helpful or harmful with Dr Ivanka Prichard

Amanda Hayes — Tue, 02 Aug 2022 21:00:00 +0000

The term “fitspo” refers to “fitness inspiration” but is it really inspiring to see fitspos?

I delve into the question with Dr Ivanka Prichard, Associate Professor and health psychologist at Flinders University, South Australia. Ivanka ’s interests include the interaction between body image, exercise and eating behaviour. We discuss factors influencing body image and the ramifications of having a positive or negative body image.

Ivanka’s recent research examines the impact of different forms of #fitspiration imagery on body image and mood in young women. She shares her insights plus practical how to approach this tend as a critical consumer.

MY FREE GUIDE

5 Common Nutrition Myths Debunked: https://vibrantlivespodcast.com/free-guide/

IVANKA PRICHARD PhD

Ivanka’s researcher profile: https://www.flinders.edu.au/people/ivanka.prichard

Twitter handle: @IvankaPrichard

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE

Science Vs Podcast: https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/sciencevs

Appearance Matters: The Podcast!: https://www.uwe.ac.uk/research/centres-and-groups/appearance/resources

Embrace Kids documentary: https://bodyimagemovement.com/embrace/embrace-kids/

The cinema release is set for 1 September, 2022.

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
Follow me on Instagram @vibrant_lives_podcast
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If you could rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts, that would be super helpful.
Check out ways you can support the podcast on my website: https://vibrantlivespodcast.com/be-involved/

Five Minute Food Facts - Dairy vs Plant Milks

Amanda Hayes — Wed, 27 Jul 2022 21:00:00 +0000

Plant based dairy milk alternatives have exploded in popularity which is great news for people with allergies to dairy or lactose intolerance. For many of us, we choose them because they taste good and some of them, like oat milk, have better environmental credentials than cow's milk.

Alternative milks have quite different nutrition profiles so it is helpful to know how your favourite milk stacks up when it comes to protein, energy or carbohydrate content.

In this Five Minute Food Facts episode I break all that information down for you so you can choose the milk (or milks) that best suit your needs.

The research that is moving us towards eliminating bowel cancer with Dr Susan Woods

Amanda Hayes — Tue, 19 Jul 2022 21:50:00 +0000

When we think of cancer research we often conjure images of test tubes, microscopes and lab coats. What are they doing, those brainy scientific researchers, and what are they finding out?

Today, I take you behind the scenes with biomedical scientist, Associate Professor Dr Susan Woods, who shares with us some of the ground-breaking and truly inspiring research taking place in her lab at Adelaide University Medical School. Susi specialises in gut (including bowel) cancer research. Her focus includes finding new ways to detect early stage bowel cancer because, as highlighted in my episode with Nick Lee OAM, when detected early, 95% of bowel cancer can be cured. Susi and her team are also looking at how to target treatment in later stage bowel cancer to act only on the cancer and reduce the unwanted side effects of current available treatments like chemotherapy.

Despite the heavy subject matter, my conversation with Susi left me feeling optimistic because of the amazing work she and her team do but also because she is aware of how important hope is to people with cancer and the work in her lab provides just that, hope for the future.

DR SUSAN WOODS

Adelaide University Researcher Profile: https://researchers.adelaide.edu.au/profile/susan.woods#

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE

The Cancer Council: https://www.cancer.org.au

Gastro-intestinal cancer trials in Australia: https://gicancer.org.au/community-clinical-trials/

My episode with Nick Lee OAM: https://vibrantlivespodcast.com/podcasts/nick-lee/

MY FREE GUIDE

5 Common Nutrition Myths Debunked: https://vibrantlivespodcast.com/free-guide/

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
Follow me on Instagram @vibrant_lives_podcast
Follow my Facebook page: @vibrantlivespodcast
If you could rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts, that would be super helpful.
Check out ways you can support the podcast on my website: https://vibrantlivespodcast.com/be-involved/

Talking girls and women in sport, sports bras and menstruation with Dr Katherine Grellman

Amanda Hayes — Tue, 05 Jul 2022 07:04:00 +0000

As we know, staying active is so important for physical and mental health. Unfortunately though, women are much less likely to play team sport than men and by the age of 15, nearly one-third of girls will stop playing club sport.

There are numerous reasons for this, such as inappropriate (or non-existent) women’s changing facilities and fewer female role models. Yet many of the reasons like wearing the right sports bra and understanding your menstrual cycle, can be addressed with some basic knowledge. Understanding how a good sports bra should fit and function is really important to reduce breast bounce that can damage breast tissue and to increase comfort. Knowing what is happening to your hormones during menstruation and how you feel in during your cycle is vital and validating.

My guest this week, Dr Katherine Grellman, Sports and Exercise Physician Registrar, who has a special interest in female athlete health, expertly talks us through these issues and more.

This episode is not just for women. It is my strong opinion that the more men (who can be fathers, partners, friends, coaches, teachers of girls and women) that understand these issues the better. It will not only help normalise what half our population deals with but increasing awareness about ways to keep girls and women active is important for everyone.

DR KATHERINE GRELLMAN

Dr Katherine Grellman at SPARC: https://www.sparc.com.au/staff/dr-katherine-grellman

Social media handle: @sparc_sport

5 COMMON NUTRITION MYTHS DEBUNKED

Download my Free Guide and join the Vibrant Lives community here: https://vibrantlivespodcast.com/free-guide/

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST

Sports Bra Tool: https://bra.edu.au

AIS Female Performance & Health Initiative: https://www.ais.gov.au/fphi

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
Follow me on Instagram @vibrant_lives_podcast
Follow my Facebook page: @vibrantlivespodcast
If you could rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts, that would be super helpful.
Check out ways you can support the podcast on my website: https://vibrantlivespodcast.com/be-involved/

Beating bowel cancer with Nick Lee OAM, Founder and Chair of the Jodi Lee Foundation

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 20 Jun 2022 21:00:00 +0000

Bowel cancer is also known as the "silent killer” because sometimes it can be asymptomatic, particularly in the early stages of the disease. After lung cancer, bowel cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related death in Australia. But, it shouldn’t be. If caught early, 99% of treatments are successful.

Nick Lee OAM, my guest this week, is on a mission to empower Australians to prevent bowl cancer through the Jodi Lee Foundation, which he set up after the death of his wife, Jodi, from bowel cancer in 2010. Since then, the Jodi Lee Foundation has saved countless lives by raising awareness about bowel cancer and encouraging people to take a simple screening test.

I found my conversation with Nick really moving but also uplifting - he’s done so much good in our world.

JODI LEE FOUNDATION

Jodi Lee Foundation: https://jodileefoundation.org.au

Social media handle: @jodileefoundation

Bowel Cancer Sympton Checker: https://jodileefoundation.org.au/awareness-campaigns/symptom-checker/

Trust Your Gut campaign: https://jodileefoundation.org.au/awareness-campaigns/trust-your-gut/

The JLF Trek: https://app.jodileefoundation.org.au/events

5 COMMON NUTRITION MYTHS DEBUNKED

Download my Free Guide and join the Vibrant Lives community here: https://vibrantlivespodcast.com/free-guide/

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST

The MindBodyBrain Project with Paul Taylor: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-mindbodybrain-project/id1534267189

Bowl cancer awareness month: https://www.bowelcanceraustralia.org/bowel-cancer-awareness-month

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
Follow me on Instagram @vibrant_lives_podcast
Follow my Facebook page: @vibrantlivespodcast
If you could rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts, that would be super helpful.
Check out ways you can support the podcast on my website: https://vibrantlivespodcast.com/be-involved/

Treating teen acne and nurturing mature skin with skin expert, dermatologist Dr Emma Ryan

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 21:00:00 +0000

Did you know that your skin is the largest organ in your body?

Our skin is a complex organ with multiple important roles. When something goes wrong with our skin, as opposed to say plaque building up in our arteries, often we can’t hide it and that can cause not only discomfort but also embarrassment. The health of our skin can play an enormous role in how we feel about ourselves and has the potential to impact our mood.

That is why I am honoured to speak with skin expert, dermatologist, Dr Emma Ryan. Emma will help us understand how our skin is made up, what factors can impact the appearance of our skin and how best to care for our skin.

We’ll focus in on that common skin condition affecting many of our teens, acne, including its causes, how it can impact self-esteem and best treatment options available.

Mature skin is the other topic we cover in depth. Emma explains how and why our skin ages and gives an excellent overview of treatments available to help improve the appearance of ageing skin from cosmeceuticals and laser and even Botox.

Dr Emma Ryan is a Fellow of the Australasian College of Dermatologists and visiting specialist at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, Women’s and Children’s Hospital and Alice Springs Hospital. She also has a private proactive in Adelaide, Adelaide Skin & Eye Centre. Emma practices both medical and surgical dermatology. Her particular interests include paediatric dermatology, acne and acne scarring, cancer surveillance, inflammatory skin disease and cosmetic dermatology.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE

Emma's private practice, Adelaide Skin & Eye Centre: https://asec.net.au/our-doctors/emma-ryan/

All About Acne: https://acne.org.au/about/

Sunsmart App: https://www.cancersa.org.au/prevention/sunsmart/sunsmart-resources/sunsmart-apps/sunsmart-app/

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
Follow me on Instagram @vibrant_lives_podcast
Follow my Facebook page: @vibrantlivespodcast
If you could rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts, that would be super helpful.
Check out ways you can support the podcast on my website: https://vibrantlivespodcast.com/be-involved/

Five Minute Food Facts - EGGS

Amanda Hayes — Tue, 31 May 2022 21:00:00 +0000

Are you confused about eating eggs? Nutrition powerhouse or cholesterol punch?

It is true that eggs are high in cholesterol but we now know that, for most people, dietary cholesterol only has a small impact on blood cholesterol. Recent scientific studies show that egg consumption is not associated with overall heart disease risk factors. There are, in fact, many benefits to eating eggs. Find out more in my Five Minute Food Facts podcast.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE

Choice article about free-range egg brands: https://www.choice.com.au/food-and-drink/meat-fish-and-eggs/eggs/articles/what-free-range-eggs-meet-the-model-code

FIVE MINUTE FOOD FACTS EPISODES

Dietary fats Overview: https://vibrantlivespodcast.com/podcasts/five-minute-food-facts-dietary-fat/

Unsaturated Fats: https://vibrantlivespodcast.com/podcasts/5mff-unsaturated-fat/

Saturated Fats: https://vibrantlivespodcast.com/podcasts/five-minute-food-facts-saturated-fat/

Cholesterol: https://vibrantlivespodcast.com/podcasts/cholesterol/

Dietary Protein Overview: https://vibrantlivespodcast.com/podcasts/five-minute-food-facts-protein-overview/

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
Follow me on Instagram @vibrant_lives_podcast
Follow my Facebook page: @vibrantlivespodcast
If you could rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts, that would be super helpful.
Check out ways you can support the podcast on my website: https://vibrantlivespodcast.com/be-involved/

Learning to live with chronic depression with civil engineer, Gerry Doyle

Amanda Hayes — Tue, 24 May 2022 21:00:00 +0000

TRIGGER WARNING: In this podcast episode we discuss suicide and suicidal ideation.

Did you know that in Australia, in any one year, around 1 million adults have depression?

In this episode I put a voice to Australia's mental health crisis with civil engineer, Gerry Doyle.

For all appearances, Gerry is the embodiment of success - he is CEO at Tonkin Consulting, a leading provider of engineering and environmental services, he is happily married and father to five boys. Gerry is a competitive runner and enjoyable company. For people unaware, it would be quite a shock to learn of Gerry's ongoing struggle with chronic depression and that, despite his obvious career success, he spent much time feeling like a failure. Depression has taken Gerry's mind to some very bleak places, including contemplating suicide.

Gerry shares his story openly and with generosity. He shares with us how he manages his depression and the processes he has put in place to keep it at bay, plus what living with depression has taught him about life. By sharing his story, Gerry hopes he is able to help others and reduce the stigma around mental illness in Australia.

GERRY DOYLE AND LINKS MENTIONED

Tonkin Consulting: https://tonkin.com.au

Link to my review of Quiet by Susan Cain: https://vibrantlivespodcast.com/amanda-recommends/quiet/

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
Follow me on Instagram @vibrant_lives_podcast
Follow my Facebook page: @vibrantlivespodcast
If you could rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts, that would be super helpful.
Check out ways you can support the podcast on my website: https://vibrantlivespodcast.com/be-involved/

The future you - artificial intelligence and your health with Harry Glorikian

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 09 May 2022 21:00:00 +0000

When you hear artificial intelligence (AI) and big data it may be robots, smart homes and self-driving cars that you think of, not necessarily your health. AI and data have a powerful role to play in our health with potential applications that will change the face of health care. This week’s guest, Harry Glorikian, AI expert, healthcare entrepreneur and author enlightens us about the fascinating technological innovations taking place in the health care space.

Harry is the author of, The Future You: How Artificial Intelligence Can Help You Get Healthier, Stress Less and Live Longer. Most of us what those things and according to Harry, judicious use of AI can help us achieve them.

We talk about the ability of AI to analyse and synthesise enormous amounts of data and the implications of this. Applications most of us are already aware of and using are things like smart watches, activity trackers and devices that measure sleep metrics. Going forward we will be able to have personalised nutrition advice based on our genome and decentralised health care where we can use a portable X-ray at home and be advised whether we need to attend the ER department or not. AI opens the door to significant improvements in cancer treatments where the genomic sequence of a cancer tumour can be used to determine the best treatment protocol rather than relying on trial and error.

AI played a significant role in diagnosing and detecting the SARS-CoV-2 virus and developing effective vaccines in record time. Harry explains how this was achieved with the help of AI and how, because data can be processed so quickly in a short space of time, procedures that would previously have taken years took weeks to months. Vaccines were developed quickly but not because corners were cut. It is fascinating to understand more about this.

Tune in and learn about our future!

HARRY GLORIKIAN & LINKS MENTIONED

Harry Glorikian: https://glorikian.com

The Future You: https://glorikian.com/the-future-you/

Harry's social media handle @harryglorikian

KardiaMobile EKG: https://store.kardia.com

WHOOP band: https://www.whoop.com/en-au/

Eight Sleep: https://www.eightsleep.com

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
Follow me on Instagram @vibrant_lives_podcast
Follow my Facebook page: @vibrantlivespodcast
If you could rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts, that would be super helpful.
Check out ways you can support the podcast on my website: https://vibrantlivespodcast.com/be-involved/

How to look after your pelvic floor to live and move well with physiotherapist, Beck Sabine

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 25 Apr 2022 21:00:00 +0000

Is your pelvic floor holding you back?

Do you ever leak when you exercise? Feel a sense of urgency to pee?

Let’s learn more about looking after the unsung heroes that are your pelvic floor muscles.

In this episode pelvic floor expert, physiotherapist Beck Sabine of Vital Core Physiotherapy, and I will discuss what you need to know about looking after your pelvic floor and no, it’s not just a women’s issue. The pelvic floor muscles are a group of muscles that span the space between the pubic bone and the coccyx. They are responsible for supporting all the pelvic organs, they’re important for going to the toilet and for healthy sexual function.

Beck is a very keen runner so one of her passions is helping people with pelvic floor issues get back to exercise. The good news is that with the right diagnosis, most pelvic floor problems can be rectified. Beck explains this with her trademark optimism and problem solving mindset.

We also discuss how to approach return to exercise postpartum so if you’re a new Mum, this episode will have some gems of information especially for you.

BECK SABINE & LINKS MENTIONED

Vital Core Physiotherapy: https://vitalcore.com.au

Vital Core's SM handle @vitalcorephysio

Vital Core's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/vitalcore/

Vibrant Lives podcast episode with Dr Jane Chalmers: https://vibrantlivespodcast.com/podcasts/jane-chalmers/

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
Follow me on Instagram @vibrant_lives_podcast
Follow my Facebook page: @vibrantlivespodcast
If you could rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts, that would be super helpful.
Check out ways you can support the podcast on my website: https://vibrantlivespodcast.com/be-involved/

David Richman cycled 8,000km across the US to raise funds for cancer

Amanda Hayes — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 01:08:00 +0000

Like many of us, David’s life was touched by cancer when his sister June died of brain cancer. David wanted to find a unique way to honour his sister and raise funds for cancer care and research - the Cycle of Lives Project was born. David set himself the very bold goal of cycling over 8,000km across the United States from Los Angeles via Florida to New York in just over 6 weeks.

Cycle of Lives project became about much more that fund raising though - David selected 15 people whose lives had been irrevocable changed by cancer either as a patient, a loved one, carer or doctor. He interviewed these people about the emotional chaos that comes with cancer and visited many of them as part of his epic ride across the country. David observed that many people are very good at talking about the tasks related to cancer such as how to navigate the health care system but when it came to having frank conversations about the emotions accompanying cancer, they were not as well equipped. He created a safe space for his 15 participants to share their poignant stories. David documented the Cycle of Lives bike ride and the stories that were shared with him in a book to help people open up the conversation about cancer.

All funds raised from Cycle of Lives are donated to cancer charities nominated by the participants.

DAVID RICHMAN

David Richman's website: https://david-richman.com

Cycle of Lives, the book: https://david-richman.com/cycle-of-lives/

David's SM handle: @davidrichman_cycleoflives

Live Life Coaching facebook: https://www.facebook.com/livelifecoaching

Book recommended by David: Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
Follow me on Instagram @vibrant_lives_podcast
Follow my Facebook page: @vibrantlivespodcast
If you could rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts, that would be super helpful.
Check out ways you can support the podcast on my website: https://vibrantlivespodcast.com/be-involved/

The power of positive psychology to enhance your happiness and wellbeing with Life Coach, Stephanie Noon

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 20:00:00 +0000

Who doesn’t want to be happier?

In this episode, Steph Noon, explains the role of positive psychology in her work as a Life Coach. Positive psychology is not based on the premise that we must be happy all the time. Rather, it builds on our individual strengths and talents to enhance our happiness and wellbeing. I was so interested to learn that these are skills we can practise and develop. Just as psychology, in the more traditional sense, can equip us with skills to overcome deficits or what is wrong, positive psychology can teach us another set of skills, to improve our happiness and our self-worth.

I put some common scenarios to Steph and she gave some helpful, practical tips. One example was how do we counter all the nearly constant negativity and despair we encounter on the news. The news cycle is relentless and for many of us (me included) it can sometimes feel overwhelming and consuming. Steph explains the human negativity bias (where adverse events have a more significant impact on our psychological state than positive events) and how putting up parameters around how often we access the news can be helpful - a simple but effective tip.

Our chat also ranges over how social media can affect our teens, changing our thought patterns, self-compassion, sprinting and so many more interesting topics. Also, Steph addresses two listener questions to do with chronic pain and with being a highly sensitive person.

STEPH NOON & LINKS MENTIONED

Live Life Coaching (Steph's business): http://www.livelifecoaching.com.au

Lifespan Podcast with Dr David Sinclair: https://www.lifespanpodcast.com

VIA character strengths survey: https://www.viacharacter.org

Steph's SM handle: @livelifecoaching

Live Life Coaching facebook: https://www.facebook.com/livelifecoaching

Book recommended by Steph: Atlas of the Heart by Brene Brown

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
Follow me on Instagram @vibrant_lives_podcast
Follow my Facebook page: @vibrantlivespodcast
If you could rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts, that would be super helpful.
Check out ways you can support the podcast on my website: https://vibrantlivespodcast.com/be-involved/

Empowering women in sport with Ironman champion, Sara Gross PhD

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 28 Feb 2022 20:00:00 +0000

What a privilege to spend some time in the company of Sara Gross. Sarah is a determined advocate for women in sport, a champion Ironman triathlete and, at the same time, humble and kind.

Sara shares with us an enjoyable insight into how she found her way into the sport of triathlon where, after years on the circuit as a pro, she finally won her first ironman in Brazil (2014) aged 38. We probe into what led to her success - hard work and consistent training, of course, but also the race fell at the "right" time in her cycle enabling Sara to perform at her best.

Not enough is known about how women's menstrual cycles impact our training. Having this knowledge would allow us to adapt our training schedules to enable optimal results. Fortunately, this space is evolving thanks to the work of women like Sara and her friend and collaborator, Dr Stacy Sims.

Sarah is the CEO of Feisty, a company she founded in 2017. Feisty is a women-led media network dedicated to story-telling, critical-thinking and community. Feisty has a stable of 8 awesome podcasts about women's performance. They host events like the annual Women's Performance Summit, post informative articles and newsletters and more. Check it out - link below.

SARA GROSS

Fiesty Media: https://livefeisty.com

Feisty Women's Performance Summit: https://livefeisty.com/events/

Sara's SM handle: @sara.gross

Feisty SM handle: @feisty_media

Book recommended by Sara: Invisible Women - Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men by Caroline Criado Perez

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
Follow me on Instagram @vibrant_lives_podcast
Follow my Facebook page: @vibrantlivespodcast
If you could rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts, that would be super helpful.
Check out ways you can support the podcast on my website: https://vibrantlivespodcast.com/be-involved/

PS My sister's 1000s CrossFit workout: 5 rounds of (400m run, 21 x deadlifts, 12 x box jumps) - sounds HARD!!

Getting around men's mental health with resilience trainer and former Special Forces soldier, Nathan Bolton

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 20:00:00 +0000

One of the most amazing things about hosting Vibrant Lives Podcast is hearing people’s stories and my goodness, my guest this week, Nathan Bolton, has an extraordinary one!

