HCA Talks Health

 How should coaches handle difficult emotions in coaching — and when is it time to refer a client on? In this episode of HCA Talks Health, we’re joined by Prof. Dr. Monique Marks, a clinical social worker, health coach, and visiting Professor at the University of Stellenbosch. With deep expertise in chronic illness management, substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, and ADHD, Monique shares...

  What does it really mean to take a long-term approach to health and fitness ? How can you pursue your sporting goals — from 5Ks to triathlons — while also balancing work, family, and everyday life?  In this episode of HCA Talks Health , host Zena le Roux sits down with Georgie Rutherford , former semi-professional triathlete, amateur world champion, and co-owner of The Long Run Collective. Georg...

What does it really take to live a healthier, more balanced life? In this episode of HCA Talks Health, we’re joined by Candace Vermaak — HCA graduate, Biokineticist, lecturer at Stellenbosch University, and founder of Balanced4Life Health Coaching. With a PhD in Sport Science and years of experience, Candace shares practical tips on nutrition, exercise, stress management, and mindfulness. 🎧 Tune...

 Can shifting your mindset really transform your health and healing? In this episode of HCA Talks Health, we sit down with Dani Simpson — Professional Health Coach and author of Resilient Brilliant You: 7 Mindsets to Live in Freedom from Dis-ease and Disease. Dani courageously shares her personal journey from illness to healing, showing the pivotal role mindset plays in recovery and resilience. 🎧...

 Are you wondering how to navigate menopause with more clarity, calm, and confidence? In this episode of HCA Talks Health, we’re joined by Catherine Shelton, Menopause Health & Wellness Coach, who shares her holistic approach to managing this important life stage. Catherine introduces her three essential pillars — Cleanse, Calm, and Confidence — and explains how they can transform the way wome...

 Can ageing be a time of thriving rather than decline? In this episode of HCA Talks Health, certified Health Coach, counsellor, and founder of Glowing Older, Christine Frey shares her powerful message of hope: ageing well is not only possible, it’s a choice you can start making today. Christine explains why the decline in physical and cognitive health we often see in later life is not an inevitabl...

 Are you curious about how to make a living as a Health Coach — or what life is like as a qualified Health & Wellness Coach? In this episode of HCA Talks Health, we sit down with Keketso Mothibi — a professional Health Coach and qualified personal trainer who transitioned from a corporate career in client relations and marketing into health coaching. Keketso shares her inspiring journey and pr...

In this conversation you’ll discover: How fertility awareness can empower women to make informed choices The role of menstrual cycle tracking in health, mood, and productivity Why hormonal contraception isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” solution Common side effects of the pill — and their impact on long-term health Rising infertility and PCOS: what’s really driving the trend Practical steps to support a...

 Is glowing, healthy skin really about products — or is the secret found deeper within? In this episode of HCA Talks Health, host Zena Le Roux sits down with Dr. Maricia Coertze, an internationally certified Advanced Functional Medicine Practitioner and Aesthetic Medicine expert. Dr. Coertze reveals how she blends science, aesthetics, and holistic wellness to help patients achieve radiant, youthfu...

 How do you balance a demanding creative career with health and wellbeing? In this episode of HCA Talks Health, we’re joined by Este Rabé — musician from South African band Raaf, award-winning content creator, and HCA graduate. Este shares her journey of weaving music, wellness, and health coaching into a lifestyle that supports both passion and vitality. 🎧 Tune in to discover: Life on the road a...

How do your personality traits shape your eating habits? In this episode of HCA Talks Health, we’re joined by Ann Gadd — author, artist, and certified iEQ9 Enneagram practitioner and teacher. With over 30 years of experience working with the Enneagram, Ann shares how this unique model of nine personality types can influence our relationship with food, diet, and exercise. In conversation with our h...

How can parents support their child through the painful journey of anorexia recovery? In this episode of HCA Talks Health, our host Zena le Roux speaks with Ruth Steggles, author of Our Journey with Anorexia – How a Parent Can Be Part of Their Child’s Recovery. Ruth shares her deeply personal story of navigating her daughter’s anorexia diagnosis, the struggles parents often face, and the steps she...

