This conversation explores how to ask sensitive questions about weight, food, training, and health without triggering shame or defensiveness. Vanessa is joined by Alice Moore and Gee Tual from Peak Movement, and together they unpack how trust, timing, and tone shape whether a hard question opens a useful conversation or shuts it down.In this episode, they focus on how coaches can notice behavioral changes, check in with care, and stay within scope while still being honest. They also discuss how the same questions land differently with clients, friends, partners, and family.

• Vanessa introduces the tension around asking about weight gain, weight loss, overtraining, and exercise avoidance, especially when the topic carries emotional baggage.
• Alice Moore shares that communication should lead every coaching relationship, starting with open check-ins about how a client is feeling mentally, physically, and emotionally.
• Alice reframes difficult food conversations around fueling the body rather than policing what someone eats, using simple logic to reduce emotional confrontation.
• Gee Tual adds that coaches should ask how a person feels about their body from the inside, while staying alert to scope boundaries and referring out to nutritionists or psychologists when needed.
• The group emphasizes that trust is essential before raising hard questions, because a trusted coach can challenge someone without it feeling like judgment.
• They discuss how defensiveness often shows up when the question touches something the person already knows but does not want to admit.
• Alice explains her approach of asking enough questions for the client to rationalize the issue themselves, which helps them own the answer and build self-awareness.
• Gee shares that the real question under the visible behavior is often, “Are you okay?” because changes in training, food, sleep, or hydration can reflect stress, grief, shame, or loneliness.
• Vanessa raises the challenge of how to pause a hard conversation and revisit it later, instead of forcing an answer while emotions are high.
• The discussion closes on a broader idea: fitness should be framed as health, longevity, and future capability, not just aesthetics or fat loss.

“We are the ally.”

“Always be the safe space.”

“What’s the drive behind it? Why are they doing or not doing that?”

• Start difficult conversations with curiosity, not accusation.
• Ask what changed, what the goal is, and whether the behaviour is a one-off or a pattern.
• Use pauses when emotions are high rather than forcing an immediate response.
• Focus on health, function, and future wellbeing instead of appearance.
• Build trust before raising sensitive observations.
• If the issue may be beyond your scope, refer out early and respectfully.

Vanessa welcomes coach Kieran Gives for a conversation about his journey from plumbing to personal training—and how boxing and movement shaped the way he coaches. They explore patience, learning through mistakes, in-person feedback, and building strength for everyday life.Kieran shares why training should fit around life, not take it over, and why progress is rarely a straight line. Whether the goal is to box, walk farther, lift with confidence, or keep up with your kids, the conversation is a reminder to train for what matters to you.

• Kieran’s path from plumbing to coaching—and how his own fitness journey inspired him to help others.
• Why training for capability can be more meaningful than focusing only on calories or appearance.
• How boxing can bring together movement, breath, focus, and a sense of presence.
• Why in-person coaching offers real-time feedback and helps people learn from mistakes.
• The value of patience, managing frustration, and accepting that skills take time to develop.
• How regressions, fundamentals, and adjusting intensity to the day can support steady progress.
• Why strength training can help people stay capable and independent as they get older.
• Kieran’s advice for coaches: understand each person’s goals and help them find a realistic path forward.

• Train for a goal that matters in your life.
• Progress isn’t always linear; returning to the fundamentals is part of learning.
• Consistency and patience can matter more than short-term intensity.
• A good coach can offer feedback, realistic expectations, and a path tailored to you.

“Random training, random results.”

“The body is tremendously complicated, but it can be simplified.”

“Long-term consistency is going to get you there.”

KIERAN GEEVES PT

I became a trainer because I know what it’s like to feel out of shape, move with pain, and not know where to start. Discovering how good it feels to move well, feel strong, and actually enjoy training changed everything for me — and that’s what I help others find too. Over the past six and a half years, I’ve worked with incredible mentors and helped hundreds of people move pain-free, step into the ring for their first boxing fight, and build bodies that can handle whatever life throws at them — from running around with the kids to hiking with friends.

My coaching is personal, down-to-earth, and focused on lasting results. I combine boxing, strength, mobility, gymnastics rings, and handstand training to help people move better, build confidence, and find joy in the process. I also love coaching kids in boxing — teaching them coordination, focus, and self-belief through movement sets them up for life. I don’t believe in quick fixes; I believe in building skills, understanding your body, and finding a way to train that you actually look forward to.

About Your Host:

Vanessa holds a BSc in Sports Science and brings nearly 20 years of experience in the fitness industry. As a respected Movement Therapist, she combines scientific and holistic approaches to deliver high-quality training for both individuals and groups. Driven by a passion for learning and improvement, Vanessa's mission as an expert generalist is to help others find betterment in their lives. Vanessa trains clients and fitness professionals across Australia, consults for Technogym, and is an accomplished presenter at International Fitness Conferences. Her guiding ethos is simple: do things BETTER!

What if the most useful education in your life was not the one that made you look smart, but the one that forced you to rethink yourself? Vanessa Leone traces the courses, mentors, failures, and breakthroughs that shaped her from a perfection-driven science student into a coach who sees movement, behaviour, and the human body in a completely different way.Vanessa takes you inside the moments that changed everything - from chasing a coveted high-performance internship to realising her obsession with perfection was holding her back, from fleeing to Canada to confront anxiety to discovering that real coaching starts when science meets people, not just theory.

You'll discover:

• Why epigenetics changed the way Vanessa thinks about genetics, environment, and what actually shapes your future
• How tools like GymStick, BOSU, aqua training, Zoo, and bodyweight systems opened her eyes to movement beyond machines
• What fascia, body reading, and hands-on learning revealed about tension, pain, and the stories the body tells
• Why some of the most powerful learning happens in mentorships, retreats, and being challenged in front of people who can critique you
• How working with coaches around the world expanded her understanding of movement, culture, and what it means to keep growing

Vanessa also shares the courses that confirmed what she did not want to do, the mentors who became lifelong influences, and the mindset shift that turned learning into a lifelong expansion rather than a destination. If you are a coach, trainer, health professional, or simply someone who feels stuck in your own growth, this episode is a reminder that the next breakthrough may come from what you are willing to question.This is a reflective, motivating episode for anyone who wants to understand their body better, coach better, or simply stay curious about who they are becoming. Perfect for listeners who love practical wisdom, honest self-reflection, and the kind of learning that changes how you move through the world.

Notable quotes

“Your genes don't define you. Your environment has way, way, way more control over what happens to you now and in your future.”

“The more you can learn about yourself, the more you can accept yourself.”

“Your fitness journey is just continuous expansion. There's no end point.”

If you’re loving the podcast, please leave a review!

Resources:

In Sydney? Train with Vanessa in person!

Get in touch/Join my mailing list: Website or Instagram.

About Your Host:

Vanessa holds a BSc in Sports Science and brings nearly 20 years of experience in the fitness industry. As a respected Movement Therapist, she combines scientific and holistic approaches to deliver high-quality training for both individuals and groups. Driven by a passion for learning and improvement, Vanessa's mission as an expert generalist is to help others find betterment in their lives. Vanessa trains clients and fitness professionals across Australia, consults for Technogym, and is an accomplished presenter at International Fitness Conferences. Her guiding ethos is simple: do things BETTER!

Harnessing Resilience: A Conversation with Bart Walsh on Overcoming Challenges and Building Inner Strength

In this episode, Vanessa Leone hosts motivational speaker Bart Walsh to explore the profound concept of resilience — what it truly means, how to develop it, and why it is essential for overcoming life's challenges. Bart shares his personal journey, insights into mental toughness, and practical strategies to foster resilience in ourselves and others, whether in fitness, work, or life.

Main Topics Covered:

• The nature of resilience: What it is and what it isn’t
• The importance of owning problems and dropping the victim mentality
• Strategies to build resilience: Mirror exercises and journaling techniques
• How resilience applies to workplace challenges and leadership
• The role of play, vulnerability, and creativity in strengthening mental health
• Overcoming fear of looking silly and embracing vulnerability as a pathway to resilience
• Personal stories of overcoming cancer and the significance of ownership and self-awareness
• The connection between movement, physical health, and mental resilience
• The transformative power of forgiveness, love, and kindness
• Practical advice for integrating resilience into daily life

Resources & Links:

• Bart Walsh - Personal Website

• LinkedIn
• Instagram

In Sydney? Train with Vanessa in person!

Get in touch/Join my mailing list: Website or Instagram.

About Your Host:

Vanessa holds a BSc in Sports Science and brings nearly 20 years of experience in the fitness industry. As a respected Movement Therapist, she combines scientific and holistic approaches to deliver high-quality training for both individuals and groups. Driven by a passion for learning and improvement, Vanessa's mission as an expert generalist is to help others find betterment in their lives. Vanessa trains clients and fitness professionals across Australia, consults for Technogym, and is an accomplished presenter at International Fitness Conferences. Her guiding ethos is simple: do things BETTER!

Remember: Resilience is built through daily actions, vulnerability, and ownership of your journey. Embrace the discomfort, and you'll uncover your true strength.

The round table discussion explores the differences in female and male training, challenging gender stereotypes, and addressing gender bias in gym environments. The conversation delves into the biopsychosocial approach to training, the impact of social media on training narratives, and personal experiences with gender bias in gym environments. The speakers discuss the importance of improving gym environments for all and the potential benefits of gendered training spaces. The conversation explores the creation of inclusive fitness environments, the training differences for men and women, understanding individual body differences, and empowering through education and understanding.

Takeaways

• Challenging gender stereotypes in training
• Addressing gender bias in gym environments Inclusive fitness environments require consideration of accessibility, culture, and purpose.
• Training should be individualized based on the person's goals and outcomes.
• Understanding individual body differences and providing education and support is crucial for effective training.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Round Table
• 07:23 Gender Bias in Gym Environments
• 16:45 Gender Bias in Gym Environments: Personal Experiences
• 23:01 Creating Inclusive Fitness Environments
• 28:01 Training Differences for Men and Women
• 33:49 Understanding Individual Body Differences
• 41:40 Empowering Through Education and Understanding

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Resources:

In Sydney? Train with Vanessa in person!

Get in touch/Join my mailing list: Website or Instagram.

• Why do men and women respond differently to exercise and metabolism? https://www.youtube.com/shorts/2uofkneEbtY
• What stops women from strength training in public gyms? https://www.youtube.com/shorts/R5q83chNAJA
• What makes women more resilient in high-rep interval training? https://www.youtube.com/shorts/fBx437USMyM

Jen Dugard - Instagram

Dexter Jemuel - Instagram

Nikki - Instagram

Additional Notes: This episode emphasizes the need for systemic change, ongoing industry education, and a holistic approach to client health. Key takeaways recommend asking questions, fostering collaboration, and pushing for credible, accessible healthcare integrated with fitness principles.

Mastering Simplicity in Nutrition with Kira Sutherland

In this episode, Vanessa chats with Sports Nutritionist and Naturopath Kira Sutherland about cutting through the noise and returning to the basics of good nutrition. They explore practical strategies to improve health, manage weight, and optimise performance by focusing on simple, evidence-based habits.

Key topics:

• The impact of ultra-processed foods and how they hinder health
• The importance of fibre and protein for digestion and weight management
• Practical tips for tracking food intake and using portion control
• Debunking dietary myths around carbs and breakfast foods
• How to navigate food labels and choose real, nourishing foods
• The significance of mindful eating and setting boundaries around food choices
• The effects of under-fuelling, especially for women, on hormones and body composition
• How to implement simple meal prep and frozen meal strategies for busy lifestyles
• The importance of returning to natural, whole foods and avoiding overly restrictive diets

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and episode overview

02:11 - What ultra-processed foods are and why they matter

04:00 - The role of fiber and how modern diets are deficient

08:30 - Tracking food intake and increasing awareness

12:23 - Addressing common misconceptions about carbs and breakfast

16:33 - Practical strategies for portion control using scales and apps

20:03 - Simple meal ideas and meal prep tips for busyness

25:56 - Balancing macronutrients with a focus on protein

31:40 - Rethinking traditional breakfast choices and coffee culture

36:01 - Making healthy eating easier with freezer meals and meal services

43:41 - Navigating social situations and supporting others' health choices

51:04 - Recognising signs of under-fuelling and hormonal impacts in women

53:02 - Closing thoughts on respecting body signals and returning to basics

Resources & Links:

MyFitnessPal

MyNetDiary

Precision Nutrition Macro Calculator

Connect with Kira Sutherland:

Instagram

Website

Stay tuned for more practical health advice, and don't forget to focus on the fundamentals for lasting change!

About Your Host:

Vanessa holds a BSc in Sports Science and brings nearly 20 years of experience in the fitness industry. As a respected Movement Therapist, she combines scientific and holistic approaches to deliver high-quality training for both individuals and groups. Driven by a passion for learning and improvement, Vanessa's mission as an expert generalist is to help others find betterment in their lives. Vanessa trains clients and fitness professionals across Australia, consults for Technogym, and is an accomplished presenter at International Fitness Conferences. Her guiding ethos is simple: do things BETTER!