Today Nathan is an advocate for men’s mental health and a resilience trainer. Nathan and his brother, Daniel, established Bolton Brothers, a psychology practice dedicated to improving male mental health and wellbeing by delivering a gendered approach to mental health services. They are committed to changing the face of men’s mental health.

Step back several years and Nathan was in an extremely different place. After completing two tours in Afghanistan as a Special Operations Engineer with the Australian Special Forces where his role included finding IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices i.e. landmines) and where he survived unimaginable (to most civilians) horrors and hardships, he was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Major Depression, a battle that very nearly took his life.

We discuss how Nathan recovered, what it takes for him to maintain his equilibrium, what he’s learned and how he’s determined to help others facing similar challenges to those he faced.

NATHAN BOLTON

Bolton Brothers: https://boltonbrothers.com.au

Bolton Brothers facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/boltonbrothers

Nathan's facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NathanBoltonMensMentalHealth

Bolton Brothers social media handle: @bolton.brothers

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE

Young Blood: Men's Mental health Podcast with Nathan: https://podtail.com/en/podcast/young-blood-men-s-health-matters/the-war-inside-with-nathan-bolton/

Admiral Willian H McRaven's 2014 Commencement Address, University of Texas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxBQLFLei70

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
Follow me on Instagram @vibrant_lives_podcast
Follow my Facebook page: @vibrantlivespodcast
If you could rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts, that would be super helpful.
Check out ways you can support the podcast on my website: https://vibrantlivespodcast.com/be-involved/

Tammie Chang, MD on the importance of setting boundaries for women doctors (and all women)

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 31 Jan 2022 20:00:00 +0000

Hello 2022 from Vibrant Lives Podcast!

I am excited to kick off my year of podcast interviews with Dr Tammie Chang. Tammie is a physician in paediatric haematology and oncology, plus she is an empowerment and leadership coach for women physicians (doctors).

In this episode Tammie will share with us advice on how to set boundaries to avoid burnout and enjoy working as a doctor. Although Tammie's focus is on women doctors, her advice can be applied to all busy people, especially women. Women typically face a multitude of competing pressures at work and at home, where they continue to shoulder a disproportionate share of household duties. Heaped on top of this is that women are socialised to care and give. This can make setting boundaries difficult for many women but as you'll learn from Tammie, it can be done and it's important that it is done.

If you're a busy person who feels like there is never enough time to care for yourself, this episode is for you!

TAMMIE CHANG, MD

Tammie Chang, MD website: https://www.tammiechangmd.com

Pink Coat, MD website: https://pinkcoatmd.com/about/

Tammie's social media handle: @tammiechangmd

Tammie's book, "Boundaries for Women Physicians": https://www.amazon.com.au/Boundaries-Women-Physicians-Career-Medicine-ebook/dp/B09R7VY1QF/ref=nav_youraccount_switchacct?crid=32KL9WIFOGAAD&keywords=tammie+chang&qid=1643840709&sprefix=tammie+chang%2Caps%2C245&sr=8-1

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
Follow me on Instagram @vibrant_lives_podcast
Follow my Facebook page: @vibrantlivespodcast
If you could rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts, that would be super helpful.
Check out ways you can support the podcast on my website: https://vibrantlivespodcast.com/be-involved/

Vibrant Lives Podcast 2021 Wrap Up

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 27 Dec 2021 07:37:00 +0000

Amanda shares what she's learned from her guests in 2021 about how to live a vibrant life and gives some hints of what's in store for 2022.

She gives a run-down of the top five episodes and the two episodes that received the most interaction from listeners.

Vibrant Lives Podcast wishes you a safe, happy and healthy festive season.

TOP 5 EPISODES OF 2021

Lara Casanova on coping with the grief of pet loss: https://vibrantlivespodcast.com/podcasts/lara-casanova/

Dr Jane Chalmers on pelvic and period pain: https://vibrantlivespodcast.com/podcasts/jane-chalmers/

Dr Robert Ali on the health impacts of alcohol: https://vibrantlivespodcast.com/podcasts/dr-robert-ali/

Dr Martin Gibala on time-efficient exercise: https://vibrantlivespodcast.com/podcasts/martin-gibala/

Erin Niimi Longhurst on insights into Japanese culture and living well: https://vibrantlivespodcast.com/podcasts/erin-niimi-longhurst/

2 MOST DISCUSSED EPISODES

Tanya Bottomley, advocate for raising awareness about domestic violence: https://vibrantlivespodcast.com/podcasts/tanya-bottomley/

Dr Tessa Opie on educating our young people about sex, sexuality and consent: https://vibrantlivespodcast.com/podcasts/tessa-opie/

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
Follow me on Instagram @vibrant_lives_podcast
Follow my Facebook page: @vibrantlivespodcast
If you could rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts, that would be super helpful.
Check out ways you can support the podcast on my website: https://vibrantlivespodcast.com/be-involved/

Chiropractic care during pregnancy and beyond with Dr Loukia Papageorgiou

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 13 Dec 2021 20:00:00 +0000

Your posture is so important for the optimal functioning of your nervous system and your biomechanics.⁠

⁠

For women, there are notable stages in our lives that can have a profound impact in our posture such as pregnancy and ageing.⁠ Join me as I chat with registered chiropractor, Dr Loukia Papageorgiou, about how we can maintain optimal spine health during different life stages.⁠

Loukia has specialist post-graduate training in caring for women during pregnancy so we delve into that and we touch on chiropractic care during peri-menopause and beyond.

DR LOUKIA PAPAGEORGIOU

Chiropractic on Winston: https://www.chiropracticonwinston.com.au

Socail media handle @chiro_on_winston

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
Follow me on Instagram @vibrant_lives_podcast
Follow my Facebook page: @vibrantlivespodcast
If you could rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts, that would be super helpful.
Check out ways you can support the podcast on my website: https://vibrantlivespodcast.com/be-involved/

How to maintain cognitive health as we age with Associate Professor Tim Windsor

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:00:00 +0000

My guest on Vibrant Lives Podcast this week is Associate Professor Tim Windsor, whose research centres around ageing well. Tim’s areas of interest include cognition, social behaviour and activity engagement during adulthood and ageing. Given the ageing of our population here in Australia, it is important work and something that is obviously relevant to everyone who ages.

We discuss what ageing actually means and how a person’s chronological age is not a perfect indicator of their biological age. Most of our discussion centres around the importance of meaningful engagement as we age, how this factors into maintaining cognitive health and what we can do to achieve this.

We all want to age well and we want our loved ones to age well so please tune in to benefit from Tim’s expertise.

TIM WINDSOR

Tim's Flinders University profile page: https://www.flinders.edu.au/people/tim.windsor

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
Follow me on Instagram @vibrant_lives_podcast
Follow my Facebook page: @vibrantlivespodcast
If you could rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts, that would be super helpful.
Check out ways you can support the podcast on my website: https://vibrantlivespodcast.com/be-involved/

Coping with stress and overwhelm with wellness coach, Anna Doktor

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 22 Nov 2021 20:00:00 +0000

Do you ever feel overwhelmed? Do you struggle with managing stress?

If you do, this week’s episode with Wellness Coach Anna Doktor might be just what you need.

Anna and I have a frank and helpful discussion about what stress and overwhelm are, how they can impact your health and how they can be managed. In response to stress the body releases hormones, like cortisol, and long term exposure to this heightened hormonal state can disrupt your body's processes and increase your risk of certain health problems including depression, digestive and sleep problems, heart disease and weight gain. In addition, stress that is ever present, chronic stress, can make you feel like you have no control over your life.

Anna explains that the first step to managing stress and overwhelm is self-awareness and she speak to this. She also explains the importance mind-body connection which opens up many strategies for dealing with stress such as exercise and nutrition.

This episode is full of practical advice to help you manage your time, overcoming mindset roadblocks and ultimately get your stress levels under control.

ANNA DOKTOR'S CONTACTS

Anna Doktor Wellness Coaching: https://www.annadoktor.com.au

Anna Doktor Wellness Coaching facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annadoktorwellnesscoaching

Social Media handle @anna_doktor_wellness_coaching

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST

"The Way of Integrity" by Martha Beck: https://marthabeck.com/the-way-of-integrity/

Online Marketing Made Easy podcast: https://www.amyporterfield.com/amy-porterfield-podcast/

Thought leader, Marie Forleo: https://www.marieforleo.com

Talking about young people and sex, sexuality and consent with Dr Tessa Opie

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 20:00:00 +0000

Sex, sexuality, consent, respectful relationships - these are all things our children need and want to learn about and, according to expert, Dr Tess Opie, we’re not doing a good job at educating them.

In today’s social media saturated world, young adults form unrealistic ideas about what is sexy, and there is a huge sense of peer pressure to be sexually active. In the absence of appropriate education about sex, many turn to porn as their guide. Unfortunately, the sites young people are likely to access show violent or aggressive sex acts and fail to show what is vital to respectful sexual intimacy in the real world such as conversations around contraception, discussions regarding boundaries or checking in with each other. The results of this are not good - rates sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhoea, syphilis and chlamydia have all increased in young people, as has coerced sex.

Join me as I chat with Dr Tess Opie, founder and director of in your skin® and advocate for healthy and consenting relationships. Tess’ approach to education around sex, sexuality and consent is sex-positive, evidence-based and harm reduction focused. In Tess’ experience, young people are keen for information and sensible, mature conversations around sex and sexuality. They are sick of the sex negative way education around sex has traditionally been delivered.

Tess explains some of the challenges facing our young people when it comes to sex and sexuality and offers expert advice. Her website has resources we can access so we can become more aware of the pressures facing our children around sex and how to have those important conversations with them.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST

in your skin®: https://www.inyourskin.co

Making Sense with Sam Harris: https://samharris.org/podcast/

Legal Services Commission of SA, Sex and Consent Fact Sheet: https://lsc.sa.gov.au/cb_pages/young_people_and_sex_and_consent.php

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
Follow me on Instagram @vibrant_lives_podcast
Follow my Facebook page: @vibrantlivespodcast
If you could rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts, that would be super helpful.
Check out ways you can support the podcast on my website: https://vibrantlivespodcast.com/be-involved/

All you need to know about how to get "Run Fit" with running coach, Nick Muxlow

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 19:30:00 +0000

Today I welcome back podcast favourite, Nick Muxlow, running and triathlon coach, athlete and author.

In this episode Nick and I discuss one of our number one topics - running! If you are a runner or want to become a runner of any distance, this episode if packed full of vital information. Through his decades of coaching others and his own athletic endeavours, Nick has figured out all the common mistakes runners make and his recently published his third book, "Get Run Fit - Improve your running, finish with a smile", will help you avoid those mistakes. Nick has developed the "Run Fit Method" where he has distilled his advice, in an accessible way, about the steps to take to help you improve your running.

If you are a runner or would like to become one, this episode is for you!

NICK'S RESOURCES

The Run Journey: https://therunjourney.com

The Ultra Journey: https://www.theultrajourney.com

The Kona Journey: https://thekonajourney.net

PREVIOUS EPISODES WITH NICK

Episode #38 about triathlon: https://vibrantlivespodcast.com/podcasts/nick-muxlow-triathlon/

Episode #1 about ultra running: https://vibrantlivespodcast.com/podcasts/nick-muxlow-endurance-running/

My book review of "Get Run Fit": https://vibrantlivespodcast.com/amanda-recommends/get-run-fit/

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
Follow me on Instagram @vibrant_lives_podcast
Follow my Facebook page: @vibrantlivespodcast
If you could rate and review the podcast on iTunes, that would be super helpful.
Check out ways you can support the podcast on my website: https://vibrantlivespodcast.com/be-involved/

Creating your healthy habits with behaviour change specialist, Dr Heather McKee

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 11 Oct 2021 20:30:00 +0000

Have you ever struggled with sticking to your well-intentioned health goals? Let’s be real, we all have.

This episode might be what you’re looking for to help you reach your goals and make healthy behaviours into lasting habits. Behaviour change specialist, Dr Heather McKee, shares her considerable knowledge about the art of goal setting, how to actually achieve your health goals, how to deal wth set backs, and more.

All of Heather’s advice is supported by scientific research into the psychology of behaviour change. Our discussion is packed with practical and helpful strategies for you. Also, if habit change is an area you want to delve into further or feel like you need more support, Heather offers a “Bite Sized Habits Course” (link below).

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST

Dr Heather McKee's website: https://www.drheathermckee.co.uk

Bite Sized Habits Course: https://www.bitesizedhabits.co

The Extended Mind by Annie Murphy Paul : https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/0544947665?ref_=cb_interstitial_us_au_desktop_rec_bullseye_unk_dp_dp

Brené Brown podcasts: https://brenebrown.com/podcasts/

The Happiness Lab podcast with Dr Laurie Santos: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-happiness-lab-with-dr-laurie-santos/id1474245040

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
Follow me on Instagram @vibrant_lives_podcast
Follow my Facebook page: @vibrantlivespodcast
If you could rate and review the podcast on iTunes, that would be super helpful.
Check out ways you can support the podcast on my website: https://vibrantlivespodcast.com/be-involved/

Five Minute Food Facts - CHOLESTEROL

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 04 Oct 2021 23:30:00 +0000

This is the fourth and final episode of my four part series about dietary fats. Today I look at cholesterol, including the essential roles it plays in our bodies - it is a precursor for bile acids and for steroid hormones such as estrogen and testosterone - and its association with heart disease.

I discuss the different types of cholesterol as it can be confusing and I disabuse the myth that dietary cholesterol causes high blood cholesterol.

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
Follow me on Instagram @vibrant_lives_podcast
Follow my Facebook page: @vibrantlivespodcast
If you could rate and review the podcast on iTunes, that would be super helpful.

An episode to lift your spirits with fermentation expert, cheese maker and all round food enthusiast, Mandy Hall

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 21:30:00 +0000

Join me for this fun and inspiring chat about the fabulous world of fermentation with Adelaide’s fermenting dynamo, Mandy Hall.

Many of you may know of Mandy as a contestant on Master Chef Australia (2019). Since then, Mandy has continued and expanded her love of all things food; she is a cook, a workshop presenter, recipe developer, cheese maker, and fermentation expert.

Mandy explains what fermentation is, how fermented foods feature in different cultures and for home cooks, like me, she shares a simple fermentation recipe which I have put to the test…results pending.

We also discuss the health benefits, especially gut health, of fermented foods plus Mandy shares some behind the scenes snippets from her time on Master Chef.

MANDY HALL

Instagram handle @mandyhallfood

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mandyhallfood

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST

“Soil" by Matthew Evans: https://www.murdochbooks.com.au/browse/books/other-books/Soil-Matthew-Evans-9781922351418

A Plate to Call Home with Gary Mehigan: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/a-plate-to-call-home/id1280342698

Deep in the Weeds - A Food podcast with Anthony Huckstep: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/deep-in-the-weeds-a-food-podcast-with-anthony-huckstep/id1504577759

Udder Delights: https://udderdelights.com.au

Section 28: http://www.section28.com.au

Foodbank SA: https://www.foodbank.org.au/SA/ourfacts/?state=sa

MY NEW WEBSITE

Please check out my new website and join the Vibrant Lives Podcast community by subscribing: https://vibrantlivespodcast.com

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
Follow me on Instagram @vibrant_lives_podcast
Follow my Facebook page: @vibrantlivespodcast
If you could rate and review the podcast on iTunes, that would be super helpful.

Domestic violence awareness advocate, ultra-runner and story teller, Tanya Bottomley

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 13 Sep 2021 21:30:00 +0000

This is the most moving podcast I’ve recorded to date.

My guest, Tanya Bottomely, is an advocate for raising awareness around domestic violence and abuse, ultra trail runner and story teller. Tanya generously shares her personal story about living in an abusive relationship, how she managed to leave that relationship and the remarkable and uplifting story of her recovery.

Running turned out to be a saviour for Tanya - it gave her freedom and agency which helped her build confidence to change her life. An important part of Tanya’s awareness raising is to share her progress towards recovery and to give hope to others out there that change is possible. Too often we hear about the horrors of domestic violence and abuse but not about recovery; her short film Peak of Possibility, featured in the 2021 RunNation film festival, is all about this. It is inspiring on so many levels.

Tanya and I also discuss her amazing running feats including her goal to become the first woman in New Zealand to complete the Southern Season Miler Challenge - a cool 4 x 100 mile (161 km) ultra endurance races. WOW! We discuss fuelling for long runs and how Tanya trained for these impressive performances.

FOLLOWING TANYA

Run Like Tanya website: https://runliketanya.com

Run Like Tanya facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/runliketanya/

Instagram handle @runliketanya

"PEAK OF POSSIBILITY" SHORT FILM

"Peak of Possibility" is part of the RunNation film festival, screened across various locations in Australia: https://runnationfilmfestival.com/australia

To see RunNation (and other) films, you can subscribe to the Adventure + channel: https://adventureplus.com/programs/rnff-2021-22

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HELP - NEW ZEALAND

Shine: https://www.2shine.org.nz

Women's Refuge: https://womensrefuge.org.nz

It's Not OK: http://www.areyouok.org.nz

Woven Earth: https://wovenearth.org.nz

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HELP - AUSTRALIA

1800RESPECT: https://www.1800respect.org.au

Australian Government Services: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/subjects/family-and-domestic-violence

Lifeline: https://www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/information-and-support/domestic-and-family-violence/

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST

The Power of Now and A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle: https://eckharttolle.com/books/

Tor des Geants: https://runthealps.com/races/tor-des-geants/

Wild Things, New Zealand trail Running Club: https://www.wildthings.club

Ultramarathon Man: https://ultramarathonman.com

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
Follow me on Instagram @vibrant_lives_podcast
Follow my Facebook page: @vibrantlivespodcast
If you could rate and review the podcast on iTunes, that would be super helpful.

The paradox of acceptance with neuro-wellbeing writer and educator, Jessica Lee

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 06 Sep 2021 21:30:00 +0000

Do you struggle with adapting to unwanted change like an illness or being in lockdown?⁠

⁠

This week I interview neuro-wellbeing writer and educator, Jessica Lee. Jess shares some neuroscience based strategies to help you accept change, which she calls empowered acceptance. Rather than giving up, accepting the reality of a situation we many not want but we cannot change will help open our minds and broaden our perspectives. Empowered acceptance can help us find solutions, build resilience and create greater meaning and purpose in our lives.

⁠

Jess is also the founder of The Spark Effect where she offers courses and coaching. She is passionate about helping women and one of her courses, The Spark Effect Academy, is designed to help women reach their goals.

JESSICA LEE

The Spark Effect: https://thesparkeffect.com.au

Instagram handle @the_spark_effect

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSparkEffectAU

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST

Kwik Brain podcast wtih Jim Kwik: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kwik-brain-with-jim-kwik/id1208024744

Brené Brown podcasts: https://brenebrown.com/podcasts/

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
Follow me on Instagram @vibrant_lives_podcast
Follow my Facebook page: @vibrantlivespodcast
If you could rate and review the podcast on iTunes, that would be super helpful.

Five Minute Food Facts - SATURATED FAT

Amanda Hayes — Wed, 01 Sep 2021 06:15:00 +0000

This is the third episode of my 4 part series about dietary fats. Today I look at saturated fats including where we find them in our diets and ways to approach consuming saturated fats.

I discuss how the low fat message went wrong and why nutrition can be notoriously hard to study.

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
Follow me on Instagram @vibrant_lives_podcast
Follow my Facebook page: @vibrantlivespodcast
If you could rate and review the podcast on iTunes, that would be super helpful.

How alcohol affects your health and alcohol addiction with specialist in addiction medicine, Dr Robert Ali

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 23 Aug 2021 22:35:00 +0000

My guest this week, public health physician and specialist in addiction medicine, Associate Professor Dr Robert Ali, is very well qualified to discuss the health impacts of alcohol consumption.

Our conversation ranges over the short and long term health effects of alcohol consumption including increased risk of certain diseases, some of which may surprise you. We look at what constitutes a standard drink and the public health recommendations in Australia about alcohol consumption to reduce the risk of harm. We discuss public health measures that are taken and could be taken to education the population about reducing the risk of harm associated with alcohol, particularly in relation to teenagers.

Dr Ali’s speaks to his area of expertise, alcohol as an addictive substance, including which people or groups in society are more vulnerable to alcohol addiction, how to recognise if you or someone you care about has a problematic relationship with alcohol and where to seek help.

I put the “French paradox” (that small amounts of red wine may have cardio protective effects) to Dr Ali and he provides a considered and enlightening response.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST

Dr Robert Ali - https://www.adelaide.edu.au/directory/robert.ali

National Health and Medical Research Council, Australian guidelines to reduce health risks from drinking alcohol - https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/health-advice/alcohol

ASSIST Plus (substance involvement screening test) - https://assistplus.com.au

Know your options (finding help for alcohol and other drug problems) - https://knowyouroptions.sa.gov.au

TELEPHONE NUMBERS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST

National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline: 1800 250 015

Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia: 1300 13 13 40

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
Follow me on Instagram @vibrant_lives_podcast
Follow my Facebook page: @vibrantlivespodcast
If you could rate and review the podcast on iTunes, that would be super helpful.

Five Minute Food Facts - UNSATURATED FATS

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 21:30:00 +0000

This is the second episode of my 4 part series about dietary fats. Today I focus on unsaturated fats, such as olive oil, and explain their health benefits. Some unsaturated fats are essential, meaning our bodies can't make them and we need to obtain them from our diet so I touch on that, on cooking with unsaturated fats and oils, and on the difference between processed and unrefined oils.

Tune in and join me to sort out fat from fiction.

MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST

Five Minute Food Facts - Antioxidants: https://media.whooshkaa.com/show/5757/episode/372163.mp3

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
Follow me on Instagram @vibrant_lives_podcast
Follow my Facebook page: @vibrantlivespodcast
If you could rate and review the podcast on iTunes, that would be super helpful.

How chiropractors keep you moving with Dr Russell Hanna

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 09 Aug 2021 21:30:00 +0000

This week I have great pleasure in talking with chiropractor, Dr Russell Hanna. There seems to be some misunderstanding in the community about what chiropractors do and how they are trained so we start our chat by dispelling some myths around that.

Russell explains how chiropractic treatments, in particular spinal adjustments, work. I was interested to learn about the neurological effect of adjustments. My personal experience as a patient of Russell’s has been very positive but I did not really understand how all the prodding, pushing and adjusting worked. Now I have a greater appreciation of how my body responds to treatment. Also, we touch generally on collaboration between allied health professionals such as physiotherapists and chiropractors working in tandem on a patient, and how that can really enhance results.

To finish off we talk about one of our shared passions, trail running, although Russell is far more accomplished than I am having recently completed the Ultra-Trail Australia 100km race in the Blue Mountains. Please tune in…you just might be inspired to strap on your running shoes.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE

Smart Health Training & Services - https://www.smarthealthtraining.com.au

Nick Muxlow’s latest book, Get Run Fit - https://www.theultrajourney.com/run-fit/

Previous episode with running and triathlon coach, Nick Muxlow - https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/nick-muxlow-2/

Ultra-Trail Australia - https://www.ultratrailaustralia.com.au

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
Follow me on Instagram @vibrant_lives_podcast
Follow my Facebook page: @vibrantlivespodcast
If you could rate and review the podcast on iTunes, that would be super helpful.
Purchasing a book from my website is an easy way to support the podcast too. Here is a link to the books page: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/books/

Five Minute Food Facts - DIETARY FAT

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 26 Jul 2021 21:30:00 +0000

In this, the first episode of my 4 part series about dietary fats, I will describe to you what fat is, the different types of dietary fats, a brief overview of fat digestion and why our bodies need fat. When you've listened to this episode you'll know the difference between saturated fat, monounsaturated fat and polyunsaturated fat and why they are described the way they are.

I think it is helpful to understand what fat is from a scientific point of view as the is so much in the media about fat – eat it, don’t eat it, eat this fat not that fat etc etc. It is confusing. So, starting from a solid knowledge base is always helpful.

Tune in and join me to sort out fat from fiction.

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
Follow me on Instagram @vibrant_lives_podcast
Follow my Facebook page: @vibrantlivespodcast
If you could rate and review the podcast on iTunes, that would be super helpful.

Explaining the science behind doing HIIT to get fit with Dr. Martin Gibala

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 12 Jul 2021 21:30:00 +0000

This week, I have the honour of speaking with well known author and Professor of Kinesiology (that is, human movement) at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada, Dr Martin Gibala. Martin studies the mechanisms behind human responses to exercise and the associated health benefits. His area of expertise is time-efficient exercise and he has been involved in pioneering research on interval training showing that brief, intense bouts of physical exercise, also known as "exercise snacks" or "activity snacks", can enhance physical fitness. Happily this can apply to both healthy individuals and those with chronic disease such as type 2 diabetes. This is music to the ears of time poor people!

I would say just about everyone from the couch potato to the elite athlete could learn something from Martin’s research. Tune in (do a wall sit) and enjoy.

FOLLOW DR MARTIN GIBALA

Martin's website: https://martingibala.com

Profile page, McMaster University: https://www.science.mcmaster.ca/kinesiology/component/comprofiler/userprofile/gibalam.html

Twitter handle @gibalam

Martin's book, The One-Minute Workout: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/533236/the-one-minute-workout-by-martin-gibala-with-christopher-shulgan/9780399183669/

Martin's course, Hacking Exercise for Health: https://www.coursera.org/learn/hacking-exercise-health

MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST

Example of home fitness calculator: https://www.verywellfit.com/home-fitness-tests-3120282

Daniel Lieberman's book, Exercised: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/557099/exercised-by-daniel-e-lieberman/

Gretchen Reynolds: https://www.nytimes.com/by/gretchen-reynolds

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
Follow me on Instagram @vibrant_lives_podcast
Follow my Facebook page: @vibrantlivespodcast
If you could rate and review the podcast on iTunes, that would be super helpful.
Purchasing a book from my website is an easy way to support the podcast too. Here is a link to the books page: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/books/

Cancer survivorship and skin cancer prevention with Dr Amanda Hutchinson

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 21:30:00 +0000

Dr Amanda Hutchinson is a clinical psychologist with roles in both research and teaching at the University of South Australia. Amanda's research interests include sun exposure and skin cancer prevention which we discuss with a focus on our teens and young adults. We talk about finding the right balance between avoiding damaging sun exposure but getting enough UVB exposure to produce vitamin D. Another issue we talk about skin appearance in the context of social pressures to meet certain ideals and how that can impact safe sun behaviours.

Amanda has dedicated much of her professional life to improving the quality of life of cancer survivors and reducing the psychosocial burden of cancer. Many cancer survivors, understandably, face psychological issues such as fear of cancer returning, depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. Amanda shares her knowledge in relation to the best approaches to minimise and deal with these issues. She also explains the changes in cognitive function that may occur as a result of a cancer diagnosis and / or treatment.

Despite the challenging topic, it was a pleasure to spend time with Amanda who speaks with such compassion and kindness.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST

Dr Amanda Hutchinson: https://people.unisa.edu.au/Amanda.Hutchinson

Cancer Council: https://www.cancer.org.au

Cancer Helpline: https://www.cancer.org.au/support-and-services

Cancer Support Organisations: https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/affected-cancer/cancer-support-organisations

National Bowel Cancer Screening Program: https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/national-bowel-cancer-screening-program

Breast Cancer Screening: https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/early-detection-and-screening/breast-cancer-screening

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
Follow me on Instagram @vibrant_lives_podcast
Follow my Facebook page: @vibrantlivespodcast
If you could rate and review the podcast on iTunes, that would be super helpful.
Purchasing a book from my website is an easy way to support the podcast too. Here is a link to the books page: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/books/
Link to the Donate page on my website: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/contribute/

70.3 Triathlon: What, why, women and wrap-up

Amanda Hayes — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 02:30:00 +0000

Have you ever wondered why anyone would do a triathlon? I used to wonder too, until I tried one.

In this episode, I give a brief overview of what constitutes an Ironman Triathlon and a 70.3 triathlon, the participation of women in the sport and a wrap-up of my recent 70.3 race in Cairns.

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
Follow me on Instagram @vibrant_lives_podcast
Follow my Facebook page: @vibrantlivespodcast
If you could rate and review the podcast on iTunes, that would be super helpful.
Purchasing a book from my website is an easy way to support the podcast too. Here is a link to the books page: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/books/
Link to the Donate page on my website: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/contribute/

Nutritional interventions and weight loss for shift workers with nutrition scientist, Maxine Bonham

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 21:30:00 +0000

This week I chat with nutrition scientist, Associate Professor at Monash University Maxine Bonham, about how shift work impacts health, in particular the relationship between circadian rhythms (body clock) and weight gain.

Shift workers are at increased risk of adverse health outcomes such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease simply because of the hours they work. When normal circadian rhythms, that is waking when the sun rises and sleeping at night, are disrupted, the body responds differently to food intake. Maxine is an expert in this field and has conducted studies to research strategies such as meal composition that are beneficial to shift workers from a health point of view.

Currently Maxine and her colleagues are recruiting for the SWIFt Study, investigating a range of weight loss strategies for shift working populations to try and identify one that may be better suited to their lifestyle. If you are interested in finding out more, please click on the link below.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST

BASE (Be Active Sleep Eat): https://www.monash.edu/medicine/base/home

SWIFt Study: https://www.monash.edu/medicine/swiftstudy

Maxine Bonham, Monash University: https://research.monash.edu/en/persons/maxine-bonham

Twitter handle @MonashNutrition

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
Follow me on Instagram @vibrant_lives_podcast
Follow my Facebook page: @vibrantlivespodcast
If you could rate and review the podcast on iTunes, that would be super helpful.
Purchasing a book from my website is an easy way to support the podcast too. Here is a link to the books page: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/books/
Link to the Donate page on my website: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/contribute/

Former cycling champion and spin studio owner, Kristin Lewis, on fitness, cycling and routine

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 31 May 2021 21:30:00 +0000

This week I chat with former Australian road cycling champion, Kristin Lewis, about his cycling career, the importance of fitness, especially as we age, what you can get out of indoor spin classes (whether you’re a pro cyclist or a beginner) and much more.

Kristin explains how the smart spin bikes he has at his studio, Echelon Cycling Studio, work - it is the first studio of its kind in South Australia. The spin classes, suitable for any level as you can set your own degree of resistance (watts), are designed to be high intensity interval style training sessions. It can hurt, I say from experience, but it is also fun and you feel great afterwards! I promise.

Kristin is insightful, organised, modest and kind. I ask him how he crams parenting four daughters, being a husband, cycling, being a business owner and personal trainer into his life...it seems an awful lot. The answer is routine and Kristin shares how he approaches that with us.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST

Echelon Cycling Studio: https://echeloncycling.com.au

Life Personal Trainers: https://www.lifept.com.au

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.

Follow me on Instagram @vibrant_lives_podcast

Follow my Facebook page: @vibrantlivespodcast

If you could rate and review the podcast on iTunes, that would be super helpful.

Purchasing a book from my website is an easy way to support the podcast too. Here is a link to the books page: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/books/

Link to the Donate page on my website: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/contribute/

Five Minute Food Facts - CHOCOLATE

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 24 May 2021 21:30:00 +0000

What are the health benefits of chocolate?

Is dark chocolate a super food?

What is the difference between cocoa and cacao?

How is chocolate made?

In this Five Minute Food Facts episode I take a look at the science and answer all the above questions and more.

FAIR TRADE CHOCOLATE

Green & Balck's: https://www.greenandblacks.com.au

Divine Chocolate: https://ukshop.divinechocolate.com/uk/shop/

Lovingearth: https://lovingearth.net

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
Follow me on Instagram @vibrant_lives_podcast
Follow my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/amandaswellbeingpodcast/?modal=admin_todo_tour
If you could rate and review the podcast on iTunes, that would be super helpful.
Purchasing a book from my website is an easy way to support the podcast too. Here is a link to the books page: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/books/
Link to the Donate page on my website: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/contribute/

Nicole Avery discusses how she created a functional and delicious beverage, Adapt Drinks, with adaptogenic herbs

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 10 May 2021 21:30:00 +0000

Nicole Avery is one of those rare people who seamlessly crams so much into her life that you wonder if she ever sleeps…yes, she does! We will hear about the reason for her ability to run a wildly successful blog (Planning With Kids), produce a podcast (This Family Life), run marathons, raise 5 children and succeed at her latest venture, the production of a line of healthy drinks called Adapt Drinks.

Nic and I discuss how she developed her organisational skills to the point that she has become a sought after expert in this field - giving talks, running courses and blogging regularly with practical tips. From there we dive into her most recent venture, Adapt Drinks, forged out of a passion to help women cope with the stresses of daily life. Adapt Drinks contain adaptogenic herbs that help the body adapt to stress. Nic explains how they work in our bodies and candidly shares with us some of the ups and downs of launching a new business during the COVID pandemic.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE

Nic’s website, Planing With Kids: https://planningwithkids.com

Nic’s podcast, This Family Life: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/this-family-life/id1269510452

Adapt Drinks: https://adaptdrinks.com.au

Nic’s social media handles @nicole.5.avery & @adaptdrinks

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.

Follow me on Instagram @vibrant_lives_podcast

Follow my Facebook page: @vibrantlivespodcast

If you could rate and review the podcast on iTunes, that would be super helpful.

Purchasing a book from my website is an easy way to support the podcast too. Here is a link to the books page: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/books/

Link to the Donate page on my website: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/contribute/

Pelvic pain and women's health, including period pain, with Dr. Jane Chalmers

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 03 May 2021 21:30:00 +0000

Women and men experiencing pelvic pain often suffer in silence. Dr Jane Chalmers is an expert on pelvic pain and hopes we can open the conversation and raise awareness.

Jane and I chat about the causes of pelvic pain, interventions and treatment options, and we delve into an area she is passionate about - women’s health.

Our discussion encompasses; endometriosis, vulvodynia, period pain, the pelvic floor, the importance of Kegel exercises with a few examples, and Krumping (I had no idea what that was either!)

To end on a positive note, Jane and I discuss the female orgasm.

SOME MEDICAL TERMS USED

Endometriosis - a condition in which bits of the tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grow in other parts of the body. Like the uterine lining, this tissue builds up and sheds in response to monthly hormonal cycles. However, there is no natural outlet for the blood discarded from these implants. Instead, it falls onto surrounding organs, causing swelling and inflammation.

Laparoscopy - examination of the interior of the abdomen using a laparoscope (a type of endoscope).

Prostatitis - inflammation of the prostate gland.

Vulvodynia - chronic pain of the vulva, the external or visible region of the female genitalia, in the absence of vulvar or vaginal infection or skin disease.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST

Dr Jane Chalmers, University of SA: https://people.unisa.edu.au/Jane.Chalmers

Jane's Twitter handle @KJaneChalmers

Pelvic Pain Foundation of Australia: https://www.pelvicpain.org.au/?v=ef10366317f4

Endometriosis Australia: https://www.endometriosisaustralia.org

EndoActive: https://endoactive.org.au

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.

Follow me on Instagram @vibrant_lives_podcast

Follow my Facebook page: @vibrantlivespodcast

If you could rate and review the podcast on iTunes, that would be super helpful.

Purchasing a book from my website is an easy way to support the podcast too. Here is a link to the books page: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/books/

Link to the Donate page on my website: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/contribute/

Five Minute Food Facts - VITAMIN B12

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 26 Apr 2021 21:30:00 +0000

B12 is the star of today's episode. For a vitamin we need in minuscule amounts, it has an enormous role to play in our wellbeing. I will talk about what B12 does in the body, where we obtain it in our diets and the potentially dire consequences of B12 deficiency.

Understanding B12 is crucial if you follow a vegan diet because it is only found in animal products. Luckily, plant based eaters and vegans can obtain vitamin B12 through supplements and fortified foods but it is very important to stay on top of your levels.

Other Five Minute Food Facts episode mentioned in the podcast:

Vitamins & Minerals: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/vitamins-and-minerals/

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
Follow me on Instagram @vibrant_lives_podcast
Follow my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/amandaswellbeingpodcast/?modal=admin_todo_tour
If you could rate and review the podcast on iTunes, that would be super helpful.
Purchasing a book from my website is an easy way to support the podcast too. Here is a link to the books page: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/books/
Link to the Donate page on my website: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/contribute/

Thank you.

#Eat Well. Move Well. Think Well.

A contemporary take on mindfulness and meditation with Alexis Guttridge

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 21:30:00 +0000

In this episode, renowned mindfulness and meditation teacher, Alexis Guttridge, shares with us her take on meditation and mindfulness. Alexis believes in demystifying meditation and making it accessible and practical in our modern world. She teaches meditation to both businesses and individuals plus she has an excellent meditation library on her website, Pause With Alexis (link below).

You can sense how calm and grounded Alexis sounds during our chat but she was not always like that, far from it, in fact! Before finding meditation Alexis lived a fast-paced, hectic life in the hospitality industry where she thrived on long work hours, partying hard and pushing herself to the limits in a male-dominated industry, ultimately owning a very successful restaurant in Boston. And then, at the peak of her career, she walked away from it all.

This is a fascinating story about listening to your intuition and finding your calling.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST

Pause With Alexis: https://pausewithalexis.com

Alexis' social media handle @pausewithalexis

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.

Follow me on Instagram @vibrant_lives_podcast

Follow my Facebook page: @vibrantlivespodcast

If you could rate and review the podcast on iTunes, that would be super helpful.

Purchasing a book from my website is an easy way to support the podcast too. Here is a link to the books page: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/books/

Link to the Donate page on my website: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/contribute/

Japanese wisdom to live by with author, Erin Niimi Longhurst

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 21:30:00 +0000

Today I have a delightful chat with British-Japanese author, Erin Niimi Longhurst, who shares her insights into aspects of Japanese culture that bring contentment and good health.

Erin is the author of two books I greatly admire. The first, “Japonisme”* explores the Japanese traditions and practices such as wabi-sabi, appreciating the transient nature of life, that contribute to living well. Erin's second book, “Omoiyari, the Japanese art of compassion”, is about finding joy in your own life by brining about happiness in the lives of others. The books are not only beautifully presented with gorgeous illustrations but are really practical too.

*Japonisme is a French term to describe the influence of Japanese art, culture and design on European art, especially on impressionism. In relation to Erin’s book, the term Japonisme is used more broadly to refer to an admiration and appreciation of Japanese culture, style and traditions.

Enjoy this episode with a cup of green tea!

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE

Erin’s website: https://www.erinniimilonghurst.com

Erin’s social media handle @erinniimi

Erin’s books: https://www.erinniimilonghurst.com

Muji: https://www.muji.com/au/

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.

Follow me on Instagram @vibrant_lives_podcast

Follow my Facebook page: @vibrantlivespodcast

If you could rate and review the podcast on iTunes, that would be super helpful.

Purchasing a book from my website is an easy way to support the podcast too. Here is a link to the books page: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/books/

Link to the Donate page on my website: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/contribute/

The relationship between money, debt and wellbeing with Money Coach, Karen McCall

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 21:30:00 +0000

For all appearances, Karen McCall was the successful professional with an excellent corporate job, designer wardrobe, lovely home and fast car. However, underneath this facade, Karen was jugging credit card debt and dodging calls from the tax office all the while having no clue how to manage money and feeling like she had nowhere to turn. Her deep denial about her precarious financial situation was impacting her health both physically and mentally.

Fast-forward, with a desire to change her circumstances and some support in the form of therapy, Karen taught herself to save her way out of debt and for over 30 years, she has been helping others do the same. Karen founded the Financial Recovery Institute where people work with Money Coaches and learn how to not only manage money but understand their, often emotional, relationship with money. Not knowing or understand how to manage your financial affairs and finding yourself in a cycle of debt and despair, a problem Karen likens to an addiction, can profoundly impact your physical and mental wellbeing. Getting the right help can be transformative.

This is an enlightening, frank and potentially very helpful episode.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE

Financial Recovery Institute: https://www.financialrecovery.com/about

Marie Forleo's B-School: https://www.marieforleo.com/bschool/

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.

Follow me on Instagram @vibrant_lives_podcast

Follow my Facebook page: @vibrantlivespodcast

If you could rate and review the podcast on iTunes, that would be super helpful.

Purchasing a book from my website is an easy way to support the podcast too. Here is a link to the books page: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/books/

Link to the Donate page on my website: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/contribute/

The Community Grocer, a social enterprise tackling food insecurity with Tess Gardiner

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 29 Mar 2021 23:30:00 +0000

The Community Grocer (TCG), founded by current CEO, Russell Shields, is a social enterprise with a mission to provide weekly affordable fresh food markets in areas where access to such produce is limited. Of equal importance is the creation of healthy connected communities around those markets. Today, I speak with General Manager, Tess Gardiner about where and how the markets operate and how TCG had to pivot during the COVID-19 pandemic to continue to provide fresh produce at a time when it was needed more than ever.

You may be surprised to learn about the food insecurity statistics in Australia… and the figures mentioned are based on pre-COVID estimates! Tess and I discuss how justice, equity and dignity are fundamental drivers for TCG model and some of the amazing results they have seen.The problem of food insecurity is a grave one but this is an uplifting episode because TCG brings together a group of people with passion and commitment who are making a tangible difference in the communities they serve.

LINKS TO THE COMMUNITY GROCER

Website: https://www.thecommunitygrocer.com.au

Social media handle @thecommunitygrocer

Contact: https://www.thecommunitygrocer.com.au/contact

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.

Follow me on Instagram @vibrant_lives_podcast

Follow my Facebook page: @vibrantlivespodcast

If you could rate and review the podcast on iTunes, that would be super helpful.

Purchasing a book from my website is an easy way to support the podcast too. Here is a link to the books page: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/books/

Link to the Donate page on my website: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/contribute/

Discussing the health benefits of nuts and what nutritionists do with Professor Alison Coates

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 15 Mar 2021 20:30:00 +0000

This week I have an informative discussion with Professor Alison Coates about the health benefits of nuts. Nuts are packed full of healthy monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, vitamins and dietary fibre. Nut consumption is associated with improved cholesterol profile and reduced risk of heart attack to name a few health benefits and, to top it off, they are a relatively inexpensive source of protein.

Alison and I also discuss the numerous roles nutritionists can play in the health space and some of the fascinating research she has been involved with during her career. Alison is currently the president of the Nutrition Society of Australia (NSA) the mission of which is to promote the scientific value and relevance of nutrition science in Australia so she shares some of the excellent ways the NSA does that.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE

Alison’s University of South Australia home page: https://people.unisa.edu.au/alison.coates

Alison’s Twitter handle: @AlisonCoates1

NSA:

ARENA: https://www.unisa.edu.au/research/arena/

Australian Guide to Healthy Eating: https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/guidelines/australian-guide-healthy-eating

Pic’s peanut butter: https://www.picspeanutbutter.com/au/

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.

Follow me on Instagram @vibrant_lives_podcast

Follow my Facebook page: @vibrantlivespodcast

If you could rate and review the podcast on iTunes, that would be super helpful.

