THE DCA Podcast

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 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

In this episode of the DCA Podcast, I dive into how the hormonal changes of perimenopause affect recovery and injury risk for women. I unpack the science behind oestrogen and progesterone how they influence tissue quality, inflammation, and overall healing and what happens when these hormones start to fluctuate. I also share practical, evidence-based ways to support your body through this transition, from nutrition and training adaptations to recovery and stress management. My aim is to help you understand what’s happening beneath the surface, so you can train smarter, recover better, and feel stronger throughout every stage of menopause. Chapters 00:00 Understanding Perimenopause and Its Impact on Recovery 05:48 The Importance of Progesterone and Inflammation 11:13 Practical Tips for Managing Hormonal Changes

Summary In this episode, Didi explores the detrimental effects of labeling food as 'good' or 'bad.' She discusses how these labels can lead to a cycle of guilt and shame, impacting mental health and eating behaviors. Didi emphasizes the importance of reframing our relationship with food, advocating for a more neutral perspective that focuses on nourishment rather than moral judgment. She encourages listeners to cultivate curiosity about their food choices and to trust their bodies' hunger cues, ultimately promoting a healthier mindset around eating. Chapters 00:00 The Good vs. Bad Food Narrative 02:50 The Psychological Impact of Food Labels 05:48 The Cycle of Guilt and Shame in Eating 08:44 Reframing Food Choices 11:54 Building a Healthy Relationship with Food

The Psychology of Leadership: Building Safety, Accountability, and Confidence In Coaching and in Life. In this conversation, I sit down with Julie to explore the deeper layers of leadership the ones that aren’t about strategy or systems, but about safety, regulation, and emotional maturity. We unpack what really shapes how people show up under pressure, and how early conditioning, self-worth, and unmet needs can silently direct a leader’s tone, communication, and boundaries. We talk about the difference between kindness and avoidance and why so many leaders confuse empathy with self-abandonment. Julie shares how true emotional safety inside a team or coaching space doesn’t mean comfort; it means trust, accountability, and repair. Together, we explore what it looks like to build boundaries without losing connection, why nervous system awareness is the foundation of sustainable leadership, and the one emotional skill every coach or business owner needs if they want to create real impact without burning out. This episode is for anyone leading people, holding space for clients, or simply learning how to communicate with more courage and compassion.

Summary In this episode, Didi explores the pervasive thoughts surrounding food and body image, emphasizing that these preoccupations often stem from deeper issues of control, safety, and past experiences. She discusses how dopamine plays a role in these thoughts and how they can be linked to identity and self-perception. Didi encourages listeners to reflect on their relationship with food and their bodies, suggesting that true healing comes from understanding the underlying narratives that shape these behaviors. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Food Preoccupation 02:49 Understanding the Control Mechanism 06:07 The Role of Dopamine and Hyperactivity 08:59 Identity and Self-Perception 11:54 The Impact of Past Experiences 15:09 Breaking Free from the Past

**Chapters:** - **00:00:00** Introduction to Fear and Performance - **00:03:00** The Impact of Fear on Nutrition - **00:06:00** Psychological Roots of Fear - * *00:09:00** Overcoming Fear for Success - **00:12:00** Conclusion and Final Thoughts In this episode of the DCA podcast, I dive into a recurring issue I've noticed with my nutrition coaching clients: the fear of gaining weight is hindering their performance goals. As a coach for athletes aiming for podium positions and personal bests, I've seen how this fear leads to under-eating and over-restricting, ultimately sabotaging their ambitions. I discuss how this mindset is rooted in deeper issues of self-worth and societal expectations, and how breaking free from these fears can unlock true potential. Join me as I explore the psychology behind these fears and offer insights on how to overcome them for better performance and personal freedom.

In this episode, I open up about my back injury — what it taught me, what it took from me, and how it forced me to slow down. I talk about the frustration, the fear of losing progress, and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with being someone who’s used to always pushing through. Takeaways The universe tests us to teach us lessons. Overcoming obstacles leads to personal growth. Injuries can be opportunities for reflection. Mindset is crucial in recovery from injury. Respecting your body is essential in fitness. Self-care and mobility are key to preventing injuries. It's important to avoid a victim mentality. Finding lessons in pain can aid recovery. Yoga can help reconnect with your body. Staying active during recovery is beneficial. Chapters 00:00 Facing the Unexpected: A Personal Injury Journey 09:08 Lessons Learned: Embracing Recovery and Growth

Title: Practical Ways to Rebalance Your Nervous System [00:00] Introduction Welcome to the episode where I explore the cortisol conspiracy and how it impacts our lives. [02:15] Understanding Cortisol I discuss the role of cortisol in our bodies and how chronic stress affects our hormonal balance. [05:30] Meal Timing and Nutrition Learn about the importance of consistent meal timing and choosing whole foods to stabilize blood sugar. [08:45] Light Movement and Exercise I share insights on incorporating light movement and avoiding chronic cardio to support your nervous system. [12:00] Breath Work and Relaxation Techniques Discover the power of breath work and creating a calming evening routine to promote rest and digest. [15:30] Setting Boundaries and Reducing Stress I talk about the importance of setting boundaries around work and technology to reduce stress. [18:00] Conclusion Wrapping up with a reminder to prioritize your well-being and find balance in your life. Hashtags: #NervousSystem #Wellness #CortisolConspiracy In this episode, we delve into practical strategies to rebalance your nervous system and reclaim your well-being. Discover the importance of consistent meal timing, the power of light movement, and the transformative effects of breath work. Learn how setting boundaries and creating a calming evening routine can help you find peace amidst the chaos. Join us as we explore these actionable steps to teach your body safety and achieve a harmonious state of health. Tune in to unlock the secrets to a balanced life.

