THE DCA Podcast

In this episode of the DCA podcast, Didi explores the relationship between consistency and discipline, particularly in the context of women's health. She argues that many women struggle with consistency not due to a lack of discipline, but because of energy, safety, and the pressures of societal expectations. Didi emphasizes the importance of understanding the biological responses of the body, the role of self-identity, and the need for trust in building sustainable habits. She advocates for a shift from a discipline-focused mindset to one that supports repetition and self-care, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and consistent lifestyle. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Consistency vs. Discipline00:49 Understanding the Struggle with Consistency03:07 The Role of Energy and Safety in Consistency04:27 Biological Responses and the Nervous System07:59 The Impact of Self-Identity on Consistency10:43 Trust and Self-Trust in Sustainable Habits13:05 The Importance of Systems Over Discipline16:49 Conclusion and Call to Action Takeaways The struggle for consistency often stems from energy and safety issues. Discipline is a short-term solution that fails long-term. Consistency is a biological response, not a personality trait. Self-identity plays a crucial role in achieving goals. Trust and self-trust are foundational for sustainable habits. Asking for more discipline can lead to increased pressure and resistance. Real consistency comes from having fewer rules, not more. You are a byproduct of your environment; seek supportive communities. The question should be about building a supportive life, not just discipline. Embrace the uncomfortable work necessary for growth.

Summary In this episode of the DCA podcast, Didi discusses the importance of self-image and identity in achieving personal transformation for the year 2026. She emphasises that many New Year's resolutions fail due to a lack of readiness and alignment with one's true self. Didi explores the significance of feeling safe and regulated in order to pursue goals effectively, and she highlights the need for foundational habits that support long-term change. The conversation also delves into the relationship with food, visualisation techniques, and breaking free from subconscious limitations that hinder progress. Didi encourages listeners to reflect on their past year and to dream ambitiously about their future, while also addressing the importance of self-trust and compassion in the journey of personal development. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Transformation in 2026 02:56 Understanding Self-Image and Identity 05:39 The Importance of Safety and Regulation 08:18 Building Foundations for Change 11:15 The Role of Self-Trust in Achieving Goals 13:40 Visualisation and Imagination for Success 16:20 Overcoming Subconscious Barriers 19:05 Conclusion and Future Directions Takeaways:  Many New Year's resolutions fail due to urgency and lack of readiness. Understanding your true self is crucial for achieving goals. Transformation requires feeling safe and regulated. Building a foundation of healthy habits is essential for change. Self-image plays a significant role in personal success. Visualizing success can help in adopting a new identity. Safety is a prerequisite for growth and change. You must address subconscious beliefs to break free from limitations. Don't get stuck in preparation; take action towards your goals. Self-trust and compassion are vital for long-term success.

Summary In this episode, Didi reflects on a transformative year filled with personal growth, focusing on women's health, authenticity, and the importance of relationships. She shares her journey of self-discovery while living in Bali, discussing the challenges and rewards of navigating friendships, business growth, and financial literacy. Didi emphasises the power of journaling and reading in her life, and expresses excitement for the future as she prepares for the next chapter in her journey. Chapters 00:00 Reflecting on a Transformative Year 00:57 Empowering Women's Health 03:01 Authenticity and Self-Discovery 05:45 Navigating Relationships and Connections 09:43 Business Growth in Bali 14:58 Financial Literacy and Mindset 20:32 The Power of Reading and Journaling

Episode 100!!!! Summary In this conversation, Max Baggio discusses the importance of embracing failure and enjoying the learning process. He emphasises that one should expect to struggle initially and to find joy in the journey of improvement. By acknowledging small wins and maintaining a positive mindset, individuals can experience significant growth over time. Takeaways: You have to assume you're going to struggle initially. Enjoy the process and laugh at yourself. Celebrate small wins along the way. Continuous improvement is a gradual journey. Looking back reveals how far you've come. Don't let initial failures deter you. A positive mindset is crucial for growth. Self-acceptance is key to learning. Progress often goes unnoticed in the moment. Embrace the journey, not just the destination.   Chapters 00:00 Welcome Back and Podcast Milestones 00:44 Aspirations and Daily Productivity 00:50 Time Management Strategies for Success

Summary This conversation delves into the themes of self-trust, compassion, and the importance of listening to one's body. It challenges the conventional notions of motivation and discipline, emphasizing that feelings of inconsistency and overload stem from a lack of self-trust and the need for safety. The discussion encourages building repeatable habits through compassion rather than punishment. takeaways You are not inconsistent, you are overloaded. You are not weak, you are tired. Your problem is not motivation, it is self-trust. Self-trust is built through alignment, compassion, and repeatable habits. Your body is not asking for more discipline, it is asking for safety. Wake up and actually listen to your body. Punishment and Monday resets do not build self-trust. Compassion is key to developing healthy habits. Listening to your body leads to better self-understanding. Overload can be managed through self-trust and compassion.