Purchasing a book from my website is an easy way to support the podcast too. Here is a link to the books page: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/books/

Link to the Donate page on my website: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/contribute/

All about foot care and biomechanics with podiatrist, Tom May

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 08 Mar 2021 20:30:00 +0000

Our feet are integral to how we move and therefore to our overall health and wellbeing. Often, it is not until something goes wrong with our feet that we pay them the attention they deserve. In this episode, podiatrist Tom May, shares his knowledge and experience working in foot, ankle and lower limb health. Tom gives us an insight into what podiatrists actually do - it is more than providing orthotics - and often includes in depth analysis of biomechanics, one of Tom’a areas of special interest and expertise.

Tom is passionate about footwear and the importance of selecting what is right for each individual. In particular, we talk about sports shoes and how selecting a shoe designed for a specific purpose e.g. tennis shoe, football boot is important. On the downside, this can be expensive but on the upside, it means we can never have too many shoes! One tip - comfort is king so my query about stilettos met with an emphatic “not good”.

Finally, Tom imparts some tips about how to bet look after our feet and good foot hygiene.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE

Tom's practice, The Biomechanics lab: https://www.thebiomechanicslab.com.au

The Running Company: https://www.therunningcompany.com.au/adelaide/

Sportitude: https://www.sportitude.com.au/contact

Bared Footwear: https://bared.com.au

FRANKIiE4: https://frankie4.com

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.

Follow me on Instagram @vibrant_lives_podcast

Follow my Facebook page: @vibrantlivespodcast

If you could rate and review the podcast on iTunes, that would be super helpful.

Purchasing a book from my website is an easy way to support the podcast too. Here is a link to the books page: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/books/

Link to the Donate page on my website: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/contribute/

Five Minute Food Facts - MAGNESIUM

Amanda Hayes — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 06:21:00 +0000

Magnesium is essential to our health and our bodies need it to function. Listen to this Five Minute Food Facts episode to find out what magnesium is, all the amazing things is does in our bodies, where we find magnesium in our food supply and how much we need.

Sarah Gauci discusses dietary patterns and cognitive decline in older adults

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 22 Feb 2021 20:30:00 +0000

In this episode Scientific Researcher and PhD candidate, Sarah Gauci, shares what she has been learning about the relationship between different dietary patterns and cognitive performance in older adults.

This is important information to understand because Australia’s population (like many Western countries) is ageing and the more we understand about how certain lifestyle factors can attenuate the risk of cognitive decline the better for individuals and for society as a whole.

We discuss risk factors for cognitive decline; some, like age, are non-modifiable but the positive news is that many risk factors, like smoking, exercise and diet are modifiable. We focus specifically on dietary patterns as lifestyle interventions (like improving fruit and vegetable intake) are potentially available to all and more economical than pharmacological interventions to implement on a large scale. Lifestyle interventions have numerous other upsides too. For example, a diet that is good for your brain is also good for your cardiovascular and metabolic health. Sarah has found traditional dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean, Nordic and Okinawan are associated with better cognitive health as we age.

Tune in to find our more about the best foods for our brains.

SARAH'S CONTACTS

Website: https://www.sarah-gauci.com

Twitter handle: @sarahgauci

MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST

20 PhDs in 20 minutes:https://www.rrr.org.au/explore/podcasts/einstein-a-go-go/episodes/4284-round-2-of-20-phds-in-20-mins

Pint of Science: https://pintofscience.com.au

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.

Follow me on Instagram @vibrant_lives_podcast

Follow my Facebook page: @vibrantlivespodcast

If you could rate and review the podcast on iTunes, that would be super helpful.

Purchasing a book from my website is an easy way to support the podcast too. Here is a link to the books page: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/books/

Link to the Donate page on my website: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/contribute/

Healing from pet loss and grief with Lara Casanova

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 15 Feb 2021 20:30:00 +0000

In this episode I welcome back Lara Casanova to discuss her most recent book, “Loss, Love and Lessons: Healing pet loss and grief”. Lara is well placed to discuss this topic as a professional counsellor specialising in grief and loss, a yoga teacher, life coach and, of course, an animal lover. Pet loss is a form of disenfranchised grief which means it is often underplayed or dismissed by society yet it is very real, as all pet lovers know. Lara talks about how to navigate this sad time in our lives; her book provides very practical tips to help us walk through the grief and ultimately come out the other side appreciative of the lessons our pets have taught us.

Lara also shares with us some beautiful tips for self-care and self love, another important part of anyone's journey through grief.

LARA'S CONTACTS

Website: https://www.lifeinthepink.com.au

Instagram: @lifeinthepinkxx

MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST

My previous episode with Lara: https://media.whooshkaa.com/show/5757/episode/390150.mp3

Dr Katrina Warren: @drkatrina

Talking Stones: https://talkingstones.com.au

Animal Welfare League pet cremations: https://awl.org.au/pet-cremations/

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
Follow me on Instagram @vibrant_lives_podcast
Follow my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/amandaswellbeingpodcast
If you could rate and review the podcast on iTunes, that would be super helpful.
Purchasing a book from my website is an easy way to support the podcast too. Here is a link to the books page: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/books/
Link to the Donate page on my website: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/contribute/

How to grow your confidence with Mind Coach, David Rahman

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 08 Feb 2021 20:30:00 +0000

Hello 2021!

Hello new look podcast, Vibrant Lives Podcast!

This week, I have an enlightening discussion about self confidence with Mind Coach, David Rahman. David shares his story about his move from optometry to becoming a Life Coach, specialising in helping people feel comfortable in their own skin. David explains how our past impacts our future; the way we think is moulded by our past, by how our brain remembers and interprets things, our patterns of thinking affect our future and therefore, to change these patterns we need to examine the way we think. David talks us though how we can do this and gives some interesting practical tips aimed at growing our self confidence.

David has recently published his first book, “Let it Go: how to stop your past ruining your future”. The hard copy is not yet available in Australia but it can be purchased through the links below.

DAVID'S CONTACTS

Instagram: @david_rahman

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.rahman.399

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahmandavid/

Website: https://www.mind.coach

WHERE TO PURCHASE DAVID’S BOOK

Book Depository: https://www.bookdepository.com/Let-It-Go-David-Rahman/9781784618308

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com.au/Let-Go-David-Rahman/dp/1784618306/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=let+it+go+david+rahman&qid=1612742032&s=digital-text&sr=1-1-catcorr

Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/books/let-it-go-how-to-stop-your-past-ruining-your-future/9781784618308

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
Follow me on Instagram @vibrant_lives_podcast
Follow my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/amandaswellbeingpodcast
If you could rate and review the podcast on iTunes, that would be super helpful.
Purchasing a book from my website is an easy way to support the podcast too. Here is a link to the books page: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/books/
Link to the Donate page on my website: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/contribute/

2020 wrap up and 2021 sneak preview

Amanda Hayes — Sun, 20 Dec 2020 20:30:00 +0000

Thank you to all of you who have taken the time to listen to my podcast this year. I hope you found something of value or interest.

This episode is a brief wrap up of some of the interesting things I have learned this year and a sneak preview of what's in store for 2021.

EPISODES MENTIONED

Dr Tim Crowe: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/tim-crowe/

Dr Emma Beckett: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/emma-beckett/

Olivia Swann: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/olivia-swann/

Anna Howard: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/anna-howard/

Kaki Okumura: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/kaki-okumura/

Lyndall Vandenberg: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/lyndall-vandenberg/

Jess Trengove OLY: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/jessica-trengove/

Dr Amber Halliday OLY: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/amber-halliday/

Jaime Fernandez OLY: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/jaime-fernandez/

Sarah Lee: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/sarah-lee/

Mel Stefano: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/melissa-stefano/

Tony Karoussis: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/tony-karoussis/

Beck Butler: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/beck-butler/

Katie Sarah: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/katie-sarah/

Brad Beer: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/brad-beer/

Steph Gaskell: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/stephanie-gaskell/

Alan McCubbin: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/alan-mccubbin/

Nick Muxlow: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/nick-muxlow-2/

Kym Burls: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/kym-burls/

John Stamoulos: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/john-stamoulos/

Farrah Furtado: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/farrah-furtado/

Pamela Chimenti: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/pamela-chimenti/

Anne Wiberg: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/anne-wiberg/

Meg Paech: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/meg-paech/

Dr Carolyn Berryman: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/carolyn-berryman/

Dr Brenton Hordacre: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/brenton-hordacre/

Dr Chris McComiskie: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/chris-mccomiskie/

Dr Zali Yager: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/zali-yager/

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
Follow me on Instagram @amanda_wellbeing_podcast
Follow my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/amandaswellbeingpodcast/?modal=admin_todo_tour
If you could rate and review the podcast on iTunes, that would be super helpful.
Purchasing a book from my website is an easy way to support the podcast too. Here is a link to the books page: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/books/
Link to the Donate page on my website: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/contribute/

Promoting positive body image in adolescence with Dr Zali Yager

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 07 Dec 2020 20:30:00 +0000

This week, body image expert, Dr Zali Yager, shares her considerable knowledge and insights into the often thorny and always complex issue of body image in adolescence. Zali is an Associate Professor in health and physical education at the Victoria University, Melbourne. Her research interests and expertise lie in the promotion of positive body image and prevention of eating disorders, especially in adolescence.

Zali and I discuss the factors that influence body image in adolescence, including social media. We talk about what the different pressures are for boys and girls and how they often manifest e.g. for boys, a growing prevalence of muscle-building supplement taking has been observed. Zali also explains the association between body image and mental health. Helpfully, Zali gives some practical tips for patents to help create positive body image in our children, including outlining several programs aimed at body acceptance she is involved with.

Following are links to programs and useful websites that Zali mentions in the episode:

Kristen Neff's Self Compassion Resources: https://self-compassion.org/category/exercises/

Butterfly Foundation Helpline: https://butterfly.org.au/get-support/helpline/

The Body Project in Australia Targeted intervention: https://www.eatingdisorders.org.au/early-intervention-identification-for-professionals/body-project-australia/

The Body Confident Collective: https://www.bodyconfidentcollective.org/

ZALI'S CONTACTS

Website: www.zaliyager.com

zali.yager@gmail.com

Instagram: @drzaliyager, @bodyconfidentmums, @bodyconfidentcollective

Twitter: @ZaliYager

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
Follow me on Instagram @amanda_wellbeing_podcast
Follow my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/amandaswellbeingpodcast/?modal=admin_todo_tour
If you could rate and review the podcast on iTunes, that would be super helpful.
Purchasing a book from my website is an easy way to support the podcast too. Here is a link to the books page: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/books/
Link to the Donate page on my website: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/contribute/

Our genes, our gut microbiome and our food with molecular nutritionist, Dr Emma Beckett

Amanda Hayes — Tue, 01 Dec 2020 00:30:00 +0000

We hear a lot about our gut microbiome and the links between our gut health, mental health and general health - what does this mean in practical terms and how does it apply to you? To help explain the complex interplay between our microbiome, our genes, the food we eat and how this can impact our health and our predisposition towards certain diseases is nutrition dynamo, molecule nutritionist Dr Emma Beckett.

Emma’s enthusiasm for her subject matter is contagious and our conversation wanders over some fascinating terrain - we talk about environment versus genetics in shaping our microbiome and, in this context, the value of twin studies. Emma explains how food can influence gene expression and how genes can influence the way we metabolise, taste and experience food? Does coriander tase like soap to you? If so, find out why.

Another of Emma’s passions is scientific communication and I found her take on this really refreshing. Emma gives us some tips on how to be a critical consumer of all the information about food and diets we are bombarded with plus some advice on what foods are the best to feed our microbiome and keep it as healthy as possible.

Emma's social media handles:

Twitter @synapse101

Instagram @Emmie_101

Facebook @Dr Emma Beckett - Food & Nutrition Scientist

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST

Australian Dietary Guidelines: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/the-australian-dietary-guidelines

Australian Guide to Halthy Eating: https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/guidelines/australian-guide-healthy-eating

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
Follow me on Instagram @amanda_wellbeing_podcast
Follow my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/amandaswellbeingpodcast/?modal=admin_todo_tour
If you could rate and review the podcast on iTunes, that would be super helpful.
Purchasing a book from my website is an easy way to support the podcast too. Here is a link to the books page: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/books/
Link to the Donate page on my website: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/contribute/

Five Minute Food Facts - PROTEIN FOR AGEING & WOUND HEALING

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 23 Nov 2020 20:30:00 +0000

This is the last of my four part series all about the huge and fascinating topic of protein. In this episode I discuss how protein irequirements change as we age. Ageing is associated with loss of muscle mass and strength which can impact our quality of life. To help attenuate this, we need to consume adequate protein as we age but at the same time overall energy requirements and often also appetite declines so it can be a conundrum. Finally, I briefly discuss the important role of protein in wound healing.

Other Five Minute Food Facts episodes mentioned in the podcast:

Protein overview: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/protein/

Protein and athletes: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/five-minute-food-facts-protein-intake-athletes/

Protein and vegetarians: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/protein-for-vegetarians-and-vegans/

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
Follow me on Instagram @amanda_wellbeing_podcast
Follow my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/amandaswellbeingpodcast/?modal=admin_todo_tour
If you could rate and review the podcast on iTunes, that would be super helpful.
Purchasing a book from my website is an easy way to support the podcast too. Here is a link to the books page: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/books/
Link to the Donate page on my website: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/contribute/

Thank you.

# Eat Well. Move Well. Think Well.

Dietary fibre and its association with depressive symptoms in adolescents with Olivia Swann

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 16 Nov 2020 20:30:00 +0000

This week Olivia Swann shares the results of her PhD where she looked at dietary fibre intake and its association with inflammation and depression in adolescents. This is important work because, according to the Black Dog Institute, one in four young people aged 16-24 are living with a mental disorder. Most research about diet and mental health has focussed on adults; Olivia was keen to conduct research on this topic in adolescents and see if what they eat, in this case, dietary fibre, impacts depressive symptoms.

We preface our discussion with some information about dietary fibre, what the known health benefits are and the recommended amounts we should consume. Olivia analysed the diets of adolescents and found, not surprisingly, that the majority of teenagers do not eat enough dietary fibre, not even close to it! Check out my Five Minute Food Facts podcast about dietary fibre for some general information about the sources and health benefits of fibre (link below).

Overall, Olivia found that high dietary fibre intake was associated with lower odds of depressive symptoms (but this is hard to separate from the effect of the whole diet as often a diet high in fibre, is healthy in other ways too).

Kids and teens, eat your greens!

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE

Five Minute Food Facts - Dietary Fibre: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/dietary-fibre/

Black Dog Institute: https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au

DEPRESSION - WHERE TO GET HELP

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/depression-in-teenagers

There are also some excellent websites designed for young people, as well as online and telephone counselling services. These include:

Kids Helpline (counselling service) 1800 55 1800.
MindSpot Clinic (anyone suffering from anxiety or depression) — call 1800 61 44 34.
Beyond Blue (anyone feeling depressed or anxious) — call 1300 22 4636 or chat online.
Black Dog Institute (people affected by depression and extreme mood swings) — online help.
Lifeline (anyone experiencing a crisis or thinking about suicide) — call 13 11 14 or chat online.
Suicide Call Back Service (anyone thinking about suicide) — call 1300 659 467.

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
Follow me on Instagram @amanda_wellbeing_podcast
Follow my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/amandaswellbeingpodcast/?modal=admin_todo_tour
If you could rate and review the podcast on iTunes, that would be super helpful.
Purchasing a book from my website is an easy way to support the podcast too. Here is a link to the books page: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/books/
Link to the Donate page on my website: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/contribute/

Learning about fibromyalgia with Dr Carolyn Berryman

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 20:30:00 +0000

This discussion with Dr Carolyn Berryman, although focused on fibromyalgia, is relevant for anyone living with, or interested in what it is like to live with, a chronic condition.

Carolyn brings her considerable expertise as a physiotherapy clinician, teacher and researcher to the discussion. We begin our chat by describing the symptoms of fibromyalgia that can include widespread, persistent pain, sleep disturbances, fatigue and sensitivity to sensory events, like smells. The causes of fibromyalgia, sometimes described as a "mysterious syndrome”, are unknown which can make it difficult to diagnose and treat. However, Carolyn does enlighten us about what we do know about fibromyalgia, the various treatment approaches and what is going on in the research space.

Of great interest to me was the part of our discussion focussing on the mind-body connection both in terms of neuroplasticity - ongoing pain can change the wiring in the brain - and the gut-brain axis - how gut health impacts immune function and how an imbalance in that area might be a contributing trigger for fibromyalgia.

I very much enjoyed Carolyn’s generous sharing of her expertise, the clear empathy she has towards people suffering with fibromyalgia and the practical advice she gives for those people.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE

Dr Berryman’s Researcher Profile, University of Adelaide: https://researchers.adelaide.edu.au/profile/carolyn.berryman

Fibromyalgia Support, South Australia: https://www.facebook.com/fibrosa.com.au/

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
Follow me on Instagram @amanda_wellbeing_podcast
Follow my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/amandaswellbeingpodcast/?modal=admin_todo_tour
If you could rate and review the podcast on iTunes, that would be super helpful.
Purchasing a book from my website is an easy way to support the podcast too. Here is a link to the books page: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/books/
Link to the Donate page on my website: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/contribute/

Japanese approach to food, eating and wellbeing with Japanese wellness blogger, Kaki Okumura

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 21:30:00 +0000

This week I chat with Japanese wellness blogger, Kaki Okumura. Kaki shares her story of growing up between the US and Japan and how each culture has informed her approach to health and wellbeing.

Kaki is an astute observer of culture and she articulates for us why Japan has the lowest obesity rates of the OECD countries. Spoiler alert - the Japanese are not all following a popular diet! Their health comes from a culture of respect for food, traditions around the way food is prepared, presented and eaten, the latter informed by harahachi-bunme. We discuss Kaki’s philosophy about how to use Japanese principles to live a longer and happier life which she writes about beautifully in her blog, Kakikata, and so much more. I hope you enjoy this episode with Kaki.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE

Kakikata, Japanese Wellness Blog: https://kakikata.space

Kaki's cooking videos: https://kakikata.space

Kaki Okumura's page on Medium: https://kokumura.medium.com

Michael Anthony of Gramercy Tavern: https://www.gramercytavern.com/team-member/chef-michael-anthony/

Simon Sinek: https://simonsinek.com

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
Follow me on Instagram @amanda_wellbeing_podcast
Follow my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/amandaswellbeingpodcast/?modal=admin_todo_tour
If you could rate and review the podcast on iTunes, that would be super helpful.
Purchasing a book from my website is an easy way to support the podcast too. Here is a link to the books page: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/books/
Link to the Donate page on my website: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/contribute/

Five Minute Food Facts - PROTEIN FOR VEGETARIANS & VEGANS

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 26 Oct 2020 20:30:00 +0000

There is so much to know about protein! This episode is the third in a four part series all about protein. In this episode I discuss protein intake for vegetarians and vegans. I look at sources of plant protein, how to ensure vegetarians and vegans get all the essential amino acids they need, nutrients like B12 to be mindful of, the health benefits of plant based eating and more.

Other Five Minute Food Facts episodes mentioned in the podcast:

Protein overview: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/protein/

Protein and athletes: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/five-minute-food-facts-protein-intake-athletes/

Vitamins and Minerals: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/vitamins-and-minerals/

Antioxidants: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/antioxidants/

Dietary Fibre: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/dietary-fibre/

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
Follow me on Instagram @amanda_wellbeing_podcast
Follow my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/amandaswellbeingpodcast/?modal=admin_todo_tour
If you could rate and review the podcast on iTunes, that would be super helpful.
Purchasing a book from my website is an easy way to support the podcast too. Here is a link to the books page: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/books/
Link to the Donate page on my website: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/contribute/

Thank you.

# Eat Well. Move Well. Think Well.

The placebo effect and designing placebo treatments with Dr Felicity Braithwaite

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 19 Oct 2020 20:30:00 +0000

This week I discuss the placebo effect and the use of placebos in clinical trials with Dr Felicity Braithwaite, physiotherapist and scientific researcher at the University of South Australia.

Clinical trials are used to assess whether an active ingredient or treatment is having a real health outcome. (In very lay terms) one method of achieving this is to take two groups of similar people, administer one group the active ingredient or treatment in question and the other group a sham, or placebo, ingredient or treatment. In ideal circumstances, the people in the trial do not know whether they are receiving the “real” treatment or the placebo; this is called blinding. Blinding is relatively easy to achieve in a drug trial - e.g. one group receives a pill with the active ingredient being tested and the other receives an identical looking inert pill, and the results are compared. The reason for blinding is to eliminate the placebo effect, that is, the positive effect on a person’s health after taking a placebo; believing that a treatment will benefit them often triggers a positive health outcome. The placebo effect is not fully understood and is a fascinating area of research.

It is all very well to test something in pill form but what about testing treatments, like dry needling? How can you design a study so participants do not know whether they are receiving a real needle or a fake needle? Surely you can feel it, right? This is what Felicity has grappled with and guess who she turned to? The ultimate masters of deception, magicians!

I hope you enjoy this lively chat with Felicity, a ground breaking young researcher.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE

Felicity's UniSA home page: https://people.unisa.edu.au/Felicity.Braithwaite

Felcity's twitter handle: @FBraithwaitePT

Episode on pain with Brendan Mouatt: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/brendan-mouatt/

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
Follow me on Instagram @amanda_wellbeing_podcast
Follow my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/amandaswellbeingpodcast/?modal=admin_todo_tour
If you could rate and review the podcast on iTunes, that would be super helpful.
Purchasing a book from my website is an easy way to support the podcast too. Here is a link to the books page: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/books/
Link to the Donate page on my website: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/contribute/

#Eat Well. Move Well. Think Well.

