Virgin Active Minds

That’s a wrap! Thanks so much for taking the time to press play today on the last episode of season 2. From mental health, nutrition, gut, culture, sport, and even poo, this podcast season has been about sharing all aspects of wellbeing, not just the physical element - which, let’s face it, we know pretty well around here!  Thank you to our guests and their willingness to share their knowledge and...

Ready to explore the power of sports and its potential to reshape our world? In this thought-provoking episode, Mark Seeto and Dr Zondi explore the topic of sport and how it helps people and communities transcend boundaries. If you've ever wondered if sports can unite populations and drive positive transformation, this is the episode that will challenge your perspective and leave you inspired...

Content warning: This podcast episode may contain discussions or depictions of sensitive topics, including but not limited to addiction and self-harm. Listener discretion is advised. If you find such content distressing, we recommend exercising caution or choosing to skip this episode. Your wellbeing is important to us. In this episode, Lee-Ann Elliott courageously shares her journey from heroin a...

This podcast episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the complexities of modern dating and relationships. In a candid conversation between the host and therapist Sara Kuburic, you'll gain valuable insights into the pitfalls of high expectations and dating app culture. Sarah's wisdom underscores the importance of self-awareness, boundaries, and genuine connections in today's dati...

Discover a hidden key to your wellbeing in this podcast episode! Join Dr Zondi and host Mark Seeto as they discuss the often overlooked connection between physical activity and brain health. So often, we hear about the effect that physical activity has on our body and our mental health; but what about our brain? In this episode, seasoned sports and exercise medicine expert Dr Zondi teaches us how...

One common myth about intuitive eating is that it's just an excuse to eat whatever you want, whenever you want, without any regard for health or nutritional balance. In this fascinating episode, host Mark Seeto and guest dietitian Lyndi Cohen discuss the transformative power of intuitive eating and why it’s nothing like you’ve thought before. Learn about overcoming food labels and diet rules t...

Does the fitness industry overlook the importance of the mind-body connection? Learn about the shift towards a more open and fearless approach to exercise and movement in this episode with host Mark Seeto and guest Bec Mitchell. Bec, an international keynote speaker, shares evidence-based insights on integrating mind and body for enhanced wellbeing. You'll hear about the surprising ways that c...

What do your genes say about how much exercise you should be doing weekly to lose fat mass and increase muscle mass? In this insightful episode, we welcome Hayley Alexander back as a guest to speak with host Mark Seeto about the age-old question: “How much exercise should you do to lose fat mass?” Explore the fascinating world of genetics and exercise duration as Hayley shares insights on how our...

Have you been to a Chinese medicine practitioner for acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary therapy, massage, or exercise (like tai chi or qigong)? Or are you instead wondering whether it’s right for you? Host Mark Seeto invites guest Priya Vassen, a Chinese medicine practitioner, yoga and tai chi teacher, to share her expertise and insights. She is the owner of Darshan Wellness in Cape Town, South...

Are you someone that geeks out on all the data and stats post-workout? Or are you someone that works out for the joy of it? And what if you could experience both? In this podcast episode, Mark has a fascinating conversation with Dr Zondi, renowned sports and exercise medicine physician. Dr Zondi shares her expertise on measuring performance, exploring the good, the bad, and the ugly. Join us as we...

We set out to answer the question, "Will buying things make me happier?" expecting that the answer would, of course, be, “No”. But, to our surprise, this conversation with Bec Mitchell enlightened us to a less black-and-white way to consider materialism. Join us as we delve into the complex realm of materialism and its impact on our happiness. Bec, an international keynote speaker, share...

Have you ever done an extra 20 minutes on the treadmill so you can “cheat” later with an extra cocktail or extra fries on the side? It’s something many of us do and yet, is it a healthy mindset to have? Join our conversation with Lyndi Cohen, renowned dietician and nutritionist as she delves into the controversial topic of cheat meals and cheat days. Lyndi and host Mark Seeto explore the culture s...

Did you know that outdoor training can help improve your balance, coordination, and overall physical performance? In this episode of Virgin Active Minds, Dr Zondi joins Mark Seeto to discuss the benefits of outdoor training and how to take advantage of the great outdoors. From better mental health outcomes, increased vitamin D from sunlight, and improved fitness and flexibility, training outdoors...

