The Health Coach Show

The Health Coach Show

The Health Coach Show by Shivaun Conn and Sharon Curtain is a podcast all about the science, tips, tools and the practicalities of changing behaviour. As dietitians and HCANZA accredited health coaches we’ve got 50 years experience between us, supporting others to create healthier lifestyle behaviours and habits. We’ll be talking about the skills of coaching, what’s helpful and surprisingly unhelpful and we will share practical strategies that you can use to help clients get motivated, get unstuck and take action towards living as the healthiest version of themselves.

  1. 2d ago

    Health Professional Branding & Marketing: How to Build Trust, Attract the Right Clients and Sell Without Feeling “Salesy” | Ep. 32

    In this episode, Sharon and Jenn explore the practical side of marketing for health professionals, health coaches and other practitioners who want to build their profile, attract the right clients and grow their business, without feeling like they have to become "salespeople." They unpack what it really means to build a personal brand, how to create content that connects with the right audience, and why generosity and trust are at the heart of effective health professional marketing. In this episode, we explore: Building your personal brand — why showing up consistently, sharing your expertise, building trust are essential and how to get more comfortable being visible online.Getting comfortable on camera — simple ways to practise talking about your expertise and build confidence without needing to be a natural performer.Storytelling that actually sells — why effective marketing stories aren't necessarily about you, but about helping your audience recognise themselves, their challenges and what's possible for them.The power of a clear call-to-action — giving your audience an obvious next step, whether that's reading something, signing up, sharing your content or buying from you.Lead magnets without the "ick" — why giving valuable information away for free builds trust, and the difference between the free "what" and the paid, strategic "how."Creating content your ideal client actually needs — moving beyond generic health information to content that solves a specific problem for a specific person.Understanding your buyer's journey — why your marketing needs to reflect where someone is in their decision-making process, and how different offers fit your product or service hierarchy.Finding your ideal client — three strategic questions every health professional needs to answer: Who is my ideal buyer? Where do they spend their time? What do I want to be known for?The "head nod test" — creating messaging that makes the right person think, "That's me. That's exactly what I'm struggling with."Pain points vs delight points — why marketing doesn't always have to focus on what's wrong, and how showing people what they want to achieve can be just as powerful.The power of consistent communication — why staying in touch between transactions matters, and how newsletters, email and other content strengthen relationships and keep you front of mind.Serialised content — how creating content in a series builds curiosity, engagement and momentum on platforms like TikTok and beyond.Repurposing content instead of constantly creating from scratch — revisiting older content, updating it and adding new insights rather than reinventing the wheel.Using AI strategically — how tools like ChatGPT can help with content creation, while keeping it specific, useful and grounded in your professional expertise.Finding questions your ideal clients are asking — including using Google's "People Also Ask" to uncover real questions that become valuable content ideas.Connect with usIf you're a health professional or coach wanting to become more confident with marketing, build your professional profile and attract the right clients, this episode is packed with practical strategies you can start applying straight away. Jenn DonovanJenn Donovan is an award-winning marketing strategist, speaker, author and business mentor who has spent more than two decades helping small businesses, coaches and health professionals build sustainable businesses through smarter marketing. A passionate advocate for regional Australia, Jenn is known for her practical, no-fluff approach and her ability to make marketing feel achievable. From keynote stages to one-on-one mentoring, Jenn empowers business owners with simple strategies they can implement immediately to attract more clients, build stronger relationships and grow with confidence. Connect with JennMarketing Strategist | Speaker | AuthorE: jenn@jenndonovan.com.auW: socialmediaandmarketing.com.au

  2. Mar 30

    From Invisible to Bookable: Tech & Systems Tips for Health Coaches | Ep. 31

    In this episode, we dive into one of the biggest challenges new health coaches face after qualification - running a business. Joined by Carla, founder of the Health Tech Network, we explore how to move from feeling overwhelmed and stuck to becoming visible, confident, and ready to work with clients. If you’ve ever felt unsure where to start with tech, systems, or getting clients, this episode is for you. 1. Why health coaches get stuck after graduating and what to do about it. 2. The “productivity trap”.  What is it and why is it a problem. 3. What you ACTUALLY need to start your new business (and why waiting till everything is perfect is costing you in the long run) Who is this episode for: New health coaches starting a businessHealth professionals adding coaching to their workCoaches feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to beginMore information about 'Invisible to Bookable'- A practical, done-with-you workshop to build a calm, professional business setup . Details: https://healthtechnetwork.com.au/invisible-to-bookable   Use code AHCA200  Health and Wellness New Business Guide: https://healthtechnetwork.com.au/htn-business-compliance-guide  To access free resources or to book one of our upcoming courses visit our website: www.accreditedhealthcoaching.com.au If you find this podcast valuable, please share, follow, and leave a review. You can also follow us on social media If you would like to provide feedback, ask a question or suggest a topic, please contact us via our email, info@accreditedhealthcoaching.com.au Thank you for listening, your support is appreciated. Proudly a HCANZA accredited course provider.