Talking about running and life with Olympic marathoner, Jessica Trengove OLY

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 22:15:00 +0000

This week I chat with the inspiring, talented and speedy Jessica Trengove OLY about all things running, especially marathon running, and so much more. Jess grew up in country South Australia where she thrived in the sporty culture and excelled in several sports, including netball. Ultimately, inspired by the likes of Benita Willis and Usain Bolt, Jess chose running (and aren’t we Aussies happy about that)!

We talk about Jess' break through race in Nagoya, Japan (2012) to qualify for the London Olympics, her PB of 2.25.59 set at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon in 2018 (a hurtling pace of 3.27/km), her two Commonwealth Games Bronze medals and, of course, her Olympic Games experiences in London (2012) and Rio (2016). However, like all professional athletes, there have been a few pot holes in Jess' path to success, such as bone stress injuries requiring adaptive cross training and managing her mind set.

Two of my favourite aspects of our discussion were about how marathon running is a tactical event requiring attention to things like getting a good line to your water bottle and gel, especially in a pack, and hearing about Jess’ weekly training schedule. These days, Jess needs to work her training commitments around motherhood; her gorgeous little boy, Billy, was born in November 2019.

We also talk about fuelling, goal setting, Jess’ physiotherapy career, training tips for all runners listening to this podcast and her company, Rundies, that produces underpants designed specifically for runners and sports people.

Apart from hard work and talent, it is clear that Jess’ passion for running and perseverance have played huge parts in her success as a world class marathoner. Being in the company of Jess is like taking a happy pill; she’s positive and vibrant and made me want to go out for a run!

PEOPLE AND LINKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE

Jess Trengove's Instagram handle: @jess_tren

Jess Trengove's website: https://www.jessicatrengove.com.au

Rundies: http://rundies.com.au

Physio Smart (where Jess works as a physiotherapist): https://physiosmart.com.au

Benita Willis’ Instagram handle: @benitawillis_

Podcast episode with Amber Halliday OLY: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/amber-halliday/

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Follow me on Instagram @amanda_wellbeing_podcast
Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
If you could rate and review the podcast on iTunes, that would be super helpful.
Purchasing a book from my website is an easy way to support the podcast too. Here is a link to the books page: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/books/
Link to the Donate page on my website: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/contribute/

#Eat Well. Move Well. Think Well.

Recent research on stroke recovery and neuroplasticity with Dr Brenton Hordacre

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 05 Oct 2020 20:30:00 +0000

This week, I have an instructive and interesting discussion with Dr Brenton Hordacre about stroke and neuroplasticity, that is, the ability of the brain to change. Brenton is a physiotherapist and Senior Research Fellow at the Body in Mind Research Group, University of South Australia where he focusses on recovery following neurological injury, including treatment selection and understanding responses to therapy. Motivated by helping improve people’s quality of life, Brenton works to ensure research is rapidly translated into clinical practice.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), in 2017, there were about 38,000 stroke events; that is more than 100 every day. In 2018, stroke accounted for 5.3% of all deaths in Australia. (Link below)

Brenton explains that there is a strong link between cardiovascular health and brain health and therefore well known factors such as eating a healthy diet, ensuring good sleep hygiene, leading an active life and maintaining social connections that are generally good for heart health, are also significant for brain health. We discuss "cognitive reserve" which refers to how active the brain was prior to a stroke, a higher cognitive reserve is associated with better recovery outcomes post neurological injury so the message is to keep learning and challenging you brain throughout your life. In addition, we talk about how to recognise if someone is having a stroke.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST

Professional home page for Dr Brenton Hordacre at UniSA: https://people.unisa.edu.au/Brenton.Hordacre

Stoke Foundation: https://strokefoundation.org.au

AIHW Stroke: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-health/stroke

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Follow me on Instagram @amanda_wellbeing_podcast
Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
If you could rate and review the podcast on iTunes, that would be super helpful.
Purchasing a book from my website is an easy way to support the podcast too. Here is a link to the books page: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/books/
Link to the Donate page on my website: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/contribute/

#Eat Well. Move Well. Think Well.

Understanding pain with Exercise Physiologist and researcher, Brendan Mouatt

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 28 Sep 2020 21:30:00 +0000

Brendan Mouatt is an Exercise Physiologist and researcher into chronic pain at The Body in Mind Research Group, UniSA. He is also a director at The Biomechanics clinical practice and an educator and director at The Knowledge Exchange.

Brendan explains that the way our society talks about pain is ingrained with a lot of tradition and belief that is quite dogmatic. His research into pain has led him to question many of these beliefs and challenge his own practice and understanding of pain. The most important aspect of this for Brendan is to translate research into effective treatments for his patients.

There are two aspects of my conversation with Brendan that I found hopeful and enlightening. First, he believes it is possible to heal from chronic pain, even if such pain has been experienced for decades and, secondly, he has an interesting and considered take on the saying “sitting is the new smoking” that might surprise you.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE

Brendan's Research Gate profile: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Brendan_Mouatt2

The Biomechanics: https://www.thebiomechanics.com.au/about-us

The Kowledge Exchange: https://tkex.org/the-team

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Follow me on Instagram @amanda_wellbeing_podcast
Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
If you could rate and review the podcast on iTunes, that would be super helpful.
Purchasing a book from my website is an easy way to support the podcast too. Here is a link to the books page: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/books/
Link to the Donate page on my website: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/contribute/

#Eat Well. Move Well. Think Well.

Discovering the Wim Hof Method with instructor, Kym Burls

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 21:30:00 +0000

You’ve either heard of Wim Hof (AKA The Iceman) or, like me, when you do hear about him, you wonder how on earth you had not heard about him sooner!

Today I chat with Kym Burls, Certified Wim Hof Method (WHM) Instructor based in Adelaide, all about the WHM. Kym starts with a potted biography of Wim - he’s a fascinating man - and tells us about his own journey to discovering the WHM. In a nutshell, the WHM consists of three pillars, that when practiced together, result in an array of health benefits including increased energy, improved sleep quality, immune system regulation and improved mental and physical performance. Who doesn’t want those things?

The three pillars are:

Breathing exercises;
Gradual exposure to the cold; and
Training of mindset / concentration

Wim’s extraordinary feats (think climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in shorts and standing in a container while covered with ice cubes for more than 112 minutes) caught the attention of scientists and Kym tells us about some of the interesting studies Wim has participated in that have caused scientist to rethink the ability to influence the autonomic nervous system, previously thought to be impossible. We also spend time discussing the benefits of nose breathing. Kym, for good reason, as you’ll hear, is a strong advocate.

Do something for your health and listen to my chat with Kym Burls.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE

Wim Hof method: https://www.wimhofmethod.com

Kym Burls: https://www.kymburls.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wimhofmethodhappystronghealthy/

Instagram - @kym_burls - https://www.instagram.com/kym_burls/

Amanda's book reviews: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/books/

Podcast episode about breathwork with John Stamoulos: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/john-stamoulos/

The Physical Performance Show podcast episode with James Fletcher: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/225-expert-edition-james-fletcher-physiotherapist-exercise/id1102703989?i=1000485819623

"Breath" by James Nestor: https://www.bookdepository.com/Breath-James-Nestor/9780241289082?ref=grid-view&qid=1600666397005&sr=1-2

PEOPLE WHO INSPIRE KYM

Brian MacKenzie - breathing & stress control - @brianmacKenzie
Tony Riddle – rewilding our lives - @thenaturallifestylist
Paul Stamets – the importance of fungi in our lives - @paulstamet

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Follow me on Instagram @amanda_wellbeing_podcast
Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
If you could rate and review the podcast on iTunes, that would be super helpful.
Purchasing a book from my website is an easy way to support the podcast too. Here is a link to the books page: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/books/
Link to the Donate page on my website: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/contribute/

#Eat Well. Move Well. Think Well.

Bone stress injury in athletes and bone health with physiotherapist, Brad Beer

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 14 Sep 2020 21:30:00 +0000

In today’s episode of Amanda’s Wellbeing Podcast, I have an entertaining and lively chat with physiotherapist Brad Beer about bone stress injury (BSI) and much more. We discuss some of the main causes of BSI including biomechanical factors such as training errors (too much too soon) and biological factors such as bone health. It turns out, Brad is a dedicated advocate of promoting awareness around bone health and thinks it is a major public health burden not spoken about enough. Brad goes through the most important considerations, and it starts in childhood, to ensure optimal bone health. Some of those vital considerations include incorporating strength and conditioning into your weekly routine, ensuring optimal Vitamin D levels and that you fuel sufficiently to meet your training needs.

Brad has many feathers in his cap, not only does he run a very successful physio practice, POGO Physio, with a mission to get his patients to their Physio Finish LineⓇ as efficiently as possible, he’s an accomplished triathlete and runner, he hosts an excellent podcast, The Physical Performance Show (with over 1 million downloads), he’s the author of Amazon best-selling book, “You Can Run Pain Free" and, as you’ll hear, he’s generous with his knowledge and has a clear passion for promoting the importance of bone health.

Brad offers Telehealth online consultations at his practice POGO Physio, link below.

USEFUL LINKS

Follow me on Instagram @amanda_wellbeing_podcast

POGO Physio: https://www.pogophysio.com.au

The Physical Performance Show podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-physical-performance-show/id1102703989

Brad’s social media handle @brad_beer

"You Can Run Pain Free” by Brad Beer: https://www.pogophysio.com.au/running-book/

"Journey to Kona” book review: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/journey-to-kona/

Episode #1 of Amanda’s Wellbeing Podcast with Nick Muxlow: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/nick-muxlow/

Episode #38 of Amanda’s Wellbeing Podcast with Nick Muxlow: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/nick-muxlow-2/

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
If you could rate and review the podcast on iTunes, that would be super helpful.
Purchasing a book from my website is an easy way to support the podcast too. Here is a link to the books page: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/books/
Link to the Donate page on my website: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/contribute/

#Eat Well. Move Well. Think Well.

Five Minute Food Facts - PROTEIN INTAKE FOR ATHLETES

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 07 Sep 2020 21:30:00 +0000

In this episode I discuss protein requirements for athletes (including amateur athletes, like me, who train for ten or more hours per week). I explain why athletes need more protein than sedentary people and I look into some of the latest research about protein requirements for strength athletes and endurance athletes.

I also mention sources of protein and suggest good post-exercise snacks, the optimal timing for protein intake, and I give a brief overview of obtaining protein from food versus supplements.

USEFUL LINKS

Link to Five Minute Food Fact, Protein Overview, episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/five-minute-food-facts-protein-overview/id1455017772?i=1000483048390

For more information about sports supplements, I suggest the "Thinking Nutrition" Podcast by Dr Tim Crowe: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/thinking-nutrition/id1494549885

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
If you could rate and review the podcast on iTunes, that would be super helpful.
Purchasing a book from my website is an easy way to support the podcast too. Here is a link to the books page: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/books/
Link to the Donate page on my website: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/contribute/

Thank you.

#Eat Well. Move Well. Think Well.

How pets enhance your wellbeing with veterinarian, Dr Chris McComiskie

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 20:59:00 +0000

Today I chat with veterinarian and fellow animal lover, Dr Chris McComiskie, about pets. Australians love their pets; 61% of households own at least one pet, 40% of households include a dog, making them Australia’s most popular pet, followed by cats.

Chris and I discuss all the ways pets can enhance your wellbeing from providing companionship and routine to improving your mental health. Scientific studies have even shown that children growing up in households with dogs can positively impact their immunity. We also touch on the important roles of working dogs in our communities.

USEFUL LINKS

Eastside Vet: https://eastsidevet.com.au

My review of “Apples for the Mind” by Dr Tom Nehmy: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/tom-nehmy/

Podcast episode with Dr Tom Nehmy: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/tom-nehmy/

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
If you could rate and review the podcast on iTunes, that would be super helpful.
Purchasing a book from my website is an easy way to support the podcast too. Here is a link to the books page: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/books/
Link to the Donate page on my website: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/contribute/

Caring for our elderly community in their homes with nurse, Meg Paech

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 24 Aug 2020 21:30:00 +0000

Today registered nurse, Meg Paech, and I discuss caring for others, especially our elderly population. After two decades of interesting and varied experience ranging from ICU to community care that has taken her all over the world, Meg has established Yellow Door, a company that provides tailored in home care.

Many of Yellow Door's clients are elderly, people who want to maintain their independence and live at home. Some of them need a little help e.g. personal grooming and companionship whereas others are approaching the end of their lives and require palliative care. Yellow Door also provides respite care for people looking after loved ones. Meg talks about providing appropriate care with dignity and compassion. She also discusses supporting family and friends facing death of a loved one by explaining to them what dying looks like and using reminiscence therapy.

As Australia’s population ages,* the care Meg and her team provide at Yellow Door is vital to honour and support elderly Australians who have often contributed so much to our community and from whom we can learn about life.

* in 2017, 3.8 million Australians were aged 65 and over, equal to 15% of the population. By 2056, that number will have risen to 8.7 million, representing 22% of the population. (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare)

USEFUL LINKS

Yellow Door: https://www.yellowdoorcare.com.au

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
If you could rate and review the podcast on iTunes, that would be super helpful.
Purchasing a book from my website is an easy way to support the podcast too. Here is a link to the books page: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/books/

Triple Olympian, Jaime Fernandez OLY, on a life dedicated to rowing and training the next generation

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 17 Aug 2020 21:30:00 +0000

In today’s episode I chat with triple Olympian, Jaime Fernandez OLY, about the twists and turns in his journey from remote Arnhem Land to the Australian Institute of Sport where he trained in rowing. Jaime acknowledges all those people who, during his sporting career, showed him care and concern from footy peers to teachers and coaches and helped propel him along the path of sporting excellence.

Jaime paints a vivid picture of what it felt like to represent Australia at the 2000 Olympic games in Sydney in the Men’s Eight final. My heart was pounding just listening. I’ve attached a link to a YouTube video of that race - compelling viewing!

We discuss Jaime's role at Rowing Australia where he oversees the high performance program as Deputy High Performance Director. He gives us some insight into what it takes to represent Australia in rowing including the phenomenal amount of training required, the mental fortitude, commitment, and support from a team of professionals. Also, at Rowing Australia there is always an eye to the future for young athletes and care is taken to set them up for life by pursuing a vocation or studies together with their training. It is an excellent sounding model and one which Jaime, one of our sporting stars, undoubtedly contributes to greatly.

Useful links

Rowing Australia: https://rowingaustralia.com.au

2000 Olympics Mens 8 race: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EF-I71pyMJI

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
If you could rate and review the podcast on iTunes, that would be super helpful.
Purchasing a book from my website is an easy way to support the podcast too. Here is a link to the books page: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/books/

The link between music and your wellbeing with Anne Wiberg

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 21:30:00 +0000

In today’s episode, I chat with passionate and involved supporter of the music and arts industries, Anne Wiberg. Anne has extensive experience in the arts festival space including Director of the Adelaide Fringe Gala, Music Programmer at the Darwin Festival, Programming Director for the Ruby Awards and the list goes on. These days, Anne has her own consulting business, Wiberg, where the focus of her work is on music programming, program producing and event management. Anne is also the Chair of the Board of Directors of Music SA, a not-for-profit organisation that is committed to promoting, supporting and developing contemporary music in South Australia.

In addition to all of this, Anne started her career as a social worker so who better to chat with about the link between music and wellbeing than Anne! How music can influence your mood and the therapeutic use of music are the themes of our chat today and we gain some insight into Anne’s favourite pastime, DJing! Definitely harder than it looks :)

As someone deeply connected to the lives of contemporary musicians, Anne gives us some insight into the huge impact the Coronavirus restrictions have had on the music industry and the ripple effect of prohibitions or limitations on performing live music; the picture she paints is concerning. Anne suggests some ways we can support artists during this difficult and stressful time. Check out the link to Support Act below.

We are very fortunate that Anne has curated a playlist on Spotify for us of her 10 top Feeling Good tunes. It was, she said, almost impossible to narrow it down. Plug in and feel good here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3yhGNmnEavXOcaIG6y4Z4W?si=3lxyEYE9STiRXB_l_lm1yQ

Useful links:

Music SA - http://www.musicsa.com.au

Music SA Resource Page - http://www.musicsa.com.au/resources/

Wiberg - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-wiberg-70a241b7/?originalSubdomain=au

Support Act is Australia’s only charity delivering crisis relief services to artists, crew and music workers as a result of ill health, injury, a mental health problem, or some other crisis that impacts on their ability to work in music. Link - https://supportact.org.au

Link to one of Anne’s go to albums to work to by Bonobo "The North Borders" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSIhXlsPyJg

The benefits of practising mindfulness with Pamela Chimenti

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 20 Jul 2020 21:30:00 +0000

Today’s episode is a timely one in light of the stresses most of us are facing during the Coronavirus pandemic. I chat with Pamela Chimenti about meditation, mindfulness and being present.

Pamela is a yoga and meditation instructor with the International Yoga Alliance. She is also co-founder of The Mindfulness Group, an organisation that aims to improve health and wellbeing through mindfulness, and she’s the author of "The Language of the Soul: Mindfulness from A to Z, Your Roadmap Within".

Pamela and I discuss the benefits of meditation and mindfulness including what they can bring to you life. She provides some practical tips about ways to be present and mindful and how to set up a daily mindfulness practice. Pamela is very intuitive and believes the answers we seek to many of life’s problems and riddles are already within us, if we take time to listen to and nurture our souls.

I hope you enjoy my chat with the generous and warm Pamela.

Links referred to in the podcast

The Mindfulness Group: https://www.themindfulnessgroup.ca

Pamela's book, "The Language of the Soul": https://www.amazon.com/Language-Soul-Mindfulness-Roadmap-Within/dp/1777173507

Wim Hof Method: https://www.wimhofmethod.com

Pamela's Instagram handle: @pamelachimenti88

Here is link to my book review of "Lost Connections" by Johann Hari: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/lost-connections/

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
If you could rate and review the podcast on iTunes, that would be super helpful.
Purchasing a book from my website is an easy way to support the podcast too. Here is a link to the books page: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/books/

Thank you.

#Eat Well. Move Well. Think Well.

Hydration and sodium status for endurance athletes with Sports Dietitian, Alan McCubbin

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 13 Jul 2020 21:30:00 +0000

This week I chat with Accredited Sports Dietitian and researcher, Alan McCubbin, all about hydration and sodium status of endurance athletes.

Even if you’re not an endurance athlete, Alan is a very interesting person to listen to for an insight into how scientific research works, for example, how do you study cramp when people cannot simply cramp on demand? How do you recruit people to run on a treadmill for 5 hours?

During our discussion, Alan delivers some fascinating facts about sweat, we talk about different sweat rates between people, the role of the kidneys in maintaining fluid balance and much more. We take an in depth look at measuring and replacing fluid and sodium in endurance races and training and where the science is at in this area. One thing is for sure, Alan is at the cutting edge in this field of research.

Useful links

Alan’s practice, Next Level Nutrition: http://www.nextlevelnutrition.com.au/cms/

Next Level Nutrition Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nextlvlnut/

Alan’s Social Media handle: @nextlvlnut

Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Alan_Mccubbin

Monash University Nutrition and Exercise Clinic Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MonashNutrExer/

Here is link to my book review of "How Bad Do You Want It" by Matt Fitzgerald: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/how-bad-do-you-want-it/

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
If you could rate and review the podcast on iTunes, that would be super helpful.
Purchasing a book from my website is an easy way to support the podcast too. Here is a link to the books page: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/books/

Thank you.

#Eat Well. Move Well. Think Well.

Five Minute Food Facts - PROTEIN OVERVIEW

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 06 Jul 2020 21:30:00 +0000

In this episode I give a general overview of protein - what it is, some of the important roles it has in our bodies, how much we need and which foods contain protein. Did you know that protein forms the building blocks of our immune system and that most enzymes, that aid in the thousands of biochemical reactions in our bodies, are proteins?

There is so much to know about protein! This episode is the first in a four part series. Keep an eye out for my next three Five Minute Food Facts episodes about protein intake and athletes, protein for people on plant based diets and protein requirements as we age.

Links mentioned in the podcast:

Essential amino acids: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/essential-amino-acids#definition

YouTube video about epigenetics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYJ_nd9glvw

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
If you could rate and review the podcast on iTunes, that would be super helpful.
Purchasing a book from my website is an easy way to support the podcast too. Here is a link to the books page: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/books/

Thank you.

#Eat Well. Move Well. Think Well.

Fuelling for an endurance event with sports dietitian Stephanie Gaskell

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 29 Jun 2020 21:30:00 +0000

In this episode of Amanda’s Wellbeing Podcast I chat with Advanced Accredited Sport Dietician Stephanie Gaskell who is currently working on her PhD about exercised-induced gastrointestinal syndrome at Monash University.

Sports nutrition is a vast area and one where our knowledge is expanding all the time. Today, Steph and I focus on how to fuel for endurance events or long training sets. Steph explains the physiological reasons why it is beneficial to take carbohydrate on board when we are exercising for prolonged periods of time e.g. over two hours and what form that carbohydrate should take for the best results. Of course, eating during an event is not always easy and, as you can tell from the topic of Steph’s PhD, can cause gastrointestinal issues for some athletes which can at best be uncomfortable and, at worst, derail an entire race. That obviously comes into our discussion as does what to eat immediately before and after an event.