How does happiness at work impact productivity? And what role does wellbeing play in organisational success? In this episode of HCA Talks Health, host Zena le Roux speaks with Dr Josh Jackman, Operations Director at A.R.T Health Solutions, about the powerful connection between employee wellbeing, happiness, and performance. 🎧 Tune in to discover: Why workplace wellbeing is more than a trend The f...

How much does your environment shape your health — and what can you do to change it? In this episode of HCA Talks Health, host Zena Le Roux sits down with Olly Leicester, Certified Corporate Health & Performance Coach and NHS Health Coach, to explore how our surroundings influence our wellbeing — and how small, intentional changes can transform our health, both individually and at work. 🎧 Tun...

What does a holistic sleep strategy really look like for babies — and why is supporting the whole family just as important? In this episode of HCA Talks Health, host Zena Le Roux speaks with Imogen Russell, certified sleep consultant and founder of The Little Sleep Company. With her background as a professional nanny, mental health advocate, and paediatric sleep specialist (currently studying the...

Struggling to stay focused in today’s fast-paced world? You’re not alone. In this episode of HCA Talks Health, host and successful Health Coach Zena Le Roux dives into the art of finding focus and boosting concentration. From the impact of stress, distractions, and overwork to the influence of food environments, play, and even mind wandering — Zena explores what really shapes our ability to concen...

 Why do so many of us struggle with a complex relationship with food — and how can mindful eating help? In this episode of HCA Talks Health, host Zena Le Roux is joined by Daniela Araújo — co-vice chair of The Center for Mindful Eating with over two decades of experience supporting people with eating disorders. Daniela shares profound insights on how diet culture shapes food struggles, why self-co...

 Did you know we take around 26,000 breaths every day — but most of us aren’t doing it effectively? In this inspiring episode of HCA Talks Health, host Zena le Roux speaks with Ross Austen — breathwork practitioner, firefighter, and founder of Hanora Health — about the power of functional breathing, fermented foods, and cold-water immersion. 🎧 Tune in to discover: How to breathe more effectively...

Stimulants are everywhere — from morning coffee and energy drinks to prescription medications. They may give us a quick boost, but are you aware of the hidden toll they can take on your energy, weight, and overall health? In this episode of HCA Talks Health, host and Health Coach Zena le Roux explores the widespread use of stimulants in today’s fast-paced world. She highlights the often-overlooked...

Can exercise, singing, and adrenaline really help manage Parkinson’s disease? In this uplifting episode of HCA Talks Health, we meet Keith Wilson, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in March 2020 but refused to let it define him. From rock climbing and cycling to joining a choir, Keith shares how he discovered that physical activity, singing, and adrenaline-boosting challenges could help manage hi...

What does it really mean to become a health coach — and how can it change not only your life but the lives of your clients?  In this episode of HCA Talks Health , we speak with Vicky Barnard , a passionate health coach who shares her personal journey into coaching, the challenges she’s overcome, and the impact she’s made with her clients. From building confidence to creating lasting lifestyle chan...

Is cholesterol really as bad as it’s made out to be?  In this episode of HCA Talks Health , Zena le Roux breaks down what cholesterol actually does in the body — and why it’s essential for survival. She explains the difference between LDL and HDL cholesterol, what these markers really mean for health, and how health coaches can play a key role in supporting clients to prevent disease and build hea...

"Without tech rules, tech rules you!" 📱 Alexander Bell has worked in some of the world’s most high-profile tech environments — including Google, Warner Brothers, and IBM — and now shares how technology is shaping (and sometimes hijacking) our focus, productivity, health, and relationships. In this episode of HCA Talks Health, Alexander reveals: How tech impacts your brain, mental health...

 🌿 How can trauma-informed approaches support healing and wellbeing for those with fatigue-related illness? In this episode of HCA Talks Health, we’re joined by Elaine Wilkins — multi-award-winning founder of The Trauma Informed Wellbeing Coach and creator of The Chrysalis Effect. Elaine shares her pioneering insights into trauma-informed wellbeing and how it can transform recovery for individual...

Is weight loss really just about discipline and willpower? Or is there something deeper going on?  In this episode of HCA Talks Health , Zena le Roux explores why sustainable weight loss has far less to do with sheer willpower — and everything to do with balancing your body’s physiology and shifting your mindset. She explains why diets often fail, how stress and hormones affect results, and what i...