  3. 09/05/2025

    Utilising AI for better client outcomes | Ep. 30

    In this episode of the Health Coach Show, we discuss the role of AI powered tools to streamline data collection to save time, reduce admin and create better outcomes for our clients. Shivaun Conn, a HCANZA accredited health and wellness coach and dietitian, is joined by Robbie Clark, dietitian, exercise scientist, and Director and Co-founder of HealthBank.io, an AI-powered digital clinic software. We discuss: How we utilise 'data' in healthcare How AI can be utilised to streamline data collection and help us to make more better clinical decisions How AI powered tools can support and empower our clients What health coaches should know about privacy and safety of AI The Healthbank platform - AI powered digital clinic software Building visibility online, networking and mentoring for health coaches Follow on resources: Health Bank website: https://www.healthbank.io/ Interested in learning more about health coaching? We offer short self paced courses that will give you tools and strategies to support clients, and we also offer interactive, accredited courses that teach the foundation skills of health coaching, and courses that provide gap training and skill mastery for those who are looking to expand their skill set and become nationally recognised with the Health Coaches Australia New Zealand Association (HCANZA) Our courses are fully online, with webinars delivered via zoom. To access free resources or to book one of our upcoming courses visit our website: www.accreditedhealthcoaching.com.au If you find this podcast valuable, please share, follow, and leave a review. You can also follow us on social media If you would like to provide feedback, ask a question or suggest a topic, please contact us via our email, info@accreditedhealthcoaching.com.au Thank you for listening, your support is appreciated. Proudly a HCANZA accredited course provider.

  4. 08/05/2025

    Know Your Worth, Clarify Your Niche(s) & Grow Without Burnout | Ep. 29

    In this episode of the Health Coach Show, we discuss how to know your worth as a health coach, find and clarify your niche, and grow and scale your practice online without burning out. Shivaun Conn, a HCANZA accredited health and wellness coach and dietitian, is joined by Rebekah Jones, a registered dietitian, private practice business mentor, and creator of the Scalable Practice Framework™. We discuss: How to scale our practices without burnout Service options and modes of delivery Business mapping - designing a strategy that aligns with our lifestyle, supports our goals, and delivers ideal client outcomes Niches - do we need one? How do we niche in a way that suits us? Knowing our worth and overcoming imposter syndrome - using logic, data, and evidence Follow on resources: "Niche Clarity Coach: Find Your Niche & Ideal Client (In Minutes - with AI)” : https://rebekah-jones.mykajabi.com/protocol-builder-bot-1  Rebekah Jones website: https://rebekahjones.com.au/ 10% discount code for programs: AHCA10 Interested in learning more about health coaching? We offer short self paced courses that will give you tools and strategies to support clients, and we also offer interactive, accredited courses that teach the foundation skills of health coaching, and courses that provide gap training and skill mastery for those who are looking to expand their skill set and become nationally recognised with the Health Coaches Australia New Zealand Association (HCANZA) Our courses are fully online, with webinars delivered via zoom. To access free resources or to book one of our upcoming courses visit our website: www.accreditedhealthcoaching.com.au If you find this podcast valuable, please share, follow, and leave a review. You can also follow us on social media If you would like to provide feedback, ask a question or suggest a topic, please contact us via our email, info@accreditedhealthcoaching.com.au Thank you for listening, your support is appreciated. Proudly a HCANZA accredited course provider.