Steph is an accomplished endurance runner herself with some impressive race results to her name. We talk about some of her racing experiences plus time she spent at Iten in Kenya at Lornah Kiplagat’s Hight Altitude Training Centre.

Here is a link my review of "The Rise of the Ultra Runners" by Adharanand Finn that I mention in the podcast: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/the-rise-of-the-ultra-runners/

Links to Steph’s practice:

http://www.nutritionstrategies.com.au/stephanie-gaskell/

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
If you could rate and review the podcast on iTunes, that would be super helpful.
Purchasing a book from my website is an easy way to support the podcast too.

Thank you.

This week's guest, Lyndall Vandenberg, is the South Australian State Manager of OzHarvest

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 22 Jun 2020 21:30:00 +0000

Today I have an entertaining chat with Lyndall Vandenberg, South Australian State Manager of OzHarvest.

OzHarvest, an organisation founded by Ronni Kahn AO, collects quality excess food from commercial outlets, like supermarkets, hotels and restaurants, and delivers the rescued food directly to more than 1,300 charities across Australia. Each week OzHarvest rescues 180 tonnes of food from over 3,500 food donors. You might be surprised to hear some of the statistics surrounding food waste in Australia e.g. 4 million people in Australia experience food insecurity each year. The need is real and OzHarvest is playing an enormous role towards addressing this need.

Lyndall has never stopped exploring, nor has she been afraid of seeking and implementing change in her life. Lyndall's career started in hairdressing but she knew this did not fulfil her so she moved towards her passion - food, fresh produce and community - and has never looked back. She's worked at farmers' markets, in food styling and photography and at the famous Stefano's in Mildura where she launched a successful line of preserves. For the last few years, Lyndall has been based in Adelaide at OzHarvest, a job she loves.

Links:

OzHarvest: https://www.ozharvest.org

OzHarvest Adelaide: https://www.ozharvest.org/adelaide/

My Five Minute Food Facts podcast on food waste: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/food-waste/

Stefano's: https://www.stefano.com.au

Sunraysia Farmers' Market: https://www.facebook.com/SunraysiaFarmersMarket/

Willunga Farmers Market: https://www.willungafarmersmarket.com.au

This week's guest, Farrah Furtado, is a yoga teacher, writer and film maker

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 15 Jun 2020 21:30:00 +0000

Today I had the genuine pleasure of interviewing Farrah Furtado. I can truly say Farrah is one of the most inspiring people I have met; when it comes to wellbeing, she walks the talk. Farrah is deeply immersed in yoga, yoga teaching, meditation, fasting and breath-work plus she shares her knowledge with students from all over the world at her yoga school in Portugal, Bend It Like Buddha, and online. She also nourishes her creative side by writing and film production. Farrah has written several books including her best-selling book,The Journey Metamorphosis: Yoga Teacher Fundamentals, and her movie, Atha Gamma, won a plethora of awards.

We chat about Farrah's childhood in Canada with her immigrant parents from the Azores, Portugal and about how after years of working at a high pressure job in fashion in Taiwan, her health started to suffer prompting a re-examining of her lifestyle. Farrah chose this point to dive head first into yoga teacher training and it seems, she found her vocation. We chat about the numerous benefits of yoga, meditation and mindfulness, like the infinite expansion of inner peace and stillness, the transformative power of fasting and so much more.

It may sound strange but I could really feel Farrah's kindness and compassion when I was chatting with her even though we were on opposite sides of the globe. I hope you find something inspiring in my discussion with Farrah.

Useful links:

Bend It Like Buddha Yoga: https://portugalyogaretreats.com/

Website: https://lisafurtado.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LAFFurtado/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yoga_moon_tribe11/

Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/lisaannefurtado?lang=en

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/indigotribe/featured

The week's guest, Dr Amber Halliday OLY, is a former elite athlete and founder of She Thrives in Sport

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 21:30:00 +0000

“Sport set me up for life."

Today I chat with Dr Amber Halliday OLY. Amber and I talk about her professional sporting career first in rowing, where she won numerous gold and silver medals at the Rowing World Championships and represented Australia at the Olympic Games twice. Amber then moved to cycling, training at the South Australian Sports Institute, where success came to her swiftly. Barely a year into the sport and she’d won the Women's Tour of New Zealand.

In January 2011 disaster struck; Amber was in a cycling accident (during a race in Adelaide) which caused traumatic brain injury and several broken bones. We discuss Amber's journey to recovery which included learning to walk and talk again and how, in a moment, her entire identity, that of an athlete, was shattered and she had to reinvent herself. That she did with incredible success and hard work. Amber obtained a PhD in positive psychology with a focus on adolescent mental health and wellbeing and has now launcher her coaching business, She Thrives in Sport.

She Thrives in Sport provides online learning and coaching tailored to female athletes, their coaches and their parents with an aim to build resilience, performance and wellbeing in sport.

I would sum up this conversation by saying it is a lesson (from Amber) about resilience and the benefits of a positive frame of mind.

Useful links:

She Thrives in Sport: https://www.shethrivesinsport.com

Matt Fitzgerald's book, How Bad Do You Want It?: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/how-bad-do-you-want-it/

Angela Duckworth, author of Grit - The Power of Passion and Perseverance: https://angeladuckworth.com

This week's guest, Katie Sarah, is a mountaineer and owner of Sarah Mountain Journeys

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 11 May 2020 21:30:00 +0000

Today I chat with Katie Sarah, an extraordinarily accomplished person. Katie is the first woman in the world to have completed the Seven Seven, that is the Seven Summits (the highest mountain peaks on each of the seven continents) plus the seven volcanic summits of each continent. She is now edging towards the Explorer's Grand Slam.

Obviously, Katie's achievement includes the one-and-only, mother-of-them-all, Mount Everest which she summited in 2010 from the northern side (i.e. Tibet). We chat about all of that including what Katie faced on summit day, what motivates her, her training and preparations and some of her other expeditions, like Denali and Mount Elbrus. A strong theme that come through is Katie's ability to set a goal and diligently and patiently work towards it e.g. Katie knew, after her first trip to Mount Everest in 2007, that to successfully summit, she needed to improve her mountaineering skills so she set about acquiring the necessary skills.

We also discuss the links between being in the great outdoors and wellbeing, between the feeling of accomplishment after finishing a trek and self-confidence and how such pursuits give one a greater sense of perspective.

These days Katie is cutting back in her work at Sarah Mountain Journeys, the adventure travel company she owns, and is dedicating more time to charity work.

I found this conversation empowering (because, although what Katie has achieved is truly amazing, she makes it sound possible if you approach it the way she has done) and I hope you do too.

Links to websites motioned in our discussion:

Sarah Mountain Journeys: https://www.sarahmj.com

Guide Dogs SA/NT: https://www.guidedogs.org.au

Sight For All: https://sightforall.org

Five Minute Food Facts - DIETARY FIBRE

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 04 May 2020 21:30:00 +0000

Most of us know that dietary fibre is good for us, especially for our digestion. What we may not have a grasp on is how much do we really need, what does that amount look like as food and what does dietary fibre do in the body that makes it so good for us? If you’re interested in the answers to these questions, tune in to my Five Minute Food Facts (5MFF) podcast on dietary fibre and I’ll explain the answers, and more, for you.

If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact me at: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/contact-us/

Links referred to in the episode:

National Health and Medical Research Council - dietary fibre recommendations: https://www.nrv.gov.au/nutrients/dietary-fibre

5MFF Antioxidants: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/antioxidants/

5MFF Vitamins & Minerals: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/vitamins-and-minerals/

This week's guest, Paul Bennett, is a kidney disease expert and researcher into laughter therapy

Amanda Hayes — Sun, 26 Apr 2020 21:30:00 +0000

When Paul graduated from Nursing in the 1980s, he started working in renal (i.e. kidney) care. His career, which has included further study and eminent research roles, has remained focussed on caring for patients with kidney disease. Currently, Paul is the Director, Medical and Clinical Affairs, at Satellite Health Care in California, an institution that aims to improve the quality of life of dialysis patients. Paul has conducted extensive research into this area including resistance exercise for dialysis patients and laughter and humour therapy, and it is laughter therapy that we dive into in today’s discussion.

Laughter therapy is a structured treatment carried out by a laughter therapist - it is not simply a comedy style routine. It does not need to be limited to dialysis patients and could (and does) have application to anyone suffering from chronic disease. Laughter therapy is, in essence, an exploration of the link between mind and body and how laughter, which is known to improve mental wellbeing, also enhances physical wellbeing e.g. improved heart and blood vessel health, improved immune function. It is, in my opinion, a fascinating area with the potential for broad utilisation.

I hope you enjoy my chat with the affable and humble Paul Bennett (and did I mention he's an Ironman - kudos)!

Here is a link to Paul's profile on ResearchGate where you can view the research papers he’s published: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Paul_Bennett4

This week's guest, Nick Muxlow, is an athlete, triathlon coach and author

Amanda Hayes — Sun, 19 Apr 2020 21:30:00 +0000

This week I am excited to welcome back athlete, coach and author Nick Muxlow to chat about his latest book, "Journey to Kona: How to finish your best Ironman triathlon, qualify for Hawaii and have fun doing it”.

This is a great episode for all triathletes (even if you don’t aspire to race Kona) because Nick shares his considerable knowledge about triathlon training principles. In order to train effectively, it is important to understand the different training techniques, such as using training zones and why you’re doing so. Today we take a closer look at triathlon swimming techniques, training intensity (i.e. zones), pacing and the all important, yet often overlooked, triathlon mindset. Nick also explains the mechanics of qualifying for Kona and the Roll Down ceremonies.

There is loads more useful information in Journey to Kona that we have not had time to cover today. To find out more, you can buy Journey to Kona (via Nick's website or by clicking on the link to my book review).

Nick was my first ever podcast guest. In Episode #1 we discussed ultra running and his first book, “Journey to 100: How to run your best 100km ultramarathon - and love it”. Here is a link to that episode: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/nick-muxlow/

USEFUL LINKS:

Journey to Kona website: https://thekonajourney.net

The Kona Journey triathlete's quiz: https://quiz.thekonajourney.net

The Ultra Journey website: https://www.theultrajourney.com

Link to my review of Journey to Kona: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/journey-to-kona/

Link to my review of Journey to 100: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/journey-to-100/

This week's guest, Ness Stonnill, founded Job Pair an organisation that facilitates flexible work and working from home

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 21:30:00 +0000

Today's guest, Ness Stonnill, founded Job Pair, an organisation that helps individuals and businesses make flexible work (including part-time, job sharing and working from home) possible.

This podcast is a topical one for Coronavirus times as we go into detail about how to work from home successfully.

Ness openly shares her story that led to the founding of Job Pair. She had worked in high pressure senior executive marketing roles in Adelaide and Sydney that eventually caused her to burn out. This manifested as extreme exhaustion and auto-immune disorders. Ness embarked on a long road to recovery that encompassed working on both her physical and mental health. A couple of things that really resonated with Ness were Autogenic Therapy, a self-healing therapy, and discovering Brene Brown (in particular Brown's book “The Gifts of Imperfection”) who she credits with helping change her mindset. Looking inwards and focussing on wellbeing enabled Ness to imagine how she wanted her working life to look - flexible and productive - with this concept she created Job Pair.

Ness and I chat about many things, including:

The benefits of working from home;
how to address the challenges of working from home;
what successfully working from home looks like; and
how to manage distractions.

Being required to work from home during Coronavirus will likely force us to adapt, it will open people's minds to how working flexibly can be productive and, importantly, we think a change in mind set will present opportunities for women (and men) to combine meaningful work and family in a much more sustainable way that enhances wellbeing.

I hope you take something really helpful from my chat with Ness.

Useful links:

Job Pair: https://www.jobpair.com.au

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ness-stonnill-nee-pearce-8976bb23/

Autogenic Therapy: http://www.autogenics.com.au

Brene Brown's TED talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_the_power_of_vulnerability

This week's guest, Sarah Lee, shares her story of how cancer changed her life in unexpected ways

Amanda Hayes — Sun, 29 Mar 2020 20:30:00 +0000

Today I chat with Sarah Lee who generously shares her inspiring story. Sarah was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2017 and what she did whilst living through the treatment is truly remarkable. When her oncologist said she should get some exercise, like walking around the block, Sarah knew she could do better than that so she set herself challenges like hiking up a steep trail every week, she decided to run to her chemotherapy treatments and then Sarah challenged herself to run the City to Bay (12km fun run). The challenges just kept getting bigger. Imagine deciding to take up running during, not after, cancer!

Sarah has accomplished amazing feats, like running two marathons, but more than anything, Sarah has achieved equanimity. She is happy; she has changed her mind set and approaches life with vigour and compassion.

Sarah is generous by nature and she wants to support others who are facing breast cancer so she is fund raising for Breast Cancer Trials. (A group of world-leading breast cancer doctors and researchers based in Australia and New Zealand committed to exploring and finding better treatments for people affected by breast cancer through clinical trials research.)

Due to Coronavirus, some of Sarah's fund raising efforts (like a planned movie night) have had to be cancelled so please, if you are able, support Sarah's efforts by buying tickets to her raffle. There are some wonderful prizes like a pendant enhancer - 18k white gold with 13mm fresh water pearl from GW Cox My Jeweller - and a night in a King River View room at the Intercontinental (Adelaide).

Sarah's Marathon Effort for Breast Cancer Trials Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sarahs-Marathon-Effort-for-Breast-Cancer-Trials-103517044477576/?fref=ts

Lottery tickets (Sarah's Marathon Effort for Breast Cancer Trials): https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=619392&

Breast Cancer Trials website: https://www.breastcancertrials.org.au/home

This week's guest, Beck Butler, is an endurance athlete and owner of trail shop, BKT-Trail

Amanda Hayes — Sun, 22 Mar 2020 20:30:00 +0000

Today I have an inspirational chat with Beck Butler, endurance athlete, adventurer and owner of dedicated trail store, BKT-Trail.

Beck's enthusiasm for all things trail - running or hiking - is contagious. She shares some crazy stories of her Marathon de Sables (MDS) experience. In case you have had your head buried in the sand (ha ha) and have not heard of the MDS, it is a multi-stage race through the Sahara desert (250km in 7 days) in the searing heat where you have to carry everything - all your clothes, food, equipment and sleeping gear. What stands out in Beck’s recounting of her ultra endurance stories is not so much the physical pain or her achievements but the friendships forged.

A few years ago, Beck left her legal career to set up BKT-Trail. BKT-Trail is more than a retail space, it is an inviting and friendly meeting place for trail enthusiasts. BKT-Trail stocks all the brands Beck loves like Saucony, On Running, Salomon and Ultimate Direction, and specialises in super light weight gear. We shoot the breeze about running shoes and endurance nutrition. As you can tell by the longer than usual episode, I LOVED chatting with Beck!

Useful links:

BKY-Trail shop and online shop: https://www.bkt-trail.com.au

BKT-Trail facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bkttrail/

Marathon de Sables (in case you’re curious): https://www.marathondessables.com/en

This week's guest, John Stamoulos, is an International Breathwork practitioner

Amanda Hayes — Sun, 15 Mar 2020 20:30:00 +0000

Today I chat with John Stamoulos about Breathwork. Breathwork is a safe, non-invasive breathing technique known as conscious connected breathing that works on many different levels, for example, at a physical level it relieves tension and stress from the body and at an emotional level people connect to and release suppressed emotions which activates a natural healing process that can ultimately lead to self-mastery.

On his website, John says; "Breath is life. Breathwork opens the door to experiencing more of life in the present because it resolves the influences, traumas and stored emotions of the past."

Another component of Breathwork is working with affirmations and John suggests two; “I choose love” and “ I choose peace”. I like these for their simplicity. John explains how to work with affirmations.

Breathwork can be done in private session or a group setting. Here is a link to John's website to find out more: https://www.johnstamoulos.com

John’s facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/johnstamoulosbreathwork/

If you are interested in experiencing Breathwork, John runs a monthly Breathing Circle in Adelaide: https://www.breathelife.org

This week's guest, Adrian Barei, is a physiotherapist and bike fit expert

Amanda Hayes — Sun, 08 Mar 2020 20:30:00 +0000

This week I chat with Adrian Barei, founder and owner of Podium Physio, a boutique physiotherapy practice in Adelaide with a special niche in professional bike fitting. Adrian and I discuss common cycling injuries, the importance of complementary strength work for cyclists and the benefits of a professional bike fit. Who knew you could attend a four day conference entirely dedicated to bike fit / optimisation? I certainly didn't.

We also chat about Adrian's 13 year career in athletics as a pole vaulter, during which he represented Australia four times.

This was an informative discussion for me and I hope you find it so too.

If you want to contact Adrian or book in a bike fit (highly recommended), here are the links to Podium Physio:

Website: http://podiumphysio.com.au

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/podiumphysioaus/?fref=ts

Today's guest, Dr Tim Crowe, is a scientific researcher & health and medical writer

Amanda Hayes — Sun, 01 Mar 2020 20:30:00 +0000

Today I am honoured to be chatting with Dr Tim Crowe, career research scientist and educator, and founder of Thinking Nutrition blog and podcast.

Tim has had a long and interesting scientific career ranging from medical research in cancer and diabetes, to dietetics and teaching in the School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences at Deakin University for 16 years - where our paths crossed. Tim’s real passion is communicating and translating nutrition research - three years ago he left academia to pursue this interest full time. Part of Tim's freelance career includes his Thinking Nutrition blog and his new Thinking Nutrition podcast. Both are excellent resources - links are below.

We discuss why nutrition can appear confusing, how to make sense of it and some of the things that have changed in the field of nutrition as more scientific research is undertaken, for example, the management of Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with a low FODMAP diet. However, much of the advice about healthy eating, like including plenty of fruit and vegetables in your meals, has not changed since Tim has been working in the area and he weighs in on how various dietary trends come and go. We touch on some of the future direction in nutrition such as nutrigenomics (the relationship between human genome, nutrition and health) but, according to Tim, where it’s at is the gut microbiome, an area of research that he watches avidly.

If you want to follow Tim, read his blogs and/or listen to his podcasts, which I highly recommend, look no further:

Podcast: search “Thinking Nutrition” on all good podcast providers

Website (blog): https://www.thinkingnutrition.com.au

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thinkingnutrition/

Social media handle @doctimcrowe

Here are the links to The Peak Health bodies (health and food pages) Tim refers to in the podcast:

Cancer Council: https://www.cancer.org.au/preventing-cancer/nutrition-and-physical-activity/food-and-nutrition.html

Diabetes Australia: https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/food-activity

The Heart Foundation: https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/healthy-eating

Australian Dietary Guidelines: https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/guidelines

Tim mentions the excellent resource Examine.com (https://examine.com) for science based nutrition and supplements information.

This week's guest, Melissa Stefano, is the creator of Cancer Confidence (and so much more)

Amanda Hayes — Sun, 23 Feb 2020 20:30:00 +0000

Today I have a candid and entertaining chat with the dynamo that is Melissa Stefano! Mel worked in education for 25 years, she's worked as a consultant and as a coach, plus, she's a highly awarded choreographer. Suffice to say, Mel had a lot going on; she was a busy and successful business woman and then she was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Mel's world changed but in ways that you might not imagine.

Mel was struck by the language around cancer which is often hostile and full of war metaphors and she did not want to take this on. Mel decided to work towards reframing the way we see cancer. She says, "Cancer is not a war, it is a transformational experience. But, it is more than that - it's a rise to wisdom." From Mel's cancer experience and her deep wish to help others with cancer, came the creation of Cancer Confidence.

I hope you enjoy this warm and engaging chat. Mel will be back soon to update us on the new developments, including a new website, happening at Cancer Confidence.

Links:-

Cancer Confidence: https://cancerconfidence.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cancerconfidence/

Melissa Stefano: https://melissastefano.com/index

International Coach Federation: https://coachfederation.org/why-icf

This week's guest, Anna Howard, is the founder of Plantmade WA

Amanda Hayes — Sun, 16 Feb 2020 20:30:00 +0000

Today, I chat with an old school friend of mine, Anna Howard, who happens to be extraordinary. Anna has lived all over the world including in some very remote places - think mud huts in west Africa when she worked in the mining industry. Since her early 20s, Anna has loved cooking and has been drawn towards plant based eating. Her passion for vegetarian and vegan food has now become the basis of her work at Plantmade WA, the plant based lifestyle company she's established. At Plantmade WA Anna offers cooking classes, recipes, catering and she sells her own delicious, healthy granola.

Again, I am speaking with someone who has moved away from a previous career to embrace a more fulfilling lifestyle, or, as Anna would put it, a life that "fills her cup".

Anna talks about being inspired by and learning some of her cooking skills from chef Matthew Kenny. Here is a link to his beautiful website: https://www.matthewkenneycuisine.com

You can connect with Anna and follow Plantmade WA here:

Website: https://www.plantmadewa.com.au

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/plantmadewa/

Social Media: @plantmadewa

This week's guests, Rachelle Martin and Olaf Sorensen, discuss low carb & carnivore diets

Amanda Hayes — Sun, 09 Feb 2020 20:30:00 +0000

My chat today with Rachelle Martin and Olaf Sorensen is anything but dull! These two are the ultimate self-experimenters, particularly when it comes to diet (and, in Olaf’s case, finding the perfect exercise regime but that will be the subject of another podcast).

