Health Coaching and Beyond

Ollie and Tim
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This podcast champions the belief that Health Coaching can change the world for the better! Your hosts Drs Ollie Hart and Tim Williams, are UK Family Doctors (GPs), who learnt to health coach with their patients over 40 years + combined experience. They found it so successful for their patients and themselves, they set up a company to teach others the skills....www.peakhealthcoaching.com Now they bring their enthusiasm for the topic to the airwaves, to encourage and promote the growth of health coaching in the NHS, in businesses, and any where that people matter. They will chat about current affairs related to person centred care, and topics related to health coaching. Some episodes involve carefully selected guests, others conversation between the 2 of them. They aim to inspire your confidence and knowledge to embrace health coaching and all the benefits and joy it can bring.

  1. 1d ago

    Episode 28 - The Foundations of Great Coaching

    In this episode, Ollie is joined by executive coach, researcher and author Dr Rob Kemp to explore one of the biggest questions facing the coaching profession: what makes health coaching different from coaching more broadly? Drawing on over two decades of coaching experience across leadership, higher education and organisational development, Rob reflects on the core principles that underpin all forms of coaching. Together, Ollie and Rob discuss where health coaching naturally sits within the wider coaching landscape, arguing that many of the skills, values and approaches are shared, even if the context and focus may differ. The conversation explores why health and wellbeing are often overlooked in leadership and workplace coaching, despite being fundamental to performance, resilience and sustainable change. They discuss the importance of agency, self-awareness, trust and person-centred conversations, and why lasting change rarely comes from advice alone. The episode also tackles one of the biggest emerging topics in coaching: artificial intelligence. Rob explains why he believes AI can become a powerful tool to support coaches, while questioning whether it should ever be described as an "AI coach". Together they explore the importance of relationships, ethics, trust and human connection, and consider what these developments might mean for the future of coaching. Takeaways Health coaching shares many of the same foundations as coaching in leadership, business and education. Strong coaching is built on trust, partnership and meaningful human relationships. Sustainable performance depends on health and wellbeing, not just knowledge or technical skills. Lasting behaviour change comes through agency, reflection and person-centred conversations rather than advice-giving. Leadership coaching naturally includes discussions about wellbeing, work-life balance and resilience. Health is shaped by far more than medical treatment alone. Coaches need to recognise the boundaries between coaching and therapy while working alongside people experiencing health challenges. AI has significant potential to support coaching practice but should be introduced thoughtfully and ethically. Human qualities such as trust, shared inquiry and ethical judgement remain central to effective coaching. Greater collaboration between health coaching and the wider coaching profession would benefit both fields.

  2. Jul 8

    Episode 27 - Listening, Trust and Healthier Working Lives

    Summary In this episode, Tim is joined by Paul Houseman, PCN Manager at Belgrave and Spinney Hill in Leicester, and Senior WorkWell Coach for the city. Paul shares his journey from banking, consultancy and aerospace into primary care, reflecting on what nearly four decades in different sectors has taught him about people, leadership and the conditions that help teams thrive. The conversation explores the WorkWell pilot in Leicester, which supports people with health conditions to stay in work or return to work. Paul describes how the programme quickly revealed the complexity of people’s lives, from housing and food poverty to confidence, language, health and trust. Rather than offering simple advice or isolated signposting, the work required strong community relationships and skilled conversations. A central theme of the episode is what happens when health coaching principles are applied not only to patients and clients, but also to staff teams. Paul reflects honestly on how coaching and supervision challenged his assumptions as a manager, particularly the need to stop fixing, listen more deeply, and create safer spaces for people to talk about what really matters. The episode explores why trust is so important in healthcare workplaces, especially in systems often shaped by pressure, targets, policies and sickness management processes. Paul shares powerful examples of how listening to staff differently has led to greater openness, creativity, confidence and innovation within his team. Throughout the episode, a clear message emerges, healthier working lives are not created through policies alone. They are built through trust, listening, relationships and the courage to do things differently. Takeaways WorkWell supports people with health conditions to stay in work or return to work. Employment, health and wellbeing are closely connected. People’s barriers to work are often shaped by wider factors such as housing, poverty, language, confidence and caring responsibilities. Trust is essential when working with communities and individuals. Health coaching skills can support better conversations with both patients and staff. Listening is often more powerful than trying to fix or advise. Managers may need to unlearn habits of stepping in with solutions. Staff wellbeing cannot be separated from patient care. Sickness management processes can reduce absence on paper while damaging trust and morale. Creating safe spaces helps people talk about what is really affecting them. Lived experience can be a powerful strength within healthcare teams. Small changes in how managers listen can lead to greater creativity, confidence and ownership. Supporting staff to develop skills can have a lasting impact across an organisation. Healthier workplaces depend on relationships, trust and leadership culture, not just policies. Looking after teams is an essential part of delivering better care.

