Prescribing Lifestyle with Dr Avi Charlton

In this very personal episode of the  Prescribing Lifestyle  podcast, I share an update from behind the scenes and a gentle reminder for anyone sitting in uncertainty: you don't have to figure it all out right now. I talk about navigating some current personal and professional stress, and the realisation that—just like my patients—you only ever need to take the  next  step, not know the entire pat...

This is a special episode of the  Prescribing Lifestyle  podcast, created as part of #Podcasthon 2026—the world's largest podcast charity initiative. For one week, thousands of podcasters around the globe highlight a charity of their choice to raise awareness and inspire support, with no money flowing through Podcasthon itself. For this year's Podcasthon, I'm shining a spotlight on  Low Carb Down...

In this episode, I'm joined by  Dr Aaron Hartman , an integrative and functional medicine physician from Richmond, Virginia, and founder of  Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine . He's also the author of  UnCURABLE  and host of the  Made for Health  podcast. Dr Hartman shares the powerful story that changed the trajectory of his career: adopting his daughter Anna, who was exposed to crystal...

Discovering Your New Self at Menopause with Terri Batsakis In this episode, I am joined by  Terri Batsakis , a certified menopause coaching specialist and women's health, nutrition, and mindset coach, for an honest conversation about what really changes in midlife—and how women can feel empowered (not blindsided) through perimenopause and menopause. Terri shares her personal turning point during p...

In today's episode, I'm joined by ADHD coach Francine Freedman to explore what ADHD coaching actually is, why medication can help but doesn't solve every executive function challenge, and the practical systems that support adults living with ADHD. We talk about procrastination, time management, organization, and why many mainstream productivity tips don't work for ADHD brains. Francine also shares...

In this episode of Prescribing Lifestyle, Camilla Thompson joins me to share her trailblazing journey from corporate burnout and mold toxicity to becoming Australia's leading biohacking coach, keynote speaker, and author of BioHackMe . Camilla breaks down biohacking as accessible, personalised, preventative health—empowering you to take control through science-backed strategies that fit real life...

Welcome to the first episode of Prescribing Lifestyle for 2026! In this special New Year reflection, I share my renewed intentions and direction for both my practice and the podcast. My two guiding words for 2026 are Growth and Grounded — continuing to learn, evolve, and stay intentional without burnout or pressure. Join me as I reflect on: What "growth" and "grounded" mean in my personal and prof...

This reflective solo episode marks a special milestone: the 120th episode of the Prescribing Lifestyle podcast and the close of 2025. I share openly about my professional growth, personal health journey, and the challenges and wins that have shaped this year. What's inside this episode Professional growth and expansion How Melbourne Low Carb Clinic has grown from 1 to 5 physical locations across M...

In this episode, I'm joined by Wutti Oparkcharoen , founder of OsteoStrong South Melbourne, for a deep dive into bone health and how to take powerful, science-based steps to prevent and even reverse osteoporosis. Wutti shares how a personal passion for health and a family experience with osteoporosis led him to bring OsteoStrong to Australia. We discuss the revolutionary, evidence-based approach t...

In this fascinating episode, I speak with Katie Kirkland, a certified functional nutrition counselor and registered nurse from Cincinnati, Ohio, who shares her inspiring journey from nurse to functional nutrition coach. Katie opens up about her personal health challenges, including anxiety, depression, gut issues, and cervical dysplasia, and how she transformed her understanding of nourishment—bey...

In this episode, I have a heartfelt conversation with Dr Zen Zeng—a concert pianist, conference interpreter, professional speaker, and master teacher whose work bridges music, psychology, leadership, and personal growth. Zen draws on decades of international performance and coaching, sharing her journey from perfectionism and burnout to embracing imperfection and self-compassion. Zen introduces he...

In this deeply personal episode, I speak with Dr Olivia Ong, a Melbourne-based GP and rehab physician, about her life-changing experience with a severe spinal cord injury, her journey through rehabilitation, and how she overcame multiple episodes of burnout. Olivia shares vivid memories of the accident, her emergency spinal surgery, regaining mobility, and what it taught her about resilience and m...

In this empowering episode, I chat with  Coach Lita Mae Button , speaker, nurse, professional boxer, and founder of  Punch Positive , joining me all the way from Canada. From battling depression and self-doubt to becoming a national Golden Glove champion and motivational coach, Lita shares her powerful story of resilience, courage, and transformation — one punch at a time. We explore how boxing, b...