Both Rachelle and Olaf started experimenting with a low carb diet several years ago, Rachelle, to correct some health issues and Olaf, to find the optimal way to manage his energy for long distance running e.g. ultra marathons. We heard about Rachelle's ketogenic diet in Episode #7 of Amanda’s Wellbeing Podcast (link below). Olaf, as you will hear, found the low carb way of eating agreed with his physiology but not content to stop there, he took it further and experimented with the carnivore diet and says, he felt so good, he never went back. Today, Olaf eats meat, organ meat, fat and eggs. We chat about the importance of the source of protein consumed and Olaf’s business with his parents, Grassland Nutrition, where they produced freeze dried organ meats in both powdered and capsule form. Links below.

For many people, this style of eating may sound extreme and (quite rightly) ring alarm bells - where is the dietary fibre and vitamin C and what about antioxidants? Rachelle chats to us from a nutritionist's point of view about where those nutrients are obtained in a carnivore style diet. She also shares her view on who could try the carnivore diet and who should avoid it.

I still love plants but I am fascinated by what Rachelle and Olaf are discovering and we briefly touch on whether genetics may play a role.

At the end of the podcast, Olaf brings up Wim Hof (AKA “Iceman”) and it turns out Rachelle has signed up for his course. Is there anything these two won’t try? Perhaps their nordic heritage plays a role in how they respond to their diets and why they are attracted to immersing themselves in freezing water.

LINKS:

Previous podcast with Rachelle - https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/rachelle-martin/

Rachelle Martin - If you want to connect with Rachelle and you live in Adelaide, you can contact her at her office: Unley Park Nutrition – Telephone: (08) 8373 4944

You can also connect with her via Instagram: @rachellemartin69

Olaf Sorensen - http://30minutestrength.com, https://metabolicperformance.net/about-me/

Grassland Nutrition - https://www.grasslandnutrition.net

Carnevore - https://carnevore.com.au

Mount Pleasant Farmers Market - http://www.mpfm.org.au/stallholders/stallholder-profiles/pebbly-range-limousin/

Wim Hof - https://www.wimhofmethod.com

GLOSSARY:

Anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA): Antinuclear antibodies are a group of autoantibodies produced by a person's immune system when it fails to adequately distinguish between "self" and "non-self." The ANA test detects these autoantibodies in the blood and is one of the primary tests for helping to diagnose a suspected autoimmune disorder or rule out other conditions with similar signs and symptoms.

Apoptosis: The natural process of programmed cell death. During life there is a constant death and renewal of body cells. Failure of apoptosis is implicated in the development of cancers.

Insulin resistance (IR): IR refers to an impaired response of the body to insulin, resulting in elevated levels of glucose in the blood (a key component of type 2 diabetes).

Lean mass hyper responder: A person who sees a significant rise (usually 50% or more) in their LDL cholesterol after adopting a low carb diet.

Lipid profile: A lipid profile test looks at the various levels of cholesterol and other fats in your blood.The lipid profile includes total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol (often called good cholesterol), LDL-cholesterol (often called bad cholesterol), and triglycerides. Lipids and cholesterol are fat-like substances in the blood and some are necessary for good health. However, if you have a high level of LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides, then you have an increased risk of heart disease. (Reference: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/cholesterol-and-lipid-tests)

Lipid subfracination: Lipoprotein sub-fraction tests separate the commonly measured lipoprotein fractions LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein, often called the bad cholesterol) – into sub-fractions based on the size, density, and/or electrical charge. Some studies have shown that small dense LDL particles are more likely to cause atherosclerosis than light fluffy LDL particles. Researchers think that the presence of small dense LDL could be one of the reasons that some people have heart attacks. (Reference: https://www.labtestsonline.org.au/learning/test-index/lipoprotein-subfraction-testing)

Nutrigenomics: Nutrigenomics is broadly defined as the relationship between nutrients, diet, and gene expression.

Five Minute Food Facts - PROCESSED FOOD

Amanda Hayes — Wed, 05 Feb 2020 10:54:00 +0000

"Eat less processed food" - you hear it all the time. Today I discuss what that really means.

Some forms of processing, like freezing, to increase shelf life is not necessarily a bad thing. The problems lie with ultra-processing where multiple ingredients like fats, sugars and starches are mixed with other substances e.g. artificial colouring and flavourings to come up with some palatable food-like product. This ultra-processed "food" (if you can even call it that) is not health-promoting. Consumption has been linked to obesity and other non-communicable diseases. The trouble is we eat way, way too much of it. You might be shocked to find out how much - I was.

I hope this episode sheds some light on why avoiding or limiting your consumption of ultra-processed food is really worth doing.

Let me know what you think by contacting me here: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/contact-us/

This week's guest, Tony Karoussis, is a Ninja Warrior

Amanda Hayes — Sun, 26 Jan 2020 20:30:00 +0000

Today’s podcast guest, Tony Karoussis, is a Ninja Warrior, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) purple belt, personal trainer and former engineer. Is there anything this Ninja can’t do?

Tony was drawn to martial arts after he left school and fell in love with BJJ. Apart from the obvious physical benefits of enhanced strength and fitness, one of the tenets Jiu-Jitsu is that it builds character and Tony attests to that. We chat about how BJJ has played a big part in who Tony is today - BJJ has taught him to think under pressure and to build his confidence.

Several years ago Tony became interested in Ninja Warrior. He has competed in numerous competitions - there are several Ninja leagues, not just the one we see on television. Tony and I chew the fat about what it takes to be a Ninja Warrior and how he trains for all the unexpected obstacles that can be throw his way.

For someone so young (looking from my perspective anyway), he is wise; Tony's goal for 2020 is to have more fun. Hear what this looks like for Tony. How would you have more fun? I’d love to hear - you can contact me here: contact@wellbeingpodcast.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tony.karoussis

Instgram handle: @tony_karoussis

This week's guest, Melissa Anderson, is the director of Korpermotus Pilates studio

Amanda Hayes — Sun, 19 Jan 2020 20:30:00 +0000

Today’s podcast guest, Melissa Anderson, has had a long association with dance, beginning tap dance at the age of three. Fast forward and Mel completed a Bachelor of Dance Performance during which she took Pilates classes. As Mel pondered her career options, which included doing a Diploma of Specialist Makeup Services and Cross Fit instructor training, she was always drawn back to Pilates and that is where her career has landed. In 2018, Mel opened up her very beautiful Pilates studio, Korpermotus, in Adelaide's chic suburb of Unley. It is obvious when talking with Mel that she is doing what she loves. She has taken some of her favourite aspects of dance training - discipline, athleticism, artistic expression - and channelled them into Korpermotus.

I hope you enjoy my entertaining chat with Mel. She is full of energy and embraces life with vigour!

If you’d like to follow Mel, her Instagram handle is: korpermotus

Here is a link Korpermotus pilates studio website: https://korpermotuspilates.com.au

Five Minute Food Facts - FOOD WASTE

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 23 Dec 2019 07:04:00 +0000

Did you know that one third of all the food produced in the world is lost or wasted? That is 1.3 billion tonnes of food costing the global economy around $940 billion every year. This is crazy, right? Especially when 11% of the global population does not have enough to eat.

Today I’ll chat about food waste, what the major causes of it are and what is being done about it. There is some innovative and effective action in this space, especially from charities like OzHarvest. I’ll also talk about what each of us can do to reduce food waste in our own households. If you have any tips, please share them with me at contact@wellbeingpodcast.com.

Link to Ronni Kahn's 2018 UniSA Nelson Mandela Lecture: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYOXLmSBSS8&feature=youtu.be

Link to OzHarvest's website: https://www.ozharvest.org/what-we-do/our-story/

Link to information about food rescue charities: https://www.foodwise.com.au/foodwaste/business-food-waste/food-charities/

This week's guest, Dr. George Forrest, is a dentist and we discuss oral health

Amanda Hayes — Sun, 15 Dec 2019 20:30:00 +0000

When many of us think of health and wellbeing, we don’t automatically think of oral health but imagine life with a constant toothache, or not being able to chew properly or speak clearly due to tooth decay or gum disease. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare states that, “Good oral health is fundamental to overall health and wellbeing.” There is nothing ambiguous about that statement!

Today I chat with my dentist, Dr. George Forrest, about this crucial aspect of our wellbeing. George explains what causes and the various forms of oral disease, and, some of the impacts it can have. We chat about the life cycle of teeth and he clears up the mystery of wisdom teeth - why we have them and why some people need to have them extracted.

It turns out, unsurprisingly, that the foods that are good for our bodies, like unprocessed whole foods, are also good for the health of our teeth and those foods and drinks that are less beneficial, like sugary drinks (including sports drinks) are the enemy of good oral health. Many of us have heard this but we may not know exactly why and George clarifies this for us. What I was interested to learn was that frequency of contact with sugar rather than quantity is the real culprit in the case of tooth decay and gum disease. It is better, therefore, to skol (or scull) your raspberry lemonade than slowly sip it all day.

George also describes the gold standard in oral hygiene - see if you are meeting it.

If you are based in Adelaide and would like to learn more about Dr George Forrest’s practice, here is a link to his practice website: http://www.forrestdental.com.au

This week's guest, Helen Hyde, is a personal trainer with an interesting career path

Amanda Hayes — Sun, 08 Dec 2019 20:30:00 +0000

Today’s podcast guest, Helen Hyde, runs her own personal training business, Helen Hyde Fitness. I was interested in Helen’s story because, like the majority of women I have interviewed, she has moved away from a corporate career into something that is more compatible wth family life and that developed from following her passion - in Helen’s case, movement and fitness. Helen lived a busy expatriate life for two decades that included moves from Adelaide to London to Sydney and then to Chicago, New York, Hong Kong, Singapore and finally back to Adelaide. Moving countries, and indeed cities, is challenging but also very rewarding and Helen’s evolution is testament to that; it was her expat friends that encouraged her to study her Certificate III in Fitness and the rest, as they saying goes, is history!

Helen Hyde Fitness is now a thriving business in Adelaide where Helen elects to train women. Her understanding of the stresses particular to women following child birth and juggling a busy family makes her a wise and empathetic trainer.

Helen and I also discuss how movement benefits wellbeing. Movement provides a physical outlet for stress, it enhances mood and improves immunity. Take a leaf out of Helen’s book and try to make time to move every day…you might end up running a marathon, as she did!

Helen Hyde Fitness

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Helen-Hyde-Fitness-637221273032018/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helenhydefitness/?hl=en

This week's guest, Catherine Sayer, is the CEO of Food South Australia

Amanda Hayes — Sun, 01 Dec 2019 20:00:00 +0000

Today's podcast guest, Catherine Sayer, is CEO of Food South Australia (SA). Food SA is the peak body supporting SA's food and beverage industry; an industry that contributes $19.7 billion dollars to SA's Gross State Product.

I thoroughly enjoyed this discussion, because who doesn't love talking about food, but mainly because it was such an interesting insight into some of the behind the scenes factors that food and beverage producers have to take into account.

We chat about the South Australian food scene, including what makes it unique, the successful "Eat Local" campaign and some of the star producers who have recently been recognised at the SA Premier's Food and Beverage Industry Awards dinner like Haigh's Chocolates, Barossa Fine Foods, Mexex, Coopers Brewery and Ceravolo Orchards.

You can check out Food SA's website and the various program they offer here: https://foodsouthaustralia.com.au

Five Minute Food Facts - ALCOHOL

Amanda Hayes — Sun, 27 Oct 2019 09:30:00 +0000

Alcohol, like it or loathe it, has been part of the human diet for thousands of years. Today I explain how it is metabolised, what comprises a standard drink, the causes of a hangover and what the latest research has to say about the risks of alcohol consumption. Most importantly, I talk about the short and long term health effects of alcohol consumption. The safest option, from a health point of view, is to eschew it altogether. However, if you do choose to drink, I conclude with some tips about how to minimise the potential damage of alcohol consumption.

This week's guest, Chris Chapman, established The Running Company, a specialist running shoe store

Amanda Hayes — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 20:30:00 +0000

Today's podcast guest, Chris Chapman (AKA Chicken), established The Running Company in 2009 at Bondi Beach, Sydney. Fast forward 11 years and he now has 10 stores all over Australia. The Running Company is unique in its approach because they sell only running shoes and the staff gain an in depth knowledge about every style they carry. They also do a full gait analysis and, where appropriate, work with other health professionals like physiotherapists and podiatrist, to ensure that each customer gets the best service and walks (or runs) out of the store with the correct shoes to reduce the risk of injury.

Chris and I chat about his path to opening The Running Company, his excellent grounding at Nike, his own sporting endeavours - he has a pretty impressive marathon PB of 2:46 - and the reasons why having the right shoe helps minimise the chance of injury.

A theme that come up often in my conversation with Chris is that his stores are “all about the people” from customers to staff to store owners.

Do yourself a big favour and check out the running company: https://www.therunningcompany.com.au

Adelaide store for all you locals out there: https://www.therunningcompany.com.au/adelaide/

This week's guest, Tina Jameson, is the founder of the Strong Daughters program

Amanda Hayes — Tue, 15 Oct 2019 20:30:00 +0000

Today's podcast guest, Tina Jameson, is the founder of Strong Daughters, bushwalking and camping adventures for girls and their mothers (or grandmothers) that are designed to equip girls with a "tool kit" of skills that help them recognise they are capable and resilient. The adventures also foster the mother-daughter bond.

Tina, as a school librarian, noticed a real "confidence gap" in girls between the ages of 11 and 13. Through hiking and camping with her own daughter, Tina observed her daughter's sense of self-worth flourish. She wanted to share this with others and so developed Strong Daughters.

Tina acquired her bushwalking leadership skills through Bushwalking Leadership South Australia: https://www.bushwalkingleadership.org.au/about/

Here is a link to Strong Daughters which is offered by Big Heart Adventures: https://bigheartadventures.com.au/strong-daughters/

You can follow Tina on Instagram @thehikinglibrarian

This week's guest, Jamie Wetherell, is a physiotherapist specialising in chronic pain, a yoga teacher and surfer

Amanda Hayes — Sun, 06 Oct 2019 21:00:00 +0000

Today's podcast guest, Jamie Wetherell, is a physiotherapist at Active Bodies Physiotherapy with a background in chronic pain education and research. We begin our chat by discussing chronic pain which results from a complex interplay between the body and the brain including how fear and anxiety around pain can be a relevant factor in approaching treatment.

Jamie talks about his philosophy around his physio practice; rather than simply treating a condition and sending a patient on his or her way, he tries to mentor and inspire them to help reach their physical goals. I think there is a lot to be said for being listened to as a patient rather than just being told what is "wrong" with you.

We also talk about dry needling, the release of muscular tension via needling trigger points, surfing and Jamie's deep love of the ocean, and, if that is not enough, Jamie is also a yoga instructor at Power Living.

In our conversation, Jamie refers to J Krishnamurti's teachings on presence and here is a link to his website: https://jkrishnamurti.org/about_landing

Following are links to Jamie's physiotherapy practice and Power Living, the yoga school he teaches at:

https://www.activebodiesphysiotherapy.com.au/about-our-team/

https://www.powerliving.com.au/adelaide-studio/

This week's guests, Sarah Sutter and Jason Tyndall, run Nature Play SA

Amanda Hayes — Sun, 29 Sep 2019 22:00:00 +0000

Today's podcast guests are Sarah Sutter and Jason Tyndall, CEO and GM of Nature Play SA respectively. Nature Play SA is a not-for-profit organisation, the vision of which is to "inspire the South Australian community to engage children in nature through outdoor learning and play".

Nature Play SA runs numerous events in outdoor spaces and national parks around South Australia including events for families where kids can engage in cubby house building, potion making and other activities where they will be assured to get their hands dirty. They work with educators to teach them how to encourage children to engage with nature and also run incursions in schools. When the organisation was formed, Sarah was approached by the Board and asked if she would be it's inaugural CEO because, in addition to being well qualified, the Board recognised that Sarah truly lives the brand.

Sarah and Jason talk about their observations that childhood has changed dramatically in the past several decades; children growing up in our risk averse society can have underdeveloped gross motor skills and be reluctant to take any risks, having been discouraged from doing so to be kept "safe", yet taking risks helps develop decision making, especially around risk. Playing in nature is an excellent way to practise this skill plus it encourages decision making, emotional regulation, social interaction and curiosity. Sarah and Jason have witnessed some really inspiring results from their work and share some uplifting stories with us.

My favourite line in this podcast is when Jason says, "nature is for everyone".

Here is a link to Nature Play SA's website: https://natureplaysa.org.au

Here is a link to my epode with Dr Scott Coussens where we discuss unstructured nature play and resilience in children, which relates closely to the current episode: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/scott-coussens-nature-play/

PS Many of you would know that Sarah is an Australian netball icon. She was in Australia's 1998 Commonwealth Games gold medal winning team! Don't worry, I do ask Sarah some netball questions.

This week's guest, Lisa Murphy, is an adventurer and founder of travel company, Big Heart Adventures

Amanda Hayes — Sun, 22 Sep 2019 22:00:00 +0000

Today's Podcast guest, Lisa Murphy, is the founder of Big Heart Adventures, a travel company specialising in unique, culturally authentic, hosted group active and adventure travel experiences.

Lisa and I discuss some of the amazing benefits travel, especially travel involving a physical challenge like trekking, can bring to peoples lives. Lisa believes that travel encourages

empathy, cultural understanding and open mindedness. When combined with physical challenge, it can also help to build resilience and confidence. Big Heart Adventures offerers Challenge trips to destinations like the Wilderness trail on Kangaroo Island to Kumano Kodo in Japan and the Inca Trail in Peru. Big Heart Adventures also have a wonderful program called Wise Women Walking, women only trips, designed for women to reflect, nurture and celebrate their identity. Sounds terrific, doesn't it?

Lisa, like the name of her company, has a big heart and a very important part of her work is to fundraising for charities and non-profit organisations, like Catherine House Inc., MS Australia, Operation Flinders and Himalayan Development Foundation Australia.

If you'd like to connect with Big Heart Adventures, here are some links:

Website: https://bigheartadventures.com.au

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BigHeartAdventures/

Instagram: @bigheart_adventures

This week's guest, William Pullen, is a psychotherapist and founder of Dynamic Running Therapy

Amanda Hayes — Sun, 15 Sep 2019 22:00:00 +0000

Today's podcast guest, William Pullen, is a London-based psychotherapist, TEDx speaker and author who has developed a unique treatment method called "Dynamic Running Therapy" (DRT). DRT has been described as a "revolutionary method" and as "a radical new approach to mindfulness".

According to William, movement combined with talking exploits something deep within our DNA and DRT is based on this concept. DRT helps people work through issues like anxiety, depression, anger management or decision making.

Listen to my chat with William to hear the inspiring story of how he left the dizzying world of alcohol, gambling and other destructive pursuits to one of health, wellbeing and inner peace. He achieved this U turn with a combination of running and psychotherapy and then chose to study psychotherapy himself as he was simultaneously so inspired and healed by it. With a background in philosophy and a deep appreciation of the Buddhist concept of mindfulness, William has a unique perspective on the human mind - for any philosophy buffs, William throws in some references to Descartes and the Cartesian Split.

William has also written a book about DRT, "Run For Your Life: Mindful Running for a Happy Life" (published in the United States as "Running with Mindfulness") and here is a link to my review of his book where you can purchase it via Amazon: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/run-for-your-life/

You can connect with William via any of the following channels:

Website: http://dynamicrunningtherapy.co.uk

Instagram: d_runningtherapy

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dynamicrunningtherapy

Twitter: @pullentherapy

DRT App: available on Apple App store

TEDx talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sq6393AreD4

This week's guest, Dr Scott Coussens, is a neuroscientist with an interest in nature play and resilience

Amanda Hayes — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 01:55:00 +0000

Today's podcast guest, Dr Scott Coussens, is the first guest to return for a repeat episode! Scott, I have discovered, has expertise in many aspects of neuroscience. In Episode #11 we discussed sleep. In this episode we consider the benefits of nature play for children.

Set against a back drop of rising mental illness in children, it is important to identify mediating factors and unstructured nature play appears to be one such factor. Nature play positively impacts resilience and resilience is an important preventative factor against mental ill health.

Scott and the team at the University of South Australia are conducting research designed to find evidence to support the benefits of unstructured nature play and the underlying mechanisms. For many of us, the link between being in nature and mental wellbeing seems self-evident but for nature play to be incorporated into school curriculums in Australia, scientific evidence of its worth is crucial.

Link to Episode #11 where Scott and I discuss sleep: https://media.whooshkaa.com/show/5757/episode/399238.mp3

If you would like to connect with Scott, here is a link to his work website: https://people.unisa.edu.au/Scott.Coussens

Child Resilience and Wellbeing Study

If you are a parent with a child aged 4-13 would like to participatelike to participate in a study about children's resilience, please read the information sheet here: https://bit.ly/2RllB6c

Then access the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RZBLH2H

The survey needs to be completed in one sitting and will take approximately 30 minutes. You will need your child present to contribute to one small section of the survey that will only take a minute or two, so please start the survey at a time that is convenient for you. Alternatively, contact Dr Scott Coussens (scott.coussens@unisa.edu.au) to arrange for a hard copy of the survey to be sent to you.

This week's guest, Dr Tom Nehmy, is a clinical psychologist specialising in preventative mental health

Amanda Hayes — Sun, 01 Sep 2019 22:00:00 +0000

Today’s podcast guest, Dr. Tom Nehmy, is a clinical psychologist, author and founder of the Healthy Minds Program. The Healthy Minds Program is a preventative mental health program taught in secondary schools (and businesses). During his years as a clinical psychologist, Tom realised that those receiving psychological help and learning how to support their mental wellbeing were the ones who ended up in a therapy setting. He increasingly felt that it would be of great benefit for a wider audience to learn how to look after their mental health both to promote life long wellbeing and to potentially prevent people ending up on the psychologist’s couch. This motivated Tom to develop the Healthy Minds Program, an 8 week program incorporated into the school curriculum.