Summary In this episode, Didi explores the profound connection between the nervous system and nutrition, emphasizing that our eating behaviours are often driven by our body's safety state rather than willpower. She discusses how stress and emotional factors influence our cravings and eating patterns, particularly in women, and highlights the importance of understanding childhood conditioning in shaping our relationship with food. Didi offers practical strategies for regulating the nervous system to foster healthier eating habits and emphasizes the need for compassion in the healing process. Chapters 00:00 Understanding the Nervous System's Role in Nutrition03:09 The Impact of Stress on Eating Behaviors05:55 Childhood Conditioning and Eating Patterns09:06 Strategies for Regulating the Nervous System

Summary In this conversation, Didi discusses the unique challenges women face in weight loss, emphasizing the physiological and psychological factors that contribute to burnout before fat loss. She explains how women's bodies prioritize survival and energy conservation, leading to a slowdown in metabolism and hormonal changes when in a caloric deficit. Takeaways: Women often experience burnout before they see fat loss. Dieting can lead to decreased energy and increased hunger. Self-sabotage is a common response to weight loss challenges. Physiology and psychology work together in weight management. Chronic caloric restriction is not sustainable for women's health. The body prioritizes survival over fat loss. Metabolism slows down in response to caloric deficits. Hormonal stability is crucial for effective weight loss. Coaching can help address these physiological challenges. Understanding your body's signals is key to successful weight management.

Summary In this episode, Didi discusses the common misconception surrounding perfect eating and its impact on weight loss. She explains how the pursuit of a perfect meal plan often leads to restrictive eating, which can trigger protective physiological responses in the body, ultimately hindering weight loss efforts. Didi emphasizes that these responses are survival mechanisms rather than failures. Takeaways Your effort may not reflect in results due to restrictive eating.The myth of perfect eating can lead to metabolic slowdown.Restriction can trigger protective physiology in the body.A dysregulated nervous system can result from deprivation.When deprived, the body reduces its metabolic rate.Increased cortisol levels can lead to cravings for more food.Survival mechanisms can be mistaken for failure.Understanding these responses is key to effective weight management.Perfect meal plans may not be the solution to weight loss.Embracing a balanced approach can yield better results.  

Summary In this episode, Didi explores the reasons why fat loss becomes more challenging for women after the age of 35. She discusses the biological changes, hormonal shifts, and increased stress levels that contribute to this phenomenon. Didi emphasizes the importance of understanding these changes and adapting strategies for effective weight management, including the significance of sleep, nutrition, and self-compassion. The conversation encourages women to embrace their evolving identities and prioritize their well-being over societal pressures. Takeaways Fat loss feels harder after 35 due to biological changes.Hormonal shifts begin well before menopause.Muscle mass declines after 30, affecting metabolism.Stress increases cortisol, leading to fat storage.Sleep quality impacts appetite and cravings.Eating better and consistently is crucial for weight loss.Compassion towards oneself is a key strategy.Women often tie their worth to body control.Self-identity plays a significant role in achieving goals.Understanding personal barriers is essential for growth.  

Summary In this conversation, Didi discusses the pitfalls of marketing strategies that promote quick fixes and the importance of acknowledging personal responsibility in self-improvement. Takeaways Marketing often promotes quick fixes that don't address underlying issues.The 'shiny objects syndrome' distracts from real solutions.True change requires personal accountability and acceptance of one's flaws.Many products promise miraculous results, but the real work is internal.Self-improvement is a journey that cannot be shortcut by external solutions.Acknowledging that you are the problem is the first step to change.People often seek external validation rather than looking within.The allure of quick fixes can lead to disappointment and frustration.Real transformation comes from consistent effort and self-reflection.Understanding the marketing tactics can help consumers make better choices.  

Summary In this conversation, Didi emphasizes the importance of understanding consistency in health and wellness, highlighting that it's not about rigid perfection but rather about creating supportive frameworks that align with individual goals and well-being. The discussion also touches on the role of body, hormones, and psychology in achieving consistency. Takeaways If you've been struggling to be hashtag consistent, remember this, it is not you, it's the advice. Your body and your hormones and your psychology, they really do matter. Consistency is not about rigid perfection. It's about creating a framework that supports your life, your goals, and your well-being. You do not rise to the level of your goals, you fall to the level of your systems.

Summary In this conversation, Didi discusses the detrimental effects of starvation and caloric restriction on health and well-being. She emphasises the importance of proper nutrition and the consequences of energy deficits, likening the body's state to a phone running low on battery while trying to perform multiple tasks. Takeaways The body reacts negatively to starvation and caloric restriction.Under-eating can lead to increased stress and dysfunction.A low energy state is comparable to a phone with a 5% battery.Trying to do too much while under-fueled is unsustainable.Proper nutrition is essential for overall health and wellness.Energy deficits can have long-term health consequences.Stress can compound the effects of poor nutrition.Understanding your body's needs is crucial for maintaining energy levels.Caloric restriction can lead to a cycle of dysfunction.Prioritizing health over restrictive diets is vital.  