  3. Jul 1

    Episode 26 - What Matters to You, Activation and the Future of Health Coaching

    Summary In this episode, Ollie and Tim come back together to reflect on some of the conversations, conferences and ideas that have been shaping their thinking over recent months. They begin by exploring two events that left a lasting impression: the Move More conference in Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals' What Matters To You conference. Both highlighted a growing shift away from focusing solely on individual behaviour change and towards creating systems, environments and cultures that make healthier choices easier for people. The conversation then turns to Peak Health's work with Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, supporting the rollout of What Matters To You training across the organisation. Ollie and Tim reflect on how person-centred conversations can improve experiences not only for patients, but also for colleagues and teams, creating stronger relationships and healthier workplace cultures. They also revisit two recent podcast episodes that generated significant discussion. The first explored patient activation with Alf Collins and Jag Mundra, examining how confidence, knowledge and skills underpin people's ability to manage their health. The discussion considers how activation can move beyond individual patients and become a way of thinking about teams, organisations and communities. The second revisits the rapidly evolving world of GLP-1 medications with Nikki Coughlan. Rather than viewing these treatments as a simple solution, Ollie and Tim explore the importance of behavioural and emotional support alongside medication, and the valuable role health coaching can play in helping people make lasting changes. Finally, the conversation looks ahead to one of the biggest questions facing healthcare and coaching: the rise of artificial intelligence. They discuss where AI tools may help increase access to coaching approaches, while reflecting on the uniquely human elements of empathy, presence and shared experience that remain central to meaningful conversations. Throughout the episode, one theme keeps resurfacing - whether supporting patients, staff or communities, lasting change starts with helping people feel heard, valued and capable of shaping their own future. Takeaways Health is shaped as much by systems and environments as it is by individual choices. Creating opportunities for movement often matters more than simply encouraging motivation. What Matters To You conversations can improve experiences for both patients and staff. Person-centred approaches work best when they become part of organisational culture rather than isolated initiatives. Patient activation is about building confidence, knowledge and skills, not simply delivering information. Simple questions can sometimes provide more useful insights than complex measurement tools. Activation can be considered at individual, team, service and community levels. Supporting staff wellbeing is essential for delivering better care experiences. GLP-1 medications create opportunities for change but work best alongside behavioural support. Health coaching can help people navigate the emotional and psychological aspects of weight management. AI coaching tools are likely to become increasingly important, but human connection remains valuable. The future of health coaching may involve combining technology with human relationships rather than replacing them. Helping people feel valued, capable and listened to remains central to improving health and wellbeing.

  4. Jun 24

    Episode 25 - GLP-1 Medications, Obesity Care and the Role of Health Coaching

    Summary In this episode, Ollie is joined by health coach and nutritional therapist Nikki Coughlan to explore one of the fastest-growing areas in healthcare - the rise of GLP-1 medications such as Mounjaro, Wegovy and Ozempic. Drawing on more than four years of experience supporting people using these medications, Nikki shares what she has learned from working at the forefront of obesity care. (You can find more details of her support at https://www.glp1coach.ie The conversation explores how GLP-1 medications work, why they have generated so much interest and the opportunities they can create for people living with obesity. While these treatments can significantly reduce appetite and food cravings, Nikki explains why medication alone is rarely enough to support long-term health and wellbeing. A central theme of the discussion is the emotional and psychological impact of changing someone's relationship with food. For many people, food is far more than fuel. It can be tied to comfort, stress management, identity, culture and connection. The episode explores what happens when those patterns change, and why some people find the experience unexpectedly challenging. Ollie and Nikki discuss the importance of wraparound support, including health coaching, psychological support, nutrition and lifestyle change. They explore how health coaches can help people navigate appetite changes, build sustainable habits, manage side effects and develop confidence in maintaining progress over time. Throughout the conversation, there is a strong focus on compassion, self-management and recognising obesity as a complex, long-term health condition rather than a simple issue of willpower. The episode highlights how health coaching can help people make the most of the opportunity these medications create, while supporting healthier and more sustainable outcomes for the future. Takeaways GLP-1 medications are transforming obesity care and access to treatment is increasing rapidly. These medications work by reducing appetite, increasing feelings of fullness and altering food reward pathways in the brain. Medication can create a valuable "window of opportunity" for health behaviour change. Long-term success often depends on the support people receive alongside medication. Many people experience significant emotional adjustments as their relationship with food changes. Food often plays an important role in coping, comfort, identity and social connection. Health coaching can provide a safe, non-judgemental space to navigate these changes. Appetite suppression can make it difficult for some people to eat enough nutritious food. Developing sustainable habits is crucial for maintaining progress over time. Obesity is a complex chronic condition influenced by biology, psychology and environment. Weight regain after stopping medication is not simply a matter of willpower. Effective obesity care benefits from integrated support involving clinicians, health coaches, dietitians and psychological services. Self-compassion and self-worth are important foundations for long-term health behaviour change. Health coaching can help people build confidence, resilience and self-management skills alongside medical treatment.

