Virgin Active Minds Virgin Active

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 experiences, which has helped us to educate and inform you, our listener, about wellbeing and debunk common myths.



And we are most grateful to YOU for showing up with an open mind. 



If you haven’t already, subscribe to the podcast in your favourite listening app & be the first to know when season 3 is here. In the meantime, listen to this episode for a few of your favourite highlights from the season. Or,  for a deeper dive, scroll through the 85 conversations you’ll find here on the Virgin Active Minds podcast.



Bye for now.



In this episode:

Sir Richard Branson with 3 tips on wellbeing (1:45)

Claudine Chichportiche on emotional intelligence (2:20)

Nick Bracks on what mental health is (3:57)

Michelle Theodosi on the weight loss myth (5:12)

Dr Zondi on how sport can change the world (10:28)


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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 to see sports in a whole new light. You’ll also learn how important sport is at every age, why some kids stop playing sports, and how you can incorporate sport into your busy life. Tune in and join the conversation about the extraordinary impact of sports on our world.



Our favourite quotable moments:

"Sport provides an opportunity to build character, to develop key skills like strategic thinking, goal setting, analytical thinking, and being able to take risks.” - Dr Zondi

"Participating in physical activity encourages individuals to be healthier and to choose positive behaviours." - Dr Zondi

"Sports unites and promotes universal values that connect people across languages and culture." - Dr Zondi

"Choose something fun, something that aligns with you and that will meet you where you are right now." - Dr Zondi

"Health is the foundation on which you realise your full potential as an individual." - Dr Zondi

"Physical activity is an enabler of health, both physically and mentally." - Dr Zondi



Resources:

Dr Zondi on LinkedIn



About Dr Zondi:

Dr Zondi is a Physician and Business Executive with diversified healthcare and leadership experience. Her mission is to see Africa and her people thrive, applying her expertise and experience in clinical strategy, strategy implementation, change management and project execution. She is a dynamic and inspirational orator who has addressed local and international audiences on topics related to clinical medicine, change management, transformation and diversity and leadership. Dr Zondi has a sound track record working meritoriously in fast-paced, competitive, and highly pressured environments, and has established a reputation for developing and maintaining excellent business rapport and credibility with key stakeholders.


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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 addiction to recovery. She paints a vivid picture of addiction's origins, born from her unconventional upbringing. Lee-Ann’s story, beginning at just 16, highlights the struggle and the importance of seeking help. She emphasises continuous self-reflection and personal growth, with yoga as a key tool. Lee-Ann’s insights on relationships and the concept of "healthy addictions" resonate deeply, emphasising the need for balance and authenticity in recovery. This episode delivers a moving tale of resilience, urging listeners to embrace imperfections and live authentically. Tune in for a powerful story of redemption.



Our favourite quotable moments:

“Addiction is a deep disconnect." - Lee-Ann Elliott

“We put a lot of pressure on ourselves to be something we're not.” - Lee-Ann Elliott

“[In yoga class], I was learning to connect to my breath and I was slowly learning to connect to my body.” - Lee-Ann Elliott



Resources:

Lee-Ann Elliott Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok



About Lee-Ann:

Lee-Ann is a yoga teacher, surfer and triathlete who specializes in using yoga as a tool for reducing injury by incorporating stretching and strengthening exercises to help athletes move and perform better. She has spent the last 12+ years looking for ways to connect on a deeper and more authentic level to herself and to the world around her.


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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 dating landscape. She dismantles the notion of disposable relationships spawned by online dating and offers practical advice on recognizing relationship red flags. Sarah's guidance on aligning actions with words, respecting boundaries, and fostering open communication is a game-changer. She also delves into attachment styles, demystifying them and showing how they can evolve with personal growth. This episode leaves you with actionable takeaways for healthier, more fulfilling relationships. Don't miss it!



Our favourite quotable moments:

“We have this misguided perception that [with] dating...we should be able to just go find what we want, order it, it'll come." - Sara Kuburic

"We have become a little unrealistic in terms of expecting them to be absolutely perfect and expecting them to fulfill you and make you whole." - Sara Kuburic

"[Online dating] created this illusion that humans and people are more disposable than they are. We're so quick to make judgments and dismiss people." - Sara Kuburic

"If you're around someone who never sets a boundary, you might be like, 'Yes, score nice, easy.' But that's actually an issue." - Sara Kuburic



Resources:

Sara’s Book It’s On Me

Millennial Therapist Instagram

Sara Kuburic Website



About Sara:

Sara Kuburic, who you might know as the Millennial Therapist, is an existential psychotherapist, consultant, writer, and columnist for USA Today. She was born in Yugoslavia and raised in Canada. She is passionate about helping people seek change and live authentic, free, and meaningful lives.


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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 exercise enhances brain structure and function. Learn why the brain, as a central governor, influences every aspect of your body. Dive into the compelling science behind increased blood flow, oxygen, and nutrient supply to the brain through movement. You’ll learn how exercise counteracts aging and degeneration and walk away with brain-training methods beyond the gym. Elevate your understanding and embrace a holistic approach to fitness that champions brain health as a vital pillar of your wellbeing.



Our favourite quotable moments:

"The brain is one of the most important organs in our body that is responsible for regulating pretty much every other organ that there is." - Dr Zondi

"Not being physically active is linked to thinning certain parts of the brain that are critical; for instance, memory formation." - Dr Zondi

"Aerobic exercise, we know [that type of activity] is beneficial for your brain health." - Dr Zondi

"Your brain is a muscle and you must train it.” - Dr Zondi



Resources:

Dr Zondi on LinkedIn



About Dr Zondi:

Dr Zondi is a Physician and Business Executive with diversified healthcare and leadership experience. Her mission is to see Africa and her people thrive, applying her expertise and experience in clinical strategy, strategy implementation, change management and project execution. She is a dynamic and inspirational orator who has addressed local and international audiences on topics related to clinical medicine, change management, transformation and diversity and leadership. Dr Zondi has a sound track record working meritoriously in fast-paced, competitive, and highly pressured environments, and has established a reputation for developing and maintaining excellent business rapport and credibility with key stakeholders.


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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 to embrace a more mindful and balanced approach to nourishing yourself. You’ll also hear about the parallels between intuition in yoga and intuition in eating and how it comes back to the body and mind connection. Tune in to also learn about the Hunger Scale as a tool to reconnect with your body’s natural cues so you can regain control over eating patterns. Don’t miss this episode if you’re ready to rediscover the joy of eating intuitively and nurturing a healthier relationship with food.



Our favourite quotable moments:

"[Intuitive eating] is not a diet. It's kind of like the opposite of dieting." - Lyndi Cohen

"Intuitive eating is helping us get back to this innate intelligence and wisdom that our body has." - Lyndi Cohen

"The sole purpose of hunger is to tell us that we need more energy. It's like our own inbuilt system for helping us regulate energy." - Lyndi Cohen

"[Intuitive eating] is not about unrestrained consumption, but rather about finding a balanced and mindful approach to eating that respects both your body's needs and your overall health." - Lyndi Cohen

"There isn't one way to be healthy.” - Lyndi Cohen

"We don't create lists of forbidden foods or foods we need to avoid."  - Lyndi Cohen

"What we end up seeing is that we're actually so much better at regulating and creating those little healthier habits."  - Lyndi Cohen



Resources:

Lyndi’s Website

Instagram - Nude Nutritionist



About Lyndi:

Lyndi Cohen is one of Australia’s most well-known and trusted health experts. Lyndi is a dietitian, best-selling author, podcaster and resident nutritionist on Channel 9’s TODAY show. She never uses photoshop and uses her channels to advocate for real health without the wellness wankery. Lyndi has also developed her Back to Basics App which helps people be healthy without dieting and also provides support and coaching for people suffering from binge eating disorder through her Keep It Real program. Her 2nd book, Your Weight Is Not The Problem is available now.


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