Becoming a Health Coach

Are you exploring a career in health coaching? Wondering if the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN) is right for you? In Becoming a Health Coach, Meg shares her unfiltered experience going through the IIN Health Coach Training Program—module by module. You'll hear about holistic wellness, habit change, mindset shifts, and what it's really like to train as a certified health coach. Perfect for aspiring coaches, wellness enthusiasts, and anyone curious about a more meaningful, purpose-driven path.

  1. 5d ago

    Thank yourself - You did all the work: Evaluating the Fourth Session with Joanna

    She Feels It Now Joanna messaged before the call: "I haven't kept up with it." Danna braced for bad news. But here's the twist—it was just the logging that slipped. The eating habits? Those stuck. She has energy. She's feeling the difference. That's the whole point. Remember session one, when Joanna asked "How will I know it's working?" She wanted black-and-white proof, and Danna couldn't give it to her. Now she doesn't need proof. She feels it. Food logging was never meant to be forever. It's a pain in the ass for two weeks, but the information you get from it can revolutionize how you understand your own body. We overlook what we do habitually—and if you don't draw attention to it, you'll never know it's the thing that needs to change. Joanna thanked Danna. Danna's response? "I didn't cook your meals. I didn't keep your food log. You did all the work. Thank yourself." That's the thing about coaching: it's your body. Your habits. Your changes. A good coach helps you listen—but you're the one who has to hear it. This is the debrief after session four of Joanna's health journey. If you want to hear all the coaching “behind the scenes” (health history, coaching debriefs, and Joanna’s reflection), listen on Becoming a Health Coach. Listen to all the post session debriefs If you want to hear the original coaching sessions (the real-time coaching conversations between Danna and Joanna), listen on So Frickin’ Healthy. Listen to all the coaching sessions Get in touch!We always looks forward to hearing from you! Send us an Email Send us a Voicemail Check out the So Frickin' Healthy Podcast Support the Show Chapters00:00 Introduction and Session Overview 00:42 Challenges and Breakthroughs in Food Logging 03:26 The Importance of Tracking and Habit Formation 09:36 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans Becoming a Health Coach provides resources and inspiration for anyone interested in becoming a health coach. Recorded and Produced in Switzerland. Member of the SwissCast Podcast Network. Mentioned in this episode: Are you So Frickin' Healthy? Check out the other podcast I co-host with Danna Levy Hoffmann from Organilicious.ch. We are both IIN Health Coaching graduates who got together for our love to talk about all things health related. We have some serious guest experts but we always make them laugh while we learn something new. Click the link to listen to the latest episode. Check out the So Frickin' Healthy Podcast Becoming a Health Coach is a proud member and production of the SwissCast Network The SwissCast Podcast Network is here to amplify the diverse voices and unique stories of Switzerland—all in English. Whether you're a Swiss local fluent in English, an expat, or simply curious about Swiss culture, SwissCast offers engaging content that speaks directly to you. Our mission is simple: to create a space where Swiss life and English voices connect, bringing you meaningful conversations, expert insights, and compelling stories from all over the country. Our podcast shows are made by, for, or in Switzerland and range from Health, Business, Career, Travel, and more. Check out more great podcasts on the SwissCast Network

    Thank yourself - You did all the work: Evaluating the Fourth Session with Joanna
  2. Jun 16

    The Value of Health Conferences: Unlocking Opportunities

    Conferences and Congresses - no matter what you call them, they are an excellent resource for health coaches. In this episode, Megan talks about why you should consider attending health conferences, how to prepare before you go, and what to do while you're there. We love to hear from you! Send us a Voicemail Send us an Email Takeaways: Attending health conferences provides invaluable networking opportunities with industry professionals and like-minded individuals.Health coaches, particularly those new to the field, should prioritize attending conferences to gain insights into industry trends.Preparation is key for maximizing the benefits of attending health conferences and engaging with sessions and booths.Engaging with exhibitors at booths can lead to unexpected partnerships and valuable conversations within the health industry.Health conferences can be financially burdensome; consider volunteer opportunities to alleviate costs and enhance learning experiences.Self-care during conferences, including proper hydration and nutrition, is essential for maintaining focus and energy throughout the event. Chapters: 00:00.0 - Why Conferences Matter01:17.0 - Networking Like a Pro04:40.0 - Conference App Prep06:15.0 - Choosing Talks and Sessions08:08.0 - Expo Hall Strategies11:14.0 - Budget and Self Care14:04.0 - Save Money and Wrap Up Mentioned in this episode: Becoming a Health Coach is a proud member and production of the SwissCast Network The SwissCast Podcast Network is here to amplify the diverse voices and unique stories of Switzerland—all in English. Whether you're a Swiss local fluent in English, an expat, or simply curious about Swiss culture, SwissCast offers engaging content that speaks directly to you. Our mission is simple: to create a space where Swiss life and English voices connect, bringing you meaningful conversations, expert insights, and compelling stories from all over the country. Our podcast shows are made by, for, or in Switzerland and range from Health, Business, Career, Travel, and more. Check out more great podcasts on the SwissCast Network Interested in attending the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN)? Enroll today with my code and save 20% off any IIN & Chopra Course! *excluding CIP Get big discounts on IIN Courses

    The Value of Health Conferences: Unlocking Opportunities
  3. Apr 22

    When Tracking Becomes the Trap: Evaluating the Third Session with Joanna

    She's Doing the Hard Work Good news: Danna's awake this time. And Joanna? She came in hot—full of data from her CGM experiment, eager to keep going, and finally seeing real results. But Megan caught something in this session: a little miscommunication around food logging. Joanna was trying to figure out how to track (weighing her go-to foods once so she'd know the portions forever), and Danna pushed back. Why? Because quality matters more than quantity. If you're weighing your potato chips, you're missing the point. The bigger insight: Joanna's the type who goes all-in and then loses the plot. She knows this about herself. So the goal isn't to overhaul everything—it's to change one variable at a time and let it stick. She tried two new recipes this month. That's a win. She's not the person who's going to flip her entire life overnight, and that's okay. Here's what coaches want you to know: they're holding your hand, not carrying you. You're still walking. You're still doing the hard work. A good coach feels you out, adjusts, and keeps you from drowning in goals you'll abandon in a week. This is the debrief after session three of Joanna's health journey. If you want to hear all the coaching “behind the scenes” (health history, coaching debriefs, and Joanna’s reflection), listen on Becoming a Health Coach. Listen to all the post session debriefs If you want to hear the original coaching sessions (the real-time coaching conversations between Danna and Joanna), listen on So Frickin’ Healthy. Listen to all the coaching sessions Get in touch!We always looks forward to hearing from you! Send us an Email Send us a Voicemail Check out the So Frickin' Healthy Podcast Support the Show Chapters00:00 Introduction and Session Overview 00:17 Joanna's Progress and Challenges 01:55 Food Logging Discussion 06:13 Coaching Strategies and Client Interaction 16:31 Final Thoughts and Next Steps Becoming a Health Coach provides resources and inspiration for anyone interested in becoming a health coach. Recorded and Produced in Switzerland. Member of the SwissCast Podcast Network. Mentioned in this episode: Send us a Voicemail Are you So Frickin' Healthy? Check out the other podcast I co-host with Danna Levy Hoffmann from Organilicious.ch. We are both IIN Health Coaching graduates who got together for our love to talk about all things health related. We have some serious guest experts but we always make them laugh while we learn something new. Click the link to listen to the latest episode. Check out the So Frickin' Healthy Podcast Becoming a Health Coach is a proud member and production of the SwissCast Network The SwissCast Podcast Network is here to amplify the diverse voices and unique stories of Switzerland—all in English. Whether you're a Swiss local fluent in English, an expat, or simply curious about Swiss culture, SwissCast offers engaging content that speaks directly to you. Our mission is simple: to create a space where Swiss life and English voices connect, bringing you meaningful conversations, expert insights, and compelling stories from all over the country. Our podcast shows are made by, for, or in Switzerland and range from Health, Business, Career, Travel, and more. Check out more great podcasts on the SwissCast Network

    When Tracking Becomes the Trap: Evaluating the Third Session with Joanna
  4. Apr 8

    Health Coach Self-Care, Burnout Prevention, Stress Management: How to Stay Grounded While Building Your Coaching Career featuring Gretchen Larsen

    If you’re becoming a health coach (or you’re early in your coaching career), you’ve probably felt the pressure to “have it all together” while the world feels… like a lot. In this episode, mindfulness practitioner and certified coach Gretchen Larsen shares practical ways to stay grounded, reduce stress spirals, and prevent burnout—without pretending you’re fine. We talk about why overwhelm can shrink your sense of control, how to work with your feelings instead of bypassing them, and the power of choosing small, doable actions that restore agency—especially when everything feels too big. In this episode, we cover:The “circle of control” and how to come back to what you can influenceWhy small actions (even cooking dinner) can interrupt a stress spiralHow negative self-talk shows up for coaches (“I should know better”)Feeling your feelings vs. replaying the world’s events (and getting stuck)“Do it in connection”: why support systems matter for resilienceCreating a safe container for emotions (alone and with trusted people)The only thing we always control: choosing our response Gretchen Larsen is a leadership and empowerment coach who supports teams, female professionals and activists doing important work in the world. For over 25 years, her work has spanned across start-ups, nonprofits and Fortune 500 companies, helping teams and aspiring leaders navigate change and transformation with a people-first approach. Especially in times of uncertainty, Gretchen encourages mindfulness and somatic awareness to help people take care of themselves, reconnect to what’s in their control, and take grounded, purposeful action. She believes that now more than ever, we need strong female leaders to help guide our planet, our organizations and the change we all so desire. Connect with Gretchen:Website LinkedIn Listen to Gretchen's Meditation on So Frickin' Healthy Books Links:Welcoming the Unwelcome by Pema Chödrön Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl CHAPTERS:00:00 Mind Body Connection 01:02 Doomscrolling And Boundaries 02:49 Gretchen Spiral And Control 06:10 Small Actions To Cope 14:41 Hit Bottom Find Support 21:11 Make Space Choose Response Mentioned in this episode: Becoming a Health Coach is a proud member and production of the SwissCast Network The SwissCast Podcast Network is here to amplify the diverse voices and unique stories of Switzerland—all in English. Whether you're a Swiss local fluent in English, an expat, or simply curious about Swiss culture, SwissCast offers engaging content that speaks directly to you. Our mission is simple: to create a space where Swiss life and English voices connect, bringing you meaningful conversations, expert insights, and compelling stories from all over the country. Our podcast shows are made by, for, or in Switzerland and range from Health, Business, Career, Travel, and more. Check out more great podcasts on the SwissCast Network Institute for Integrative Nutrition Special Deals IIN is expensive but they always have special deals going on. Check out their catalog of classes by clicking on my ambassador link to automatically get the best deal being offered. You can also use MEGANMCCRORY20 at checkout. We appreciate your support! Get big discounts on IIN Courses

    Health Coach Self-Care, Burnout Prevention, Stress Management: How to Stay Grounded While Building Your Coaching Career featuring Gretchen Larsen
  5. Mar 18

    Coaches Are Human Too: Evaluating the Second Session with Joanna

    When Your Coach is Human Too Danna's been up since 4:30am. She's brain foggy, running on fumes, and didn't have time to review her notes before the session. Megan's listening and thinking: come on, Danna, you can do it. And that's the point. Coaches are human. There's no such thing as a perfect session every time—and showing that to clients matters. Life gets messy. You show up anyway. The real takeaway from this session? Joanna says she does the 80/20 thing with processed foods, but when someone also mentions their memory isn't great... they might not be tracking how often it's actually happening. A food diary could help—not as judgment, but as data. And then there's the question every client asks: How long until I see results? The honest answer? There's no magic timeline. You can follow every Huberman protocol in the book, but if your cortisol is through the roof and you're white-knuckling through perimenopause, perfect eating won't save you. It's all connected—sleep, stress, food, hormones. You do your best and keep going. This is the debrief after session two of Joanna's health journey. If you want to hear all the coaching “behind the scenes” (health history, coaching debriefs, and Joanna’s reflection), listen on Becoming a Health Coach. Listen to all the post session debriefs If you want to hear the original coaching sessions (the real-time coaching conversations between Danna and Joanna), listen on So Frickin’ Healthy. Listen to all the coaching sessions Get in touch!We always looks forward to hearing from you! Send us an Email Send us a Voicemail Check out the So Frickin' Healthy Podcast Support the Show Chapters00:00 Introduction and Session Reflection 01:47 Challenges of Maintaining Focus 05:11 Diet and Habit Tracking 10:16 ADHD and Perimenopause Discussion 15:50 Concluding Thoughts and Next Steps Becoming a Health Coach provides resources and inspiration for anyone interested in becoming a health coach. Recorded and Produced in Switzerland. Member of the SwissCast Podcast Network. Mentioned in this episode: Institute for Integrative Nutrition Special Deals IIN is expensive but they always have special deals going on. Check out their catalog of classes by clicking on my ambassador link to automatically get the best deal being offered. You can also use MEGANMCCRORY20 at checkout. We appreciate your support! Get big discounts on IIN Courses Becoming a Health Coach is a proud member and production of the SwissCast Network The SwissCast Podcast Network is here to amplify the diverse voices and unique stories of Switzerland—all in English. Whether you're a Swiss local fluent in English, an expat, or simply curious about Swiss culture, SwissCast offers engaging content that speaks directly to you. Our mission is simple: to create a space where Swiss life and English voices connect, bringing you meaningful conversations, expert insights, and compelling stories from all over the country. Our podcast shows are made by, for, or in Switzerland and range from Health, Business, Career, Travel, and more. Check out more great podcasts on the SwissCast Network Are you So Frickin' Healthy? Check out the other podcast I co-host with Danna Levy Hoffmann from Organilicious.ch. We are both IIN Health Coaching graduates who got together for our love to talk about all things health related. We have some serious guest experts but we always make them laugh while we learn something new. Click the link to listen to the latest episode. Check out the So Frickin' Healthy Podcast

    Coaches Are Human Too: Evaluating the Second Session with Joanna
  6. Feb 18

    The Art of Coaching: Evaluating the First Session with Joanna

    Behind the SessionThe first session is done—and Danna and Megan are debriefing. What just happened? What worked? What do listeners need to know about getting the most out of health coaching? Joanna came in like a lot of first-timers: a little anxious, full of questions, not quite sure how coaching works. She wanted a program. A protocol. Something concrete. But that's not how this goes. Good coaching isn't about talking at someone—it's about listening, pulling out what's really going on, and meeting people where they are. The good news? Joanna already prioritizes sleep. That's huge. And she wants to understand the why behind everything—her scientific brain is an asset here, not a hurdle. For anyone starting coaching: show up present. Take a few breaths. Stay in touch between sessions. And know that your coach isn't judging you—they're just your accountability partner, checking in to say, "Hey, remember me? I'm still here." This is the debrief after session one of Joanna's health journey. If you want to hear all the coaching “behind the scenes” (health history, coaching debriefs, and Joanna’s reflection), listen on Becoming a Health Coach. Listen to all the post session debriefs If you want to hear the original coaching sessions (the real-time coaching conversations between Danna and Joanna), listen on So Frickin’ Healthy. Listen to all the coaching sessions Get in touch!We always looks forward to hearing from you! Send us an Email Send us a Voicemail Check out the So Frickin' Healthy Podcast Support the Show Chapters00:00 Introduction to Session 00:42 First Impressions and Key Takeaways 01:38 Coaching Techniques and Client Interaction 03:37 Addressing Client's Concerns and Goals 09:46 Concluding Thoughts and Next Steps Becoming a Health Coach provides resources and inspiration for anyone interested in becoming a health coach. Recorded and Produced in Switzerland. Member of the SwissCast Podcast Network. Mentioned in this episode: Becoming a Health Coach is a proud member and production of the SwissCast Network The SwissCast Podcast Network is here to amplify the diverse voices and unique stories of Switzerland—all in English. Whether you're a Swiss local fluent in English, an expat, or simply curious about Swiss culture, SwissCast offers engaging content that speaks directly to you. Our mission is simple: to create a space where Swiss life and English voices connect, bringing you meaningful conversations, expert insights, and compelling stories from all over the country. Our podcast shows are made by, for, or in Switzerland and range from Health, Business, Career, Travel, and more. Check out more great podcasts on the SwissCast Network Are you So Frickin' Healthy? Check out the other podcast I co-host with Danna Levy Hoffmann from Organilicious.ch. We are both IIN Health Coaching graduates who got together for our love to talk about all things health related. We have some serious guest experts but we always make them laugh while we learn something new. Click the link to listen to the latest episode. Check out the So Frickin' Healthy Podcast

    The Art of Coaching: Evaluating the First Session with Joanna
  7. Feb 18

    Joanna's Health History - Special Coaching Series

    Chapter 0: Before We Begin Meet Joanna: working mom, twin wrangler, cheese enthusiast. She's got four-year-old twins, a ten-year-old who moonlights as a paid babysitter, and a brain that hasn't known single-tasking in years. She's here because of the afternoon crash—that 2pm slump that wipes her out. She wants her focus back, her energy back, her brain back. But she's also clear about what she's not here for: diets. Diet culture. Anything she wouldn't want her daughters to see. Joanna eats flexitarian, leans plant-based for the planet, but isn't giving up cheese anytime soon. She's skeptical of the perimenopause hype (especially when someone's trying to sell her supplements). She wants changes that are sustainable, not restrictive. Danna's answer? The 80/20 rule. Eat well most of the time. Enjoy your life. No diets. No guilt. Just figuring out what actually works for her body. This is where Joanna's health journey begins. If you want to hear all the coaching “behind the scenes” (health history, coaching debriefs, and Joanna’s reflection), listen on Becoming a Health Coach. Listen to all the post session debriefs If you want to hear the original coaching sessions (the real-time coaching conversations between Danna and Joanna), listen on So Frickin’ Healthy. Listen to all the coaching sessions Get in touch!We always looks forward to hearing from you! Send us an Email Send us a Voicemail Check out the So Frickin' Healthy Podcast Support the Show Chapters00:00 Introduction and Initial Greetings 00:14 Parenting Challenges and Coping Strategies 03:12 Diet and Nutrition Discussion 05:24 Health Concerns and Lifestyle Factors 12:30 Stress, Sleep, and Final Thoughts Becoming a Health Coach provides resources and inspiration for anyone interested in becoming a health coach. Recorded and Produced in Switzerland. Member of the SwissCast Podcast Network. Mentioned in this episode: Becoming a Health Coach is a proud member and production of the SwissCast Network The SwissCast Podcast Network is here to amplify the diverse voices and unique stories of Switzerland—all in English. Whether you're a Swiss local fluent in English, an expat, or simply curious about Swiss culture, SwissCast offers engaging content that speaks directly to you. Our mission is simple: to create a space where Swiss life and English voices connect, bringing you meaningful conversations, expert insights, and compelling stories from all over the country. Our podcast shows are made by, for, or in Switzerland and range from Health, Business, Career, Travel, and more. Check out more great podcasts on the SwissCast Network Are you So Frickin' Healthy? Check out the other podcast I co-host with Danna Levy Hoffmann from Organilicious.ch. We are both IIN Health Coaching graduates who got together for our love to talk about all things health related. We have some serious guest experts but we always make them laugh while we learn something new. Click the link to listen to the latest episode. Check out the So Frickin' Healthy Podcast Are you So Frickin' Healthy? Check out the other podcast I co-host with Danna Levy Hoffmann from Organilicious.ch. We are both IIN Health Coaching graduates who got together for our love to talk about all things health related. We have some serious guest experts but we always make them laugh while we learn something new. Click the link to listen to the latest episode. Check out the So Frickin' Healthy Podcast Institute for Integrative Nutrition Special Deals IIN is expensive but they always have special deals going on. Check out their catalog of classes by clicking on my ambassador link to automatically get the best deal being offered. You can also use MEGANMCCRORY20 at checkout. We appreciate your support! Get big discounts on IIN Courses

    Joanna's Health History - Special Coaching Series
  8. Feb 18 ·  Bonus

    A Real Client. Six Sessions. One Coaching Series. (Here’s How to Listen)

    Thanks for listening to the introduction episode for our coaching series with Joanna. This project follows a real three-month coaching engagement with six coaching sessions. We recorded the coaching sessions themselves, plus Joanna’s full health history, plus debrief episodes where Danna and I reflect on the coaching session and break down what we were listening for. Here’s the easiest way to listen, depending on what you want more of. If you want to hear the actual coaching sessions (the real-time coaching conversations between Danna and Joanna), listen on So Frickin’ Healthy. If you want the coaching “behind the scenes” (health history, coaching debriefs, and Joanna’s reflection), you’re in the right place on Becoming a Health Coach. To make it simple, we will link everything in the show notes each week so you can follow along in order. Listen in orderStart here on Becoming a Health Coach: Joanna’s Health History Then head to So Frickin’ Healthy: Coaching Session 1–6 After each session, come back to Becoming a Health Coach: Coaching Debrief 1–6 And finish here: Joanna’s Reflection Episode Quick reminderYou do not need to listen to every single episode to get value out of this series, but if you want the full story arc, listening in order is the way to go. Alright, let’s do this! Get in touch!We always looks forward to hearing from you! Send us an Email Send us a Voicemail Check out the So Frickin' Healthy Podcast Support the Show Becoming a Health Coach provides resources and inspiration for anyone interested in becoming a health coach. Recorded and Produced in Switzerland. Member of the SwissCast Podcast Network. Mentioned in this episode: Are you So Frickin' Healthy? Check out the other podcast I co-host with Danna Levy Hoffmann from Organilicious.ch. We are both IIN Health Coaching graduates who got together for our love to talk about all things health related. We have some serious guest experts but we always make them laugh while we learn something new. Click the link to listen to the latest episode. Check out the So Frickin' Healthy Podcast Becoming a Health Coach is a proud member and production of the SwissCast Network The SwissCast Podcast Network is here to amplify the diverse voices and unique stories of Switzerland—all in English. Whether you're a Swiss local fluent in English, an expat, or simply curious about Swiss culture, SwissCast offers engaging content that speaks directly to you. Our mission is simple: to create a space where Swiss life and English voices connect, bringing you meaningful conversations, expert insights, and compelling stories from all over the country. Our podcast shows are made by, for, or in Switzerland and range from Health, Business, Career, Travel, and more. Check out more great podcasts on the SwissCast Network

    A Real Client. Six Sessions. One Coaching Series. (Here’s How to Listen)

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About

Are you exploring a career in health coaching? Wondering if the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN) is right for you? In Becoming a Health Coach, Meg shares her unfiltered experience going through the IIN Health Coach Training Program—module by module. You'll hear about holistic wellness, habit change, mindset shifts, and what it's really like to train as a certified health coach. Perfect for aspiring coaches, wellness enthusiasts, and anyone curious about a more meaningful, purpose-driven path.

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