  5. Jun 10

    Episode 24 – Patient Activation: The Missing Link in Prevention

    Summary In this episode, Ollie is joined by two leading voices in the field of patient activation, Professor Alf Collins and Jag Mundra. Together, they explore why patient activation, the skills, knowledge and confidence people have to manage their own health and wellbeing, has become such an important concept in modern healthcare, and why it may hold the key to creating more sustainable health systems. The conversation traces the origins of patient activation, from the academic work of researchers, through to its application in real-world healthcare settings today. Alf reflects on his experience leading personalised care within NHS England and the role activation has played in shaping approaches such as health coaching, social prescribing and care coordination. Jag shares how his work has focused on making activation practical and scalable, including the development of a simple single-question approach that can help identify people's readiness and confidence to manage their health. The discussion explores how activation can be understood not only at an individual level, but across teams, organisations, neighbourhoods and communities. They consider the role of health coaches, social prescribing link workers, peer support, group-based approaches and digital tools in helping more people take an active role in their health. Throughout the episode, a central theme emerges: if healthcare systems are serious about prevention, they must move beyond treating illness alone and create the conditions that help people build confidence, capability and agency in their everyday lives. Takeaways Patient activation describes the skills, knowledge and confidence people have to manage their own health and wellbeing. Higher levels of activation are associated with better health outcomes and lower healthcare utilisation. Traditional activation measures have strong evidence behind them but can be difficult to implement in routine practice. Simple activation questions can help start meaningful conversations and identify where support is needed. Building agency is relevant not only for individuals but also for clinicians, teams, systems and communities. Health coaching, social prescribing and care coordination can all play a role in increasing activation. Group-based approaches and peer support can be powerful ways to support behaviour change at scale. Small conversations and simple nudges can have a significant impact on people's health behaviours. Digital tools can help extend the reach of personalised support while maintaining human relationships at the centre. Prevention requires more than services alone, it depends on helping people feel capable, connected and supported. The biggest opportunities may come from activating entire communities rather than focusing solely on individual interventions. Lasting change often starts with one simple question and one meaningful conversation.

  6. Jun 3

    Episode 23 - New Approaches to Chronic Pain: Hope, Health Coaching and Staying Curious

    Summary In this episode, Ollie and Tim return to a topic that has shaped much of their work together: chronic pain. Drawing on recent training, emerging evidence and their own experiences in practice, they explore how understanding of persistent pain continues to evolve. The conversation focuses on newer approaches including Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) and Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET), both of which are attracting growing interest in the field of chronic pain management. Ollie reflects on his recent training with the Pain Psychology Center in the US, while Tim shares insights from learning about emotional awareness and expression approaches. They discuss how many persistent pain experiences may be driven less by ongoing physical injury and more by the brain and nervous system’s learned protective responses. Importantly, they emphasise that all pain is real, regardless of its underlying mechanisms. The discussion also explores how health coaching principles fit naturally alongside these emerging approaches. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution, the focus remains on helping people develop confidence, skills and understanding so they can take a more active role in their own recovery. Throughout the conversation, Ollie and Tim reflect on the importance of remaining curious, avoiding certainty and recognising that no single technique works for everyone. As new ideas emerge, they argue that the most effective support continues to come from working alongside people, helping them discover what works for them and keeping them firmly in the driving seat of their own health. Takeaways Understanding of chronic pain continues to evolve, bringing new possibilities for recovery and self-management. Pain Reprocessing Therapy is generating growing interest as an approach to persistent pain. Many chronic pain experiences may involve neuroplastic changes within the nervous system, rather than ongoing tissue damage alone. Building confidence and reducing fear can play an important role in recovery. Techniques such as somatic tracking encourage people to become more curious about their pain experience. Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy explores the role of unexpressed emotions in persistent pain. There is no single solution that works for everyone living with chronic pain. Health coaching provides a flexible, person-centred framework for integrating different approaches. New techniques should complement, rather than replace, existing approaches to pain management. Remaining curious and open-minded is essential as the evidence base continues to develop. Sustainable change happens when people feel empowered to understand and manage their own health. Effective support means working alongside people rather than telling them what to do. The goal is not dependence on practitioners, but helping people build their own confidence, skills and self-belief.

  7. May 21

    Episode 22 - The social determinants of team health

    Summary In this episode, Ollie is joined by fellow GP Dr Ben Allen to explore what really creates healthy, high-performing teams in healthcare. Drawing on a newly published paper in BMJ Leader, co-written with Dr Natalie Jones, Ben reflects on the journey of transforming his GP practice in Sheffield over several years and the lessons learned along the way. The conversation centres around what Ben and Natalie describe as the “social determinants of team health” - the cultural, relational and behavioural foundations that allow teams to thrive. While healthcare systems often focus on targets, outputs and operational pressures, Ben argues that long-term improvement comes from investing in trust, communication, relationships and psychologically safe environments. Ollie and Ben explore practical examples from general practice, including how distributed leadership, intentional recruitment, team connection and patient engagement helped improve continuity of care, staff wellbeing and patient satisfaction. The episode also reflects on leadership, vulnerability and the importance of creating workplaces where people feel safe to speak honestly, contribute ideas and bring their full selves to work. Throughout the conversation, there are strong parallels with health coaching, person-centred care and the wider shift towards neighbourhood working and collaborative healthcare systems. Takeaways High-performing teams are built through culture and relationships, not just processes and targets. Psychological safety and trust are essential foundations for effective teamwork. Vulnerable and emotionally intelligent leadership can strengthen team culture. Distributed leadership helps teams feel more engaged, empowered and connected. Diverse perspectives improve decision-making and organisational understanding. Recruitment based on values and character can be more impactful than focusing solely on skills. Team connection and empathy are not “soft extras” - they are critical to sustainable performance. Patient engagement becomes more meaningful when organisations communicate openly and transparently. Long-term change often requires patience, intentionality and trust in the process. Investing in team wellbeing can improve continuity of care, morale and patient outcomes. Many principles of healthy teams closely align with health coaching and person-centred care. Links and resources mentioned in this episode Reimagining general practice for the NHS 10-year plan: organisational culture as the social determinant of team health:  https://eprints.whiterose.ac.uk/id/eprint/236941/1/Reimagining%20General%20Practice%20for%20the%20NHS%2010%20Year%20Plan%20.pdf Read Ben Allen’s LinkedIn blog expanding on the themes discussed in the conversation: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ben-allen-a96460207_we-rightly-talk-a-lot-about-the-social-share-7458071880348971008-V9cr/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAikt9oB-kaAUGEn9eWV6xyHXtQSK86lXS4

  8. May 13

    Episode 21 - Healthy working lives: Reflections from the Peak Health Coaching Conference

    Summary In this episode, Ollie, Tim and Caroline come together to reflect on the success of Peak Health Coaching’s fourth annual conference, which focused on health coaching for healthy working lives. They explore why bringing people together in person matters, particularly for health coaches and wellbeing professionals who can often be working in isolation. The conversation reflects on the energy, connection and sense of community created throughout the day, and why these spaces are so important for learning, reflection and shared purpose. The episode looks at the growing role of workplaces in supporting health and wellbeing, at a time when more people are out of work due to ill health and many others are struggling with presenteeism. Ollie, Tim and Caroline discuss why employers, leaders and managers need the confidence and skills to have better conversations about health, rather than relying only on reactive support. The episode also reflects on some of the key themes from the day, including mental health, chronic pain, WorkWell pilots, leadership, trust, power dynamics, storytelling and the importance of creating workplace cultures where people feel valued, heard and supported. A central message is that health coaching is not just about formal appointments or specialist roles. It is also about changing the quality of everyday conversations, building trust and creating healthier systems where people can thrive. Takeaways  Health coaches and wellbeing professionals can often feel isolated, making connection and community vital. Workplaces have a major role to play in supporting people’s health and wellbeing. A healthy workforce benefits both individuals and employers. Presenteeism is a growing challenge and can be harder to recognise than absenteeism. Employee support services only work if people feel safe, confident and able to access them. Managers and leaders need skills and confidence to have meaningful conversations about health. Storytelling can help create trust, empathy and change within organisations. Health coaching can support more proactive, preventative approaches to workplace wellbeing. Power dynamics matter, especially when health conversations happen between managers and employees. Small changes in everyday conversations can help people feel more valued and supported. Measuring workplace wellbeing means looking beyond activity and focusing on outcomes, engagement and impact. Creating healthy working lives requires culture change, not just new services.

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About

This podcast champions the belief that Health Coaching can change the world for the better! Your hosts Drs Ollie Hart and Tim Williams, are UK Family Doctors (GPs), who learnt to health coach with their patients over 40 years + combined experience. They found it so successful for their patients and themselves, they set up a company to teach others the skills....www.peakhealthcoaching.com Now they bring their enthusiasm for the topic to the airwaves, to encourage and promote the growth of health coaching in the NHS, in businesses, and any where that people matter. They will chat about current affairs related to person centred care, and topics related to health coaching. Some episodes involve carefully selected guests, others conversation between the 2 of them. They aim to inspire your confidence and knowledge to embrace health coaching and all the benefits and joy it can bring.

Information

  • Creator
    Ollie and Tim
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Ollie and Tim

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