  5. 05/08/2025

    Self Determination Theory in a Coaching Context with Gordon Spence | Ep. 28

    In this episode of the Health Coach Show, we’re discussing Self Determination Theory (SDT), a key theory of motivation that underpins the work health coaches do. Sharon Curtain, dietitian and HCANZA accredited health coach, is joined by Gordon Spence, a coaching psychologist, exercise scientist, educator, researcher, private practitioner and an expert in SDT. We discuss: Why SDT is a robust theory of optimal functioningThe mini theories Basic Needs Theory and the guidance is gives us to create an optimal experience for coaching clientsWhat makes it different from other motivation theoriesThe Extrinsic to Intrinsic motivation continuumHow to facilitate a shift in motivation by connecting to beliefs, values and intrinsic motivatorsAllowing space for clients can be  Gordon has just had a new paper published - The Health Activation Process: An autonomy-supportive coaching model for facilitating sustainable active living. He is now building on this, using guided autobiography to get people to reflect on memories of physical activity which can result in leaning in to positivity, changing perspectives towards being active. Gordon is a Senior Lecturer in the Master of Science in Coaching Psychology program, University of Sydney, he’s published many scholarly articles and book chapters, two books on healthy ageing, provides evidence-based coaching & consulting services and sits on the board of Health Coaches Australia New Zealand Association (HCANZA). You can contact Gordon at info@drgordonspence.com You can read more about coaching and self determination here:  Spence, Gordon & Oades, Lindsay. (2011). Coaching with self-determination in mind: Using theory to advance evidence-based coaching practice. International Journal of Evidence Based Coaching and Mentoring. 9. 37-55. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/313707730_Coaching_with_self-determination_in_mind_Using_theory_to_advance_evidence-based_coaching_practice To learn more about health coaching, access free resources or to book one of our upcoming courses visit our website: www.accreditedhealthcoaching.com.au Proudly a HCANZA accredited course provider.

  6. 01/28/2025

    Are they useful in behaviour change | Ep. 25

    In this episode of The Health Coach Show, we discuss how rewards can be useful to help clients change their behaviours. The big question is 'Are rewards helpful and do they help with long-term behaviour change?' How rewards can support behaviour and habit change: Rewards provide positive reinforcement Rewards can give us that little motivation boost on days when we don’t feel like it - especially useful during the early stages of change when motivation is low.  Rewards bring benefits into the present: providing immediate feedback that the behaviour is worth doing - particularly useful when changes may not be noticed for a few weeks. Examples of effective rewards in health coaching: Celebrating small milestones /consistency - reward yourself with a new book, water bottle or workout mat Replacing alcohol with zero alcohol drinks Buy the expensive chocolate (and therefore eat less) Non-food rewards - bath,  listening to a podcast, going to a movie, reading a book/magazine for pleasure, permission to do nothing When rewards can be unhelpful: Extrinsic vs. intrinsic motivation: when we rely on the external rewards - ie the only reason we engage in a behaviour is to get the reward, we’re extrinsically motivated - once the reward is removed, the motivation to do the behaviour stops. Risks of relying on rewards: Short-term compliance without long-term behaviour change. Creating dependency on rewards rather than fostering internal motivation.  Reward chasing: Constantly using rewards can reduce their effectiveness. We can lose interest in routine rewards and look for additional rewards to stay motivated. Using unhealthy rewards: e.g. going out for a big breakfast after a gym session, or rewarding a long day with a glass of wine - can un-do the good work of the behaviour itself.  In coaching, we can use both intrinsic and extrinsic rewards - the extrinsic can be really valuable in the early stages of change- while connecting to intrinsic ones over time. This might look like: Encouraging self-chosen rewards aligned with values. Social recognition (sharing progress with friends/family). Celebrating achievement with meaningful experiences (e.g., self care/connecting - a client rewarding themselves with a massage after sticking to a new routine for a week) Self-reward through positive self-talk and reflection on progress Connecting to how it makes you feel immediately or later that day - eg  more energy, better sleep. Mini rewards to help stick to a behaviour  Alternative treats Tracking progress can serve as a motivating reward: Visual progress (habit trackers, fitness apps) provides immediate feedback. Self-monitoring increases self-awareness and accountability. To learn more about health coaching, access free resources or to book one of our upcoming courses, visit our website: www.accreditedhealthcoaching.com.au

About

The Health Coach Show by Shivaun Conn and Sharon Curtain is a podcast all about the science, tips, tools and the practicalities of changing behaviour. As dietitians and HCANZA accredited health coaches we’ve got 50 years experience between us, supporting others to create healthier lifestyle behaviours and habits. We’ll be talking about the skills of coaching, what’s helpful and surprisingly unhelpful and we will share practical strategies that you can use to help clients get motivated, get unstuck and take action towards living as the healthiest version of themselves.