In this episode, I talk about what really happened when I took a week off social media. At first, it felt uncomfortable — like I was breaking some unspoken rule that I always had to be online, always visible, always “on.” But stepping back forced me to confront that belief — the one that says if I’m not showing up, I’ll somehow fall behind. I share what came up in that space: when I stopped trying to keep up with the constant noise. It reminded me that rest isn’t absence — it’s presence. The world doesn’t fall apart when we step back. In fact, it often gets quieter just long enough for us to hear ourselves again. Chapters 00:00 Challenging Self-Limiting Beliefs 02:44 The Impact of Social Media on Connection 05:56 Lessons from a Week Off Social Media 08:54 Embracing Stillness and Creativity

Summary In this episode, I explore the concept of people pleasing, particularly among women, and its roots in childhood experiences. I discuss how people pleasing is a survival strategy that stems from a desire for approval and love, often leading to self-abandonment and emotional disconnection. I emphasise the importance of understanding these patterns to break free from them and reclaim one's sense of self-worth and autonomy. Takeaways People pleasing is a survival strategy. Understanding the roots of people pleasing is crucial for change. Conditional love in childhood can lead to people pleasing behaviors. People pleasing often results in self-abandonment. The need for approval can overshadow personal needs. Women often feel the pressure to please others, especially in familial roles. The nervous system can become conditioned to prioritize others' needs. People pleasing can manifest in various aspects of life, including work and relationships. Breaking the cycle requires recognising and addressing childhood wounds. Self-worth should not be dependent on external validation.

Summary In this episode, Didi explores the emotional turmoil many women experience when stepping on the scales. She delves into the psychological implications of weight and how it often reflects deeper issues of self-worth and societal expectations. Didi emphasizes the importance of understanding the story we attach to numbers on the scale and encourages listeners to reframe their perspective on weight as merely one piece of data rather than a measure of their value. The conversation also touches on the need for healing from the shame associated with weight fluctuations and the importance of focusing on holistic health markers instead. Chapters 00:00 Understanding the Emotional Weight of Scales 06:10 Reframing the Scale's Significance 08:36 Healing from Scale-Related Shame Takeaways The scale often symbolizes self-worth and approval. Emotions tied to weight are rooted in childhood experiences. The brain creates meaning from numbers based on past experiences. Weight is often equated with identity and societal standards. Progress in health can be measured in various ways, not just weight. It's normal to feel triggered by the scales; acknowledge those feelings. Shift focus from weight to other health markers like energy and mood. Healing involves recognizing the scale as just one data point. You're not failing if the scale goes up; it's part of the journey. Understanding the psychology behind weight can aid in emotional healing.

Summary In this episode, Didi shares her transformative journey in Dubai, exploring her struggles with a scarcity mindset and the subconscious beliefs that have held her back from embracing wealth. She reflects on her childhood experiences and how they shaped her relationship with money, emphasizing the importance of living in the present and recognizing one's worth. Didi encourages listeners to challenge their own beliefs about money and abundance, ultimately aiming for financial freedom and personal growth. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Journey in Dubai 01:15 Understanding Scarcity Mindset 06:33 Challenging Subconscious Beliefs About Wealth 10:56 The Impact of Childhood Experiences on Money Mindset 14:57 Embracing Abundance and Overcoming Fear 21:14 Living in the Present and Creating Possibilities

In this episode, I open up about my decision to take a full week off social media — especially Instagram. I’ve been feeling the weight of burnout and noticing the toll it’s taken on both my mind and body. As someone who is neurodivergent, I know all too well how quickly that kind of burnout can creep in, and this time, I chose to listen. I share honestly about the pressure of constantly creating content, the way it chips at your energy, and why sometimes the most powerful move is to step back. This week away feels equal parts exciting and unsettling, but it’s a chance to reset, breathe, and see who I am without the noise of the scroll. See you in a week IG Love didz x

Summary In this episode, Didi discusses the structure and purpose of her mentoring program for coaches, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability, emotional intelligence, and effective communication. She outlines the interactive nature of the program, which includes hot seat coaching, peer reflection, and a blend of science and psychology to enhance coaching skills. Didi aims to help coaches build confidence, challenge clients without shaming, and foster long-term relationships with clients, ultimately leading to professional growth and improved client retention. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mentoring Series 00:23 Understanding the Mentoring Container 02:48 Hot Seat Coaching and Peer Reflection 04:15 Blending Science and Psychology in Coaching 06:36 The Importance of Vulnerability in Coaching 08:02 Challenging Clients Without Shaming 10:17 Creating a Safe and Interactive Learning Environment 12:09 Building Confidence and Resilience as a Coach 13:59 Long-Term Client Relationships and Retention 15:52 Invitation to Join the Mentoring Container