Tom talks about how the Healthy Minds Program teaches people how to make good decisions, that is, how to build psychological muscle to manage reaction urges. We touch on anxiety, depression and perfectionism - some of the issues many of our young people are dealing with - and so much more.

It was a real honour for me to talk with Tom. I hope you enjoy listening to this interview as much I as enjoyed doing it.

Tom is also the author of a book, Apples for the Mind: Creating Emotional Balance, Peak Performance & Lifelong Wellbeing. Here is a link to my review of the book where you can purchase it through Amazon:https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/apples-for-the-mind-creating-emotional-balance-peak-performance-lifelong-wellbeing/

Link to the healthyminds website: https://www.healthymindsprogram.com/about-us

Link to Tom’s website, where you can also purchase Apples for the Mind: https://www.tomnehmy.com

Sam Alfred - Emergency Medicine Consultant, Toxicologist and snake bite expert

Amanda Hayes — Sun, 25 Aug 2019 22:00:00 +0000

Today’s podcast guest is Sam Alfred, Emergency Medicine Consultant and Clinical Toxicologist. Sam and I discuss his role as a toxicologist, that is the management of envenomations and of poisonings, including self-harm via overdoses of prescription or illicit drugs.

For those of you who love hiking, trail running and mountain bike riding, we focus much of our discussion on snake bite, which is a very real risk, especially during the warmer months. Sam allays some of my fears about snakes when he explains that snakes most definitely do not want to come into contact with humans; they would much rather avoid us. Snakes do not actually attack and only bite if they are startled or threatened e.g. if you were to accidentally step on them. Should you unfortunately get bitten, which is actually rare in Australia, the level of care is excellent and there are very, very few deaths. Sam also offers some first aid tips if you do happen to get bitten - knowledge that is really useful to have.

We touch on Sam’s involvement in an aid project in Myanmar where snake bite is tragically common; an interesting project seeing positive results.

I hope you enjoy my discussion with Sam and hopefully, unlike most of my guests, contacting him is not something you actually want to do.

This week's guest, Mark Heard, is an advocate of healthy eating in schools

Amanda Hayes — Sun, 18 Aug 2019 22:00:00 +0000

Today's podcast guest, Mark Heard, with the assistance of a team of school parents, has been instrumental in transforming a school canteen (tuck shop) into a haven of healthy offerings. You will not find any white bread or confectionary items there. Instead, students and staff select from nutritious, seasonal meals made from locally sourced produce. Daily specials are offered and any cakes, muffins or biscuits are baked on site from real food ingredients. Mark and I discuss how he and the team were able to implement this transformation, the amazing positive impact it has had on the students and the wonderful community it has created.

We also discuss Mark's passion for organic and bio-dynamic food and how it is more than just food but a lifestyle. Mark is a community minded person who participates in many local groups like the bio-dynamic farmer's association, where information is exchanged and shared.

It was a genuine pleasure to sit down with Mark; his story shows how passion for a healthy life, with a solid dose of commitment, can effect positive change in a community.

P.S. If you’re interested, here is the reference for the study I refer to in the podcast: Florence, MD., Asbridge, M., Veugelers, PD., Diet Quality and Academic Performance, Journal of School Health(2008), Vol 78(4), pp. 209-215.

This week's guest, Amanda Rattay, is a personal trainer and promoter of finding balance

Amanda Hayes — Sun, 11 Aug 2019 22:00:00 +0000

Today’s podcast guest, Amanda Rattay, is a personal trainer and promoter of finding balance.

When you “meet” Amanda today, you will be listening to someone who has worked hard to find self-acceptance and cultivate balance in her life. Amanda openly shares her interesting journey, which includes qualifying as a personal trainer, and she does not shy away from her more challenging times - including a very active inner-critic (which she refers to as her “mean girl”), years of cycling through extreme diets followed by self-sabotage in the form of binge eating making her feel like a failure. Sadly, so many women (including me) can relate to this. But, there is hope!

It is truly inspiring to hear Amanda speak about how she has successfully navigated a path through all of that to become the healthy, upbeat and confident person she is today. Amanda is passionate about helping others achieve their wellbeing and fitness goals and focusses on creating practical and achievable plans that fit into her clients’ lives. Amanda is driven by common sense, finding long-term solutions and creating a mindset conducive to living a healthy, fulfilling life.

Amanda offers VIP one on one online coaching, a 28 Day Challenge and membership to a supportive online community. If you want to engage with someone who genuinely listens to you or read her fabulous blog, here is a link to Amanda’s website: https://amandarattay.com

Amanda’s facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/amandarattaypt

This week's guest, Carmel Taylor, is a yoga teacher and stretch therapist

Amanda Hayes — Tue, 06 Aug 2019 21:30:00 +0000

Today's guest, Carmel Taylor, is a yoga teacher and stretch therapist. From her years of experience, Carmel has a wealth of knowledge which she generously shares with us in this episode. Carmel took up yoga over 30 years ago when it was still considered a "hippie" thing to do, unlike today where it has become mainstream and features in one form or another in most gyms. What Carmel loves most about yoga is the mind-body-soul connection and how that contributes to overall wellbeing. She also enjoys bringing yoga to as many people as possible, including those who, for whatever reason, cannot get up and down off a mat; her chair yoga classes cater for those people.

Stretch therapy is distinct from yoga although they can complement each other nicely. Carmel explains the concepts of stretch therapy and its numerous benefits such as reducing the risk of injury for athletes and loosening up tight muscles, like tight shoulders many of us have from sitting at desks for hours at a time.

In or busy lives, most of us only breathe into the first third of our lungs forgoing the benefits of deep breathing which can help reduce stress and relax the mind. During the podcast, Carmel shares a couple of easy breathing exercises with us and I urge you to try them - it is remarkable how focussing on your breath for only a short moment can have a tangible impact on how you feel. We discuss how anyone can take little moments of their day to restore their energy be it by deep breathing or stretching or focussing on the moment.

Carmel teaches both yoga and stretch classes at Fast Twitch: http://fasttwitch.com.au

We mention the 6 Week Challenge at Fast Twitch which started at the beginning of August. If you are interested in joining the next challenge, it will start around October 2019. Details can be seen here on the Fast Twitch Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/fasttwitchaus/

You can also follow Fast Twitch on Instagram @fasttwitchaus

This week's guest, Dr Scott Coussens, is a neuroscientist and sleep expert

Amanda Hayes — Sun, 04 Aug 2019 22:00:00 +0000

Today’s podcast guest is Dr. Scott Coussens, a neuroscientist and sleep expert. This is quite a lengthy podcast because it turns out that when we are asleep; it is far from a passive state. Scott shares his wealth of knowledge starting with an explanation of the different stages of sleep like rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and non-REM sleep and how they differ. He then delves into the functions of sleep which include the body repairing itself by cleaning out metabolic waste and preserving the integrity of cells and how sleep helps us consolidate memories and therefore learn.

We discuss the optimal amount of sleep required and as you will learn (and probably instinctively know) there is no universally correct number of sleep hours. Many of us are fixated on 8 hours being the magic number - eventually I wrestle out of Scott that 7 to 9 hours of sleep is within the normal range for adults. He rightly points out that how much sleep a person needs depends on a range of factors including their age, sleep quality and activity levels.

We spend some time talking about adolescents and sleep; it is well accepted that their circadian rhythms shift causing a biological drive to want to go to sleep later and a need to wake later. It is fairly clear that school timetables do not accommodate this. Maybe it is time to rethink school start times?

Also, we discuss the acute and chronic effects of lack of sleep and various sleep disorders like sleep apnoea, narcolepsy and insomnia.

P.S. For a good night's sleep, lose the bed socks!

If you would like to connect with Scott, here is a link to his work website: https://people.unisa.edu.au/Scott.Coussens

If you want to delve deeper into the fascinating topic of sleep, here is a link to published research Scott has been involved in:

https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?hl=en&user=HAFVLZMAAAAJ&view_op=list_works&sortby=pubdate

Sleep scientist, Matthew Walker, has recently published "Why We Sleep: The New Science of Sleep and Dreams”. Click this link to read my review of his book: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/books/

This week's guest, Lara Casanova, is yoga teacher, life coach and professional counsellor specialising in grief and loss

Amanda Hayes — Sun, 28 Jul 2019 22:00:00 +0000

Today's podcast guest is Lara Casanova, yoga teacher, life coach and professional counsellor specialising in grief and loss. She is also trained in Pilates instruction and remedial massage.

The main topic of discussion today is grief. Lara shares her own story of grieving her dearly loved father, which prompted her to write her second book, 'Grief, Grace and Gratitude: Transforming through your grief journey'. Lara's book is like your companion on the bewildering and often lonely journey through grief. We discuss what prompted Lara to write the book, what to expect when you encounter grief, the importance of self love and compassion and much more. Despite the sad subject matter, I really enjoyed interviewing Lara - her kind and gentle nature was uplifting and it was an honour to spend time with her.

Link to Lara's website, Life in the Pink: https://www.lifeinthepink.com.au

Link to my review of Lara's book: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/grief-grace-and-gratitude-transforming-through-your-grief-journey/

This week's guests, Maria Harpas and Tim Jaeger, are natural health practitioners

Amanda Hayes — Sun, 21 Jul 2019 22:30:00 +0000

Today's podcast guests, Maria Harpas and Tim Jaeger, work in natural health. Maria is the director of the Natural Health Medicine Clinic where she and Tim practice. Maria is a clinical nutritionist and a naturopathic practitioner and Tim, a nutritional medicine specialist and Bredesen Protocol certified.

Between them, Tim and Maria, have a wealth of knowledge and they generously share some of that with us. Maria talks us through how she treats her patients and some of the processes she goes through to determine where to start in what can often be a complex situation of interrelating health issues. What I loved hearing about was Maria’s practical approach and about how she assesses what changes will have the most impact for her patients. Maria is modest but it is obvious that her patients adore her and she has helped change many people’s lives for the better.

One of Tim’s areas of expertise is the management of Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline through the application of the Bredesen Protocol, developed by Dr. Dale Bredesen. Part of the protocol involves adoption of a specific diet that Tim talks us though. Tim also emphasises how important is it to have a genuine connection with his clients and his warm character shines through in our discussion.

The books about Alzheimer’s we mention are The End of Alzheimer’s by Dr. Dale Bredesen and The Alzheimer’s Solution by Drs. Dean and Ayesha Sherzai. Links to those books can be found on the Books page of my website: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/books/

If you would like to connect with Maria or Tim, here is a link to their website: https://naturalhealthmedicine.com.au/meet-the-team/

Five Minute Food Facts - SUGAR

Amanda Hayes — Wed, 19 Jun 2019 12:25:00 +0000

In today’s Five Minute Food Facts episode I will discuss that sticky subject, sugar. I’ll walk you through what sugar actually is, what it does in the body and where we obtain it in food.

I’ll discuss how sugar can be “hidden” in manufactured foods with all the fancy and confusing-sounding names it can go by. In that respect, I refer to an article by Catherine Saxelby - here is the link: https://foodwatch.com.au/blog/carbs-sugars-and-fibres/item/48-shades-of-hidden-sugars.html

I look at some of the digestive issues caused by some sugars, like lactose intolerance, and the negative health impacts of excess sugar consumption including metabolic diseases like obesity and type 2 diabetes. Finally, I let you know recommended daily consumption amounts.

In the podcast, I refer to Jamie Oliver’s 2010 TED talk, “Teach Every Child About Food” - here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=go_QOzc79Uc

Amanda gives a wrap up of her 70.3 triathlon in Cairns, Queensland

Amanda Hayes — Fri, 14 Jun 2019 05:08:00 +0000

Today on the podcast, I (Amanda) discuss my recent experience racing the 70.3 (otherwise known as a Half Ironman) in Cairns, Queensland. The race involved a 1.9km swim, a 90km bike ride and a 21km run.

I talk about my lead up to the event including my training, my gear and some of the set backs I encountered, my week before the race and the actual race itself. I mention some of the amazing people I crossed paths with and chat about triathlon generally.

Five Minute Food Facts - ANTIOXIDANTS

Amanda Hayes — Tue, 14 May 2019 06:12:00 +0000

Today's Five Minute Food Facts episode is about antioxidants. I explain what they are and why they are considered defenders of good health.

Antioxidants protect our bodies against free radicals that can harm our cells and contribute to the development of chronic disease. I talk about how antioxidants do this and where we can obtain these helpful little molecules. I also touch on the antioxidant supplement industry.

This week's guest, Rachelle Martin, is a nutritionist specialising in low carb and keto diets

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 06 May 2019 01:10:00 +0000

Today’s podcast guest is Rachelle Martin, a nutritionist who specialises in low carbohydrate (carb) and ketogenic (Keto) diets. Rachelle and I studied our Masters in Human Nutrition at Deakin University together and she alludes to our many interesting discussions and debates during that time. I thoroughly enjoyed this episode with Rachelle; her attention to detail and depth of knowledge is apparent in the interview. Rachelle explains the difference between the Paleo and Keto diets, both of which are low carb diets but are significantly different in terms of the ratios of fats, proteins and carbs consumed.

Given the current popularity of the diets with celebrities and the like, it can be tempting to lump them into the fad category. However, in relation to the Keto diet, Rachelle explains its scientifically documented anti-inflammatory effects and the numerous benefits that flow from that. In her nutritional practice Rachelle has seen weight loss, the reversal of Type 2 Diabetes, improvements in symptoms of patients with Alzheimer’s disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome and insulin resistance. It is a fascinating area to be practising in.

Following are links to some of the information Rachelle mentions during the interview:

Dr. Stephen Phinney and Dr. Jeff Volek, Co-Founders of Virta Health: https://blog.virtahealth.com

Dr. Tim Noakes, Founder of The Noakes Foundation: https://thenoakesfoundation.org/prof-noakes

The Magic Pill is available on Netflix.

If you want to connect with Rachelle and you live in Adelaide, you can contact her at her office: Unley Park Nutrition - Telephone: (08) 8373 4944

You can also connect with her via Instagram: @rachellemartin69

This week's guest, Caroline Webber, is a psychoanalyst working in adolescent mental health

Amanda Hayes — Tue, 09 Apr 2019 07:17:00 +0000

Today's podcast guest is Caroline Webber, a psychotherapist who works in the area of adolescent mental health. After a distinguished career in publishing Caroline, who has always been intrigued by the workings of the brain, decided to follow this interest more formally and studied psychology and then completed a Masters degree in psychotherapy and counselling.

Caroline talks about some of the issues she commonly sees in different age groups, the importance of gaining the trust of her clients and some of the warning signs to look out for in youth struggling through tough times. She also clarifies the difference between what psychologists and psychoanalysts do which I found very interesting as I had it somewhat muddled up.

I hope you enjoy listening to my discussion with Caroline as much as I enjoyed chatting with her.

Five Minute Food Facts - COFFEE

Amanda Hayes — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 01:15:00 +0000

In today’s Five Minute Food Facts episode, I will discuss the health impacts of drinking my favourite beverage, coffee.

I will talk about the active ingredients in coffee, most notably caffeine and what it does in your body. The surprising benefits of coffee consumption will be mentioned, as will any health risks.

In the podcast, I refer to an article - “How much caffeine is in that drink?” - and here is the link: https://www.healthyfoodguide.com.au/articles/2013/june/how-much-caffeine-drink

Five Minute Food Facts - VITAMINS & MINERALS

Amanda Hayes — Sun, 31 Mar 2019 02:53:00 +0000

Today’s Five Minute Food Facts episode is about vitamins and minerals. I explain what they are, why we need them, what they do in our bodies and where you can obtain them. I also mention what happens when someone is deficient in certain vitamins and minerals. This is such a big topic so today’s episode is a general overview and I will be publishing individual Five Minute Food Facts episodes on the major vitamins and minerals.

This week's guest, Charlotte Weigold, is a registered psychologist and hypnotherapist

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 25 Mar 2019 10:51:00 +0000

Today’s podcast guest is Charlotte Weigold, a registered psychologist who practices clinical hypnosis. We have an interesting discussion about hypnosis including what it is and how it can be used as part of psychological treatment to change certain behaviours. Hopefully, we also dispel some myths about hypnosis. Charlotte also shares her insights into relaxation, another important part of her clinical practice. Interestingly, many things we might think of as relaxing are not actually relaxing. Listen the podcast to find out what those are.

The book that sparked Charlotte’s interest in the study of hypnosis, given to her by her mother, is "Brief Therapy Approaches to Treating Anxiety and Depression" edited by Michale Yapko. It is a collection of 17 insightful papers on topics such as "a hypnotheraputic approach to panic disorder".

Charlotte has a private practice, Charlotte Weigold Psychology Adelaide. If you would like to learn more about Charlotte's practice, here is the link to her website: https://www.charlotteweigoldpsychology.com

This week's guest, Belinda Holmes, is a yoga and pilates teacher

Amanda Hayes — Tue, 12 Mar 2019 04:58:00 +0000

Today’s podcast guest is Belinda Holmes, a yoga and pilates teacher. Belinda trained in Bikram yoga, otherwise known as hot yoga, in Los Angeles. She owns Eastside Yoga & Pilates studio in Adelaide, a beautiful space where she offers a range of classes including Bikram Yoga, Hot Pilates, Yin Yoga, Mat Pilates and several others. One of Belinda's goals at Eastside Yoga & pilates studio is to accommodate and welcome everyone who is keen to practice.

Yoga practice and mindfulness are inextricably linked and Belinda explains to us how she practises mindfulness in her busy life as a business owner and mother of 6 children! Belinda exudes calm, she is kind and compassionate and it is a pleasure to be in her company. I hope you enjoy our discussion and gain some insights into the health benefits of yoga and pilates and how to maintain mindfulness in our hectic world.

If you would like to connect with Belinda or attend her studio (if you live in Adelaide) here is a link to the Eastside Yoga & Pilates website: http://eastsideyogaandpilates.com.au

Five Minute Food Facts - SALT

Amanda Hayes — Mon, 11 Mar 2019 02:58:00 +0000

Today's Five Minute Food Facts episode is about salt and how salt consumption impacts your health. Of particular significance, excess salt intake is linked with high blood pressure (hypertension) and cardiovascular disease.

I will discuss practical ways you can cut your salt consumption and dietary patterns that have been scientifically shown to reduce hypertension and improve your health.

This week's guest, Eliza Richards, is a personal trainer, black belt in karate

Amanda Hayes — Tue, 26 Feb 2019 09:14:00 +0000

Today’s podcast guest is Eliza Richards. Eliza is an extraordinary woman - she is a personal trainer, holds a black belt in karate and is a mother of four (including triplets). What I love about Eliza is that she fits a lot into her life yet she also manages to maintain a balance and you’ll hear how she does that. She is organised and disciplined but that is not at the expense of having fun and spending time with friends.

We discuss Eliza’s path to setting up her own personal training business, The Studio Trainer, and how she approaches training her clients.

Eliza shares her tips on the top exercises - the ones that give you the most bang for your buck - and can be done anywhere.

Eliza also publishes an excellent blog, Eliza Louisa, her motto for which is “celebrating the strength of authentic humans”. Eliza writes with empathy and passion.

If you would like to connect with Eliza, here is a link to her website https://thestudiotrainer.com.au and here is a link to her blog https://elizalouisa.com.au

https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/eliza-richards/

This week's guest, Margaret Boylan, is a cycling coach and time trialist

Amanda Hayes — Tue, 12 Feb 2019 08:22:00 +0000

Today’s podcast guest is Margaret Boylan. Having escaped a successful career in the public service as a lawyer, Margaret is now a Level 1 cycling coach and a Level 1 strength and conditioning coach and, of course, an accomplished cyclist herself especially in the time trial arena.

Margaret coaches both privately through her company, First Principles Coaching, and for Cycling Australia with the She Rides program, encouraging women to develop cycling skills, build fitness and creat a social riding community. Her enthusiasm for cycling is infectious as is her positive attitude to life. Margaret’s story is fascinating, not least because she has had to overcome a very significant hurdle, and because she is an example of how we can build a career out of our passion.

So, strap on your helmet (I mean headphones) and enjoy my discussion about cycling with Margaret.

If you would like to connect with Margaret here is a link to her website, First Principles Coaching: https://firstprinciplescoaching.com.au

This week's guest, Nick Muxlow, is an author, an ultramarathon runner and an elite athlete.

Amanda Hayes — Tue, 05 Feb 2019 08:22:00 +0000

Today’s podcast guest is Nick Muxlow. Nick is an accomplished athlete with over 15 years experience as a competitor in endurance events and that includes some pretty handy finishes like Ultra Trail Australia (100km), 5 Peaks Ultra Marathon (winner), Yurrebilla 56K Ultra (2nd), seven Ironman races (PB of 9h10m at Kona, Hawaii) and more. Nick is an endurance coach and author.

We discuss why and how Nick became an endurance coach and Nick shares plenty of useful training and racing tips.

Nick has kindly given me 3 copies of his book, “Journey to 100: How to run your best 100km ultramarathon - and love it”, to give away. I will send copies to three people who contact me via the Contacts page on Amanda’s Wellbeing Podcast website and let me know what their ultra running dream is.

https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/contact-us/

If you would like to connect with Nick here is a link to his website, The Ultra Journey: https://www.theultrajourney.com

Link to Nick’s Book JOURNEY TO 100: HOW TO RUN YOUR FIRST 100KM ULTRAMARATHON – AND LOVE IT