In Sydney? Train with Vanessa in person!

Get in touch/Join my mailing list: Website or Instagram.

In this conversation, Vanessa and Ben explore various training methodologies, focusing on the Huberman protocol and its applicability to real-life scenarios. They discuss the importance of individualisation in training, the role of neck training, and the balance between empirical data and personal biofeedback. The conversation emphasises the significance of understanding one's body and adapting training protocols to fit personal lifestyles and goals, rather than strictly adhering to scientific trends.

You’ll learn about:

-Training regimes vary widely and should be personalized.

-Huberman's protocol is demanding and may not suit everyone.

-Neck training is often overlooked but is crucial for longevity.

-Clients often struggle to adhere to strict training protocols.

-Flexibility in training schedules can lead to better adherence.

-Data should complement, not replace, personal biofeedback.

-Longevity studies show that connection and moderation are key.

-Perceived effort can vary greatly among individuals.

-Finding optimal load requires practice and familiarity.

Resources:

YouTube short of Huberman Episode: Tools for Nutrition & Fitness with Dr Layne Norton.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/JnlSDaBjCCU

Huberman Fitness Protocol Download Page

https://www.hubermanlab.com/newsletter/foundational-fitness-protocol

In Sydney? Train with Vanessa in person!

Get in touch/Join my mailing list: Website or Instagram.

About Ben Siong:

Benjamin Siong is one of Australia’s leading body-recomposition experts, international presenter, and strength coach. He is the Founder of LEARNASP, the Trainer’s Go-To Education Resource, delivering practical seminars and internationally recognised masterclasses in fat loss, hypertrophy, and nutrition. LEARNASP educates 10,000+ trainers annually across 15+ countries, with a clear focus on real-world application and measurable results.

With an Honours degree in Applied Science and Psychology, Benjamin is a Level 5 Poliquin Strength Coach, CHEK Practitioner, and ISSN Sports Nutrition Specialist. His applied systems have produced elite athletes across 16+ sports and international title holders.

IG - benperformancecoach

Website: www.learn-asp.com

About Your Host:

Vanessa holds a BSc in Sports Science and brings nearly 20 years of experience in the fitness industry. As a respected Movement Therapist, she combines scientific and holistic approaches to deliver high-quality training for both individuals and groups. Driven by a passion for learning and improvement, Vanessa's mission as an expert generalist is to help others find betterment in their lives. Vanessa trains clients and fitness professionals across Australia, consults for Technogym, and is an accomplished presenter at International Fitness Conferences. Her guiding ethos is simple: do things BETTER!

Discover how medical professionals and fitness experts view collaboration, credibility, and improving client health. In this episode, industry leaders discuss the gaps, opportunities, and future of integrated healthcare and fitness. Together they find ways to help people bridge the gap between sick care and health care.

Key Topics:

• The gap between research and face-to-face practice in health coaching
• The potential role of doctors in prescribing movement and nutrition
• Challenges of trust and credibility in the fitness industry
• The importance of ongoing education and registration for trainers
• Advocating for clients in medical systems and promoting self-advocacy
• Exploring the ideal future system where GPs and fitness professionals collaborate effectively
• The value of personalised, holistic approaches rather than quick fixes
• How movement professionals can support clients' medical journeys
• Addressing systemic barriers to access and integrated care

If you’re loving the podcast, share with a friend!

Resources:

In Sydney? Train with Vanessa in person!

Get in touch/Join my mailing list: Website or Instagram.

About Your Host:

Vanessa is a seasoned Movement Therapist with a vast array of skills and experiences in the industry. Her goal is to help as many people find betterment in their lives. She is known as an expert generalist, attaining high levels of education, and delivering a quality experience in both group fitness and personal training streams. Attaining betterment drives her knowledge and pursuit for further education for herself and everyone she encounters. Vanessa continues training clients and trainers all over the country and presenting at the International Fitness Conference. Vanessa’s ethos is doing things BETTER.

About Your RoundTable Knights:

Jen Dugard: https://www.jendugard.com/

Alice Moore: https://www.lesmills.co.nz/pt/meet-our-trainers/alice-stolpe

Nikki Rubino: https://www.coachnikki.com.au/