That Healing Feeling

It was great to have a conversation with Chelsea for the final episode of season 3!Chelsea has been incredibly strong through a challenging period of recovery from her eating disorder and fitness addiction. Throughout this episode we explore her healing journey, and how she began to repair her relationships with both food and fitness.During this conversation we speak in depth about Chelsea's experience as a competitive gymnast, what inspired her to become vegan, breaking out of negative cycles associated with mental illness, adjusting to university, and learning to listen to and love your body. We also address Chelsea's social media presence, and her use of YouTube and Instagram to not only raise awareness and connect with others struggling in similar ways, but also as a method of personal accountability and self-growth.It was wonderful to talk to Chelsea - she is very brave to be so open about these difficult topics. We hope you enjoy!There are a lot of heavy topics in this podcast episode, so I advise you to note these trigger warnings before listening: *We speak about fitness addiction/eating disorders/body weight and image in this episode. This is to caution anyone who may find this triggering or upsetting. Remember you are not alone, and sending you tons of loving vibes. Websites for support:https://www.mind.org.uk/https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk*This episode is recorded remotely so apologies for any audio issues!Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/healingwithtorzi/Follow Chelsea:Instagram - https://instagram.com/healthbychelsYoutube - https://www.youtube.com/c/ChelsealaurenMENTIONED: Earthlings Documentary - http://www.nationearth.comCrossFit - https://www.crossfit.comCaroline Girvan https://youtube.com/c/CarolineGirvan

It was such a joy to be able to speak with one of my running inspirations, Nick Butter, on the podcast today!I have been following Nick since his running the world challenge: in which he ran a marathon in every country (196) in the world over a period of just 23 months! He also hold 8 world records, has ran the length of Italy in 100 days (1 marathon a day for 100 days), and has ran around the perimeter of Britain in 120 days (roughly 2 marathons a day!). We discuss the physical content of these challenges, but also take time to explore the mental, logistical, and financial difficulties these challenges pose. Nick also explains how the challenge changed him fundamentally on a personal level, and inspired him to live life every day with conscious intent and purpose.Throughout this episode we also speak about Nick's passion for cold water swimming, his charity the 196 foundation, his experience of van living, his movement from a job in finance to what he does today, as well as discussing the future challenges Nick has in the coming years.Nick is both incredibly inspiring and humble, and it was so amazing to be able to speak to him in this episode. I really hope that you enjoy listening.*This episode is recorded remotely, so apologies for any audio issues! Follow my journey: https://www.instagram.com/healingwithtorzi/FOLLOW NICK: https://www.instagram.com/nickbutterrun/Find Nick: https://www.nickbutter.comMentioned:The 196 Foundation - https://www.the196foundation.com/Mark Beaumont - https://www.instagram.com/mrmarkbeaumont/Running the World (Nick's Book) - https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/111/1117854/running-the-world/9781787631724.html

This week on the podcast it was really lovely to have a chat with my friend Josh, who is currently my personal trainer and helping me work towards some of my own fitness goals!This conversation centres around Josh’s fitness journey, from his love of sport at school, to his challenging relationship with running at university, and towards completing his qualification as a personal trainer and working in Edinburgh today!Josh and I discuss lots of topics that arise when navigating the fitness industry, and we take time to appreciate its potential to be both an incredibly positive space, but also ability to be negative in certain ways. We draw on the importance of making fitness sustainable and enjoyable, placing focus on our individual fitness goals, the necessity of education, and the fine line between commitment to training and obsessive practices. We also take time to explore the post-uni transition, mental health, social media, and more! I really hope that you enjoy this episode!*Trigger Warning: We speak about body image and weight loss throughout this episode to caution anyone who might find this upsetting.*This episode is recorded remotely so apologies for any audio issues! Follow Josh: https://www.instagram.com/josh_cavefit/Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/healingwithtorzi/MENTIONED:The PCFA - Personal Training: https://thepfca.comCave Fit Edinburgh - https://cave-fit.comMarchon - https://www.instagram.com/marchon/

It was so great to have a conversation with Ben West this week on the podcast, where we talk all things mental health! After tragically losing his younger brother to suicide, Ben began campaign for increasing awareness, promoting positive change, influencing the government, and altering laws within the mental health space.  Mental health is universal in its impact and effects everyone, however there is still a very clear lack of funding and education in order to tackle the huge struggles being faced by thousands.We discuss the consistent tendency to separate mental and physical health issues, when in fact they so often exist as intertwined, and need to be treated with equal importance. At present Ben is focusing particularly on universities and schools as social spaces in which mental health care is needed more than ever, with the largest killer of teenagers horrifically remaining to be suicide. Conscious to not simply call for change but offer suggestions, Ben and I highlight the specific solutions he is hoping to take to government in order to produce active change and save lives.  We additionally explore the power of therapy as preventative medicine (but simultaneously the serious need for increased support in this area), dropping out of university, how Ben used positive campaigning to heal from his grief, the positive and negative aspects of social media, and an in-depth discussion surrounding diet culture, eating disorders, and the fitness industry. There are a lot of heavy topics in this podcast episode, so I advise you to note these trigger warnings before listening: *We speak about suicide/depression/anxiety/eating disorders/body weight and image in this episode. This is to caution anyone who may find this triggering or upsetting. Remember you are not alone, and sending you tons of loving vibes. Websites for support:https://www.mind.org.uk/https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk*This episode is recorded remotely so apologies for any audio issues! Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/healingwithtorzi/Follow Ben: https://www.instagram.com/iambenwest/MENTIONED: Ben’s Petition (Save our Students: Make Mental Health First Aid a Compulsory Part of Teacher Training): https://www.change.org/p/saveourstudentsMatt Haig: https://www.instagram.com/mattzhaig/James Middleton: https://www.instagram.com/james.middleton_/

I had such a fabulous conversation with the lovely Livy, a fellow yoga teacher, for this podcast episode! Livy and I’s respective yoga journeys have been aligned in various ways, such as; discovering the power of yoga as a form of movement to enhance sport when we were younger, both being young teachers who have balanced teaching alongside university, and navigating online teaching during a global pandemic. It was really interesting to learn about Livy’s teacher training experience in Italy, the huge learning curve undertaken as one takes the steps from student to teacher, the growth experienced from being pushed out of our comfort zones, and the vulnerability required to learn more about ourselves at a deeper level. Livy and I take time to acknowledge how yoga moves far beyond the physical aspect, and how we can use it as a transformational tool in how we live our lives and form our relationships. We additionally consider how yoga offers us access to explore how we relate to our physical body, and how cultivating a physical awareness practice translates to awareness of emotion. Yoga draws us to speak with compassion for our bodies, cultivates safe space, and allows for freedom to explore your body and your movement. We both hope to emphasise the importance of spreading the positivity and inclusivity of practice. From this we touch on the highly important requirement for cultural appreciation, not appropriation, and the responsibility as a teacher to honour the ancient roots of the tradition whilst sharing it with the world. Lastly, Livy and I discuss career paths and navigating the transition from university into the working world. We speak about avoiding toxic productivity and external pressure to head down a linear pathway, and the importance of seeking what gives you energy and positivity. We offer a gentle reminder to trust yourself and your intuition! I love this episode and really hope you do too! *Trigger Warning: We speak about Body Dysmorphia and Body Image briefly in this episode to caution anyone who might find this upsetting.*This episode is recorded remotely so apologies for any audio issues! FIND ME: https://www.instagram.com/healingwithtorzi/FIND LIVY: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/oliviaemilykate/Website (Classes, Bundles, and Mailing List) - https://oliviaemilykate.com/MENTIONED: Yoga with Adrienne - https://www.youtube.com/c/yogawithadrieneItalia Power Yoga (Livy's Teacher Training) - https://www.instagram.com/italiapoweryoga/Balance and Glo - https://www.balanceandgloonline.comLiforme Mats - https://liforme.comJulie Montagu - http://juliemontagu.com

It was so amazing to have a chat with the lovely Flora about a range of topics that are close to both our hearts.We begin the episode by discussing Flora's journey as a runner, specifically addressing her recent achievement in her 5km time trial. We explore; the power of community in cultivating motivation, overcoming ego, the importance of setting attainable goals, and the value of various methods of recovery.We also speak about what inspired Flora to eat a plant based diet, and the increasing need for education and transparency regarding the damaging effects of the fishing and livestock industries. We address the impacts of system vs. individual change, as well as managing the overwhelming essence of sustainability as a concept.Finally, as this podcast is centred around mental health, Flora and I talk through her experience with mental health and disordered eating, and how exercise and the natural world have offered her a space for meditation and mindfulness.I hope that you love this episode as much as I do!*TW: We speak about disordered eating, depression, and body image in this episode to caution anyone who might find this triggering or upsetting. *This episode is recorded remotely so apologies for any audio issues! Find Flora:https://www.instagram.com/foodfitnessflora/https://foodfitnessflora.bloghttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ9i30yMclSeBacaB9Jd0egFollow me: https://www.instagram.com/healingwithtorzi/Mentioned:Strava Group - FFF Run Club: https://www.strava.com/clubs/FFF-Run-ClubCouch to 5km: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/couch-to-5k-week-by-week/Seaspiracy: https://www.seaspiracy.org

It was a delight to speak to my friend Annie all about her journey towards becoming a marathon runner, as well as her exciting upcoming training for a career in the army. A HUGE CONGRATS to Annie who completed her second marathon in 3 hours 49 minutes! However, at the time of recording she was still in her final month of training, so in this episode we discuss the importance of planning training sessions, scheduling recovery practices, our mutual love of Strava, trusting the process, and maintaining a positive mindset! Annie discovered her love of sport at school, with a greater focus on team sports, and we discuss the power of sport as a space to be enthusiastic and competitive, whilst building teamwork and leadership skills. We also explore where Annie started to have a more significant relationship with running, whilst volunteering at a children's home in Kenya with the charity Restart Africa. We also address Annie's exciting upcoming adventure beginning in September at Sandhurst (Royal Military Academy), where she will be training as an army officer. Annie got involved with CCF (Combined Cadet Force) at school, however she did not necessarily envisage being a member of the army as a future career path. However, at Edinburgh University she joined the OTC (Officer Training Corps) society, which became a huge part of her university experience, as well as demonstrating that being a member of the army offered a viable future career. Annie thrives off being challenged and being in situations that push her out of her comfort zone, and a career in the army lends itself to that. I loved recording this episode with Annie and we really hope you enjoy it! Follow my journey: https://www.instagram.com/healingwithtorzi/Follow Annie: https://www.instagram.com/_anniesmithy/Mentioned: Restart Africa - https://www.restartafrica.orgLivy's Yoga - https://www.instagram.com/oliviaemilykate/*This episode was recorded remotely, so I apologise for any audio issues!

I really enjoyed speaking to fellow Edinburgh student and Bound Fitness instructor Sophie for this episode of the podcast. Sophie has been personally challenged through her experiences with anxiety disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder, and she cites fitness and movement as a form of preventative medicine that positively impacts her mental health. Throughout the episode we focus on the importance of making fitness enjoyable and constructive rather than a destructive form of punishment, allowing it to become a sustainable and beneficial practice both mentally and physically. We also deeply discuss mental health awareness, therapy, engaging with social media, body-image and confidence, and anti-diet culture. Sophie is additionally a qualified personal trainer, and we explore what inspired her to take this path as well as advice she offers for those considering the same. We both advocate the importance of staying true to your message, whilst practicing patience when building a small business from the ground up. Sophie has also played the role of mental health ambassador for the Edinburgh Women's Lacrosse club, allowing her to combine her passions of both sport and mental health awareness. I really loved speaking to Sophie and we hope that you enjoy this episode!*Disclaimer: We speak about body weight and image in this episode. This is to caution anyone who may find this triggering or upsetting. Remember you are not alone, and sending you tons of loving vibes. Websites for support:https://www.berealcampaign.co.ukhttps://bodyimagemovement.comFollow me: https://www.instagram.com/healingwithtorzi/Follow Sophie: https://www.instagram.com/movingwithsoph/JOIN US FOR A CLASS AT BOUND FITNESS: https://withribbon.com/u/boundfitness*This episode was recorded remotely, so I apologise for any audio issues!

It was so fantastic to speak to the lovely Mhairi MacLennan about her personal athletic experience, as well as discussing the petition she, Anna Gorden, and Kate Seary drew up, calling UK Athletics (UKA) to have a "zero-tolerance" approach to coaches. We begin the episode by exploring how Mhairi discovered running and how she became successful in the athletics field. We speak about how running can be a space to channel anxiety and emotional stress, which can be releasing but also lead to a complicated and problematic relationship with the sport. Mhairi suffered numerous illnesses, including a chronic chest infection, which was very challenging both mentally and physically. It was the space and time the COVID-19 pandemic allowed from competitive running that gave Mhairi the opportunity to reflect and begin to nourish both her body and mind. We speak about the importance of prioritising our mental wellbeing, the power of therapy, and healing practices such as yoga, as means to allow us to build balance in our lives, and allow our passions to have a place in our lives, but not be controlling. We go on to discuss the fantastic and necessary petition and letter to UKA calling for a zero tolerance policy regarding abuse towards athletes. The petition has been incredibly impactful, yielding 2000 signatures, being supported by 800 clubs, and reaching 5 countries. Mhairi is a deeply passionate advocate for the safety of athletes, and generating incentives for change in order to ensure they are protected from abuse and harassment. We additionally bring to light the importance and significance of coach-athlete relationships, not being afraid to use our voices, and the necessity to actively change policies in order to protect athletes and women in the industry. This is a really important episode, and we hope that you enjoy!*Disclaimer: We speak about the impacts of abuse, harassment and misconduct in this episode. This is to caution anyone who may find this triggering or upsetting.  Websites for support through this link:https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/abuse/Follow my Journey: https://www.instagram.com/healingwithtorzi/Follow Mhairi: https://instagram.com/mhairimaacCHECK OUT THE IMPACT OF THE PETITION: https://athleticsweekly.com/featured/athletes-call-zero-tolerance-life-bans-athlete-welfare-rule-breaking-coaches-1039940440/*This episode was recorded remotely, so I apologise for any audio issues!