If you want to improve your overall health and wellbeing, this episode of Virgin Active Minds with Dr Tim Spector is a must-listen. Learn from the leading genetic epidemiology professor at King's College London about why gut health is so important and how you can cultivate a healthy gut microbiome for optimal physical, mental, and immune health. In this conversation, you'll learn how the g...

Overcoming the fear and intimidation of attending your first exercise class is a real challenge. In this insightful episode, Mark Seeto speaks with Virgin Active Singapore's head of Pilates, Renee Rommeswinkel, about the anxiety many people feel when going to a group exercise class for the first time, especially alone. They discuss the reasons behind this fear, including the fear of the unknow...

Discover the truth about irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), why it’s crucial to understand its symptoms, and how to use natural management techniques to improve your overall health. In this fascinating episode, Mark Seeto delves deep into IBS with functional diagnostic nutrition practitioner Aline McCarthy. Discover why IBS is often misunderstood and how to manage its symptoms more naturally. In addi...

Are you a runner who struggles with aching or throbbing shins during or after a run? With up to one in every five runners experiencing shin splints at some point, it's more common than you think! Join Mark Seeto as he dives into the topic of shin splints with sports medicine specialist and expert advisor to Virgin Active South Africa, Dr Phathokuhle Zondi, in this important conversation. First...

Are you looking for a fun way to exercise…that doesn’t even feel like exercise?! In this inspiring episode, host Mark Seeto talks to Jade Rapley, Virgin Active Australia's head of cycling, about the rising trend of rhythm cycling. But what is rhythm cycling, and why is it so popular? Listen now to learn why it's more than just a cycling class. As in, it's a dance party, therapy, and joyous movemen...

Are you tired of feeling defeated by rejection? In this episode of the Virgin Active Minds podcast, host Mark Seeto delves deep into the topic of rejection with Tracy Dawson, a multi-talented actress, writer, comedian, and author. Join the conversation as they explore the reasons behind rejection's negative reputation, the impact it can have on different areas of life, and the coping strategies th...

Feeling stressed out and tired? In this episode of Virgin Active Minds, Mark Seeto welcomes sleep expert Olivia Arezzolo to discuss the impact of stress on sleep. Olivia shares her insights and experiences as a sleep expert and explains how stress affects our biochemistry and nervous system, causing restlessness and difficulty sleeping. The conversation covers the various types of stress and how t...

Let's bust the myth that lifting weights makes you too buff! In this insightful episode, host Mark Seeto chats with Sarah Glader, the National Head of Grid Training for Virgin Active Australia. The two discuss the common concern around lifting weights and becoming "too buff", the actual benefits of lifting weights, how the industry has shifted in motivations to train, and helpful tips on how to ge...

Are you tired of giving up 95% of your life to weigh 5% less? In this insightful episode, host Mark Seeto speaks with nutritionist and dietitian Lyndi Cohen about the difficulties people often face when trying to maintain a healthy relationship with food. Cohen discusses how societal expectations and advertising contribute to unhealthy habits and negative body image, leading to a culture of demoni...

Do you sometimes feel like you're not "keeping up" with everyone else? Or that the people around you have more than you? Things like having a spouse, a house, a car, or further along in their career than you? Host Mark Seeto and head yoga teacher Kate Pippos discuss societal expectations and societal pressures to conform in this deeply heartfelt episode. They discuss the "white picket fence" value...

Are you tired of setting New Year's resolutions that you never seem to stick to? Do you want to find a better way to make progress and improve consistently? If so, you won't want to miss the latest episode of Virgin Active Minds. In this special New Year’s Day bonus episode, host Mark Seeto discusses the limitations of setting goals and the benefits of focusing on systems instead. He offers insigh...

Do you get enough rest? Beyond sleep, our bodies require times of rest throughout the day. Whether it's a nap, restorative yoga practice or taking 5 minutes in your car before heading into the house to be with your family, humans need rest to thrive. In this insightful episode, Mark speaks with clinical psychologist Dr Lauren Tober about the importance of rest. The two explore why western culture...