Summary In this conversation, Didi discusses the pressures women face regarding body image and the often overwhelming metrics associated with health. She emphasises the importance of reframing the narrative from fat loss to performance and longevity, advocating for a healthier relationship with one's body. Takeaways As women, we still have body fat; it's natural.Avoid creating a fear-based narrative around body image.Metrics like body fat percentage can be overwhelming.Focus on performance and longevity rather than fat loss.A better relationship with oneself can be achieved through reframing goals.Living on this planet as a woman is already exhausting.Fear language around health is not helpful.Reframing goals can lead to a healthier mindset.Athletics and muscle should be prioritized over aesthetics.It's important to think differently about body image.  

Summary In this conversation, Didi emphasizes the significance of strength training for individuals of all ages, particularly in the context of health and fitness within various age communities. The discussion highlights the need for supportive health practices in different living environments, advocating for strength training as a crucial component of maintaining health as one ages. Takeaways Strength training is essential for all age groups.Being the oldest in a gym can be more beneficial than being the youngest in a retirement home.Supportive health practices are necessary in age-specific communities.Strength training contributes to overall health and well-being.Engaging in fitness activities can enhance quality of life as we age.Communities should promote strength training for their members.Health support varies across different age demographics.Physical fitness is a lifelong journey.Strength training can prevent age-related decline.Aging populations need tailored fitness solutions.  

Summary The conversation delves into the innate human desire to be seen and how this drives behaviors that can lead to self-rejection and hypervigilance. It explores the obsession with external validation through tracking meals and exercise, which can often disguise deeper anxieties and emotional struggles. Takeaways The desire to be seen is a fundamental human driver.Self-rejection can manifest in extreme behaviors.Hypervigilance can be mistaken for health consciousness.External validation can lead to anxiety rather than fulfillment.Tracking meals and exercise can become obsessive.Social praise may mask underlying emotional issues.Understanding these behaviors is crucial for personal growth.Awareness of self-rejection can lead to healthier choices.Emotional well-being is tied to how we perceive ourselves.Personal growth involves recognizing and addressing these patterns.  

Summary In this conversation, Didi emphasises the importance of letting go of the illusion of control in favour of fostering genuine connections. She discusses how the pursuit of control can lead to isolation, negatively impacting relationships, productivity, and creativity. By shifting focus from control to connection, individuals can enhance their interactions with others and improve their overall well-being. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Ozempic Era00:05 Pharmaceuticals and the Quest for Quick Fixes00:30 The Future of GLP-1s and Personal Choices  

Summary The conversation delves into the importance of transforming one's self-image and shedding negativity. It emphasizes the power of self-acceptance and positive self-talk in fostering personal growth and breaking free from detrimental cycles of thought. Takeaways Shed the negativity of toxic self-image.Focus on what you can achieve, not what you lack.Talk kindly to yourself to foster growth.Acceptance leads to moving forward.Breaking the cycle of self-doubt is crucial.Empowerment comes from within.Negativity hinders personal progress.Self-acceptance is a key to happiness.Positive self-talk can change your life.Get off the hamster wheel of constant self-criticism.  

Summary The conversation explores the relationship between cravings and the nervous system, suggesting that cravings may be a signal from the body indicating a need for comfort and regulation. Takeaways What if the craving isn't the problem?What if we are mistaking it for a body trying to communicate something?It could be our nervous system's way of saying, I'm not safe.Cravings may indicate a need for comfort and regulation.Understanding cravings can lead to better emotional health.The nervous system plays a crucial role in our cravings.Recognizing the signals from our body is essential.Comfort and regulation are fundamental needs.Exploring the root of cravings can aid in healing.Listening to our body can improve our overall well-being.  

Summary The conversation explores the evolving narrative around women's worth, emphasising the struggle against societal expectations tied to body image and motherhood. It highlights the importance of reframing these narratives to empower women to pursue health and self-acceptance.     Takeaways Women have spent decades fighting the narrative of worth tied to their bodies.The archaic belief that women's primary role is to conceive still persists.The need for control over one's body often stems from fear rather than health.Coaching can help women reframe their perceptions of worth and health.Empowerment comes from understanding and challenging societal narratives.Health should be pursued for well-being, not for societal approval.Women deserve to feel free from the constraints of traditional expectations.Self-perception is crucial in the journey towards empowerment.The conversation encourages a shift from fear-based motivations to health-focused behaviors.Reframing narratives can lead to greater freedom and self-acceptance for women.  

In this episode of the DCA podcast, I dive into the challenges of low iron levels, particularly for female athletes like myself. As someone who is on this journey, I share insights into how menstruation and intense training can lead to iron deficiency, affecting everything from mood to physical performance. I discuss the importance of monitoring ferritin levels and how dietary changes can help. Join me as I explore these issues and offer practical advice for managing iron levels to enhance athletic performance and overall well-being. Introduction to Low Iron in Female Athletes - 00:00:00 Understanding Ferritin and Iron Storage - 00:03:00 Symptoms of Iron Deficiency - 00:06:00 Dietary Changes to Manage Iron Levels - 00:09:00 Iron's Role in Mood and Focus - 00:12:00 Impact on Cardiovascular Health - 00:15:00 Exercise Capacity and Recovery - 00:18:00 Differentiating Symptoms and Monitoring Levels - 00:21:00