In this inspiring episode, I chat with  Marleen Mour  — speaker, coach, and founder of the  Self-Love for Permanent Weight Loss Movement . Marleen shares her journey of losing 49 kg, transforming her mindset, and helping thousands of women around the world ditch diet culture and lose weight — permanently. We discuss how freeing yourself from guilt, restriction, and emotional eating leads to lastin...

In this episode, I speak with physiotherapist Amelia Santos, an expert in lymphatic health, lipoedema, pelvic floor, and bowel function. Amelia explains how she became a leading clinician in pelvic floor and lymphatic therapy, and shares essential insights on often-misunderstood conditions like IBS, lipoedema, lymphedema, and chronic bowel and pelvic floor challenges. We explore: How pelvic floor...

In this episode, I sit down with health coach, podcaster, and consultant Jenn Trepeck, host of Salad with a Side of Fries. Jenn shares her personal journey from the business world into health coaching—a shift sparked by her own experiences with endless diets, weight struggles, and ultimately, finding a sustainable wellness approach. I loved hearing how Jenn escaped the diet rollercoaster and dedic...

In this episode, Naomi shares her deeply personal journey—from a sudden separation and navigating family court to founding thriving support groups and helping others through the process of divorce and major life splits. Together, we unpack: Naomi's story of self-representation, overcoming financial and emotional hurdles, and the power of community support The realities of the family court system,...

In this episode of Prescribing Lifestyle, I sit down with Regan Zampogna—a personal trainer, movement educator, and founder of Core Foundations PT. Regan shares his journey from a stressful corporate life to a more fulfilling career helping people move better and feel stronger. Together, we explore what it means to go beyond "no pain, no gain" and how functional movement, posture, and biomechanics...

In this episode of the  True Form Podcast , I had the pleasure of joining host Jack Graham to share my journey as a doctor moving from traditional medicine into low carb, keto, and lifestyle-based health care. As the founder of the Melbourne Low Carb Clinic and host of the Prescribing Lifestyle podcast, I've worked with many patients to help them reverse type 2 diabetes, lose weight, reduce medica...

In this episode of Prescribing Lifestyle , I sit down with Minshin Tan — a former food technologist who has worked across pet food, poultry, dairy, supplements, and confectionery. With years of experience behind the scenes, Minshin offers a rare insider's perspective on how processed and ultra-processed foods are really made. We dive deep into the fascinating (and sometimes confronting) world of f...

In this episode of Prescribing Lifestyle 🎧 I sit down with Philippa Gleeson Payne — a health and wellness coach, mentor, and mother of four, who now guides other mums through the challenges of raising teenagers. As a parent myself with two teenage boys, this conversation resonated deeply. Philippa shares her personal story — from homeschooling and global living, to navigating the trauma of her so...

In this episode of Prescribing Lifestyle, I sit down with the incredible Emilia O'Sullivan — award-winning author, podcaster, motivational speaker, and mentor. Emilia's story is one of unshakable resilience and determination in the face of extraordinary health challenges. From being born with kidney disease, undergoing a transplant, battling non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, surviving sepsis and a cardiac a...

In this episode of Prescribing Lifestyle, I sit down with Donna Aston, founder of the Aston RX program — a 28-day therapeutic lifestyle reset designed to help people improve their metabolic health, reduce inflammation, and gain lifelong tools for sustainable weight loss. Donna shares her personal journey from being an overweight teen to becoming a body composition expert, nutrition researcher, and...

In this episode of Prescribing Lifestyle, I sit down with Professor Peter Brukner — a pioneer in the low carb world, a mentor of mine, and one of the biggest influences on my own journey into lifestyle medicine. Professor Brukner is a world-renowned sports and exercise physician, co-founder of SugarByHalf, founder of Defeat Diabetes, author of A Fat Lot of Good and The Diabetes Plan, and recently...

In this episode of Prescribing Lifestyle , I reflect on my recent experience at the Regenerate Health Retreat hosted by Dr. Max Gulhane and Paula in beautiful northern NSW. It was a much-needed reset — and a powerful reminder of how nature, light, and rhythm can transform our wellbeing. From morning sun to cold plunges, nourishing food to mindful movement, this retreat was all about realigning wit...