Healthcare Unprofessionals

This week, we discuss the social determinants of health and how tone-deaf the industry can be to them, study design and the challenge with recruitment and our normal chit-chat!Enjoy!

We have research papers, rants and plenty more this week!FOLLOW US ON IG⁠@chloelewisphysio⁠⁠@michellecarroll1

This week on The Healthcare Unprofessionals, we abandon all plans and dive headfirst into the wildest corners of the internet.From claims that you need to "get your leanest" to reduce cellulite, to coaches proudly declaring they only work with "highly motivated" clients, to the irony of influencers building businesses by telling women to embrace the traditional housewife lifestyle… we've got thoughts.We chat about:Why cellulite isn't a motivation problem.Whether refusing to coach less motivated clients is actually a sign of poor coaching.The contradictions of the "trad wife" influencer movement.

This week Michelle shares insights from a PhD viva she recently attended exploring body image in college athletes. One concept that sparked our interest was embodiment—the idea of feeling connected to, trusting, and experiencing your body rather than simply viewing it as something to be controlled or changed.What started as a discussion about research quickly turned into a wider conversation about the fitness industry and the messages we see online every day.We explore whether some of the people held up as examples of positive body image and embodiment are actually demonstrating the opposite. How often are coaches and trainers praised for their physiques while quietly engaging in restrictive eating, obsessive exercise, body surveillance, or unsustainable behaviours behind the scenes?We discuss the tension between appearance and experience, the difference between looking confident in your body and genuinely feeling at home in it, and whether social media has blurred the line between embodiment and aesthetics.

This week we dive into a statement that sparked a surprisingly big discussion: "Exercise is medicine."Inspired by a paper Michelle came across, we explore whether this popular phrase is actually helpful or whether it oversimplifies something far more complex.We discuss why exercise can improve health outcomes across countless conditions, but also why comparing it to medicine might miss the social, psychological, cultural, and practical realities that influence movement and behaviour.As always, expect plenty of tangents, a few rants, some questionable humour, and honest conversation about what it really means to help people move more.Is exercise medicine? Is it something more? Or have we been framing the conversation all wrong?Tune in and let us know what you think.

We're back! This week on the pod we're talking about the research looking at women in sport and leaking, why people feel the need to ask when women are having children, and if it's ever possible to mindfully diet.PARTICIPATE IN CHLOE'S STUDIESStudy informationFOLLOW US ON IG@chloelewisphysio@michellecarroll1

From the PCOS to PMOS name change to the reality of who coaching actually serves, this episode dives into the growing gap between online wellness culture and frontline healthcare. We talk about access, privilege, the demographics often excluded from the ‘optimised health’ conversation, being asked to pay thousands to write a so-called magazine feature, and the wider commercialisation of women’s health — with plenty of side rants along the way.

Marianna’s story is one so many women will recognise. After developing pelvic organ prolapse following the birth of her son in 2017, she found herself navigating not just symptoms, but fear, conflicting advice, and a lack of support to return to lifting and running. That experience led her to retrain as a PT and become the coach she needed.In this episode we challenge some uncomfortable truths. How much of the struggle with prolapse is the condition itself, and how much is the messaging around it? Are clinicians and coaches too risk-averse? Why does the system focus on rehab but fail to get women back to performance? And are women being unnecessarily held back from lifting heavy and running?We also discuss the perinatal industry, the rise of “specialists,” and what many coaches still get wrong when working with women in pregnancy and postpartum.Marianna now runs Mpowered Fitness, supporting women through motherhood and beyond, and was awarded the 2025 Active Pregnancy Foundation Pre & Postnatal Instructor of the Year.If you’ve ever been told to stop because of your pelvic floor, this episode is for you.

This week, we explore whether women feel comfortable in fitness spaces and how this can be a barrier to their participation.The literature seems to support the narrative that gyms are gendered and intimidating for many women, especially those in midlife. Thin and fit privilege in the gym environments makes it far easier for certain women to feel comfortable there. Remember we have our Menopause Masterclass on 11th May at 7pm, it will be recorded, but here's the link if you still haven't bought your ticket: https://www.michellecarroll.co.uk/offers/VJc36nM8/checkout

We're fed up this week - with lots of things. From calling out other coaches, running a marathon with no water (?!) and bragging about using AI in your coaching... we have a lot to say.MENOPAUSE MASTERCLASS TICKETS⁠⁠⁠WORK WITH MICHELLE:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Coaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Disordered Eating Informed⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Body Image & Nutrition Review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@michellecarroll1WORK WITH CHLOE:@chloelewisphysio⁠⁠Women's Health Consultancy

We chat about what's been getting on our nerves this week and add some nuance to the discussion around that study rating the attractiveness of women with endo and whether you should trust a "specialist" coach.MENOPAUSE MASTERCLASS TICKETS⁠⁠WORK WITH MICHELLE:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Coaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Disordered Eating Informed⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Body Image & Nutrition Review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@michellecarroll1WORK WITH CHLOE:@chloelewisphysio⁠Women's Health Consultancy

This week we chat about the latest grifters in the menopause space... does menopause really affect energy balance? Is strong the new skinny? And can you ever post transformation photos and support health?MENOPAUSE MASTERCLASS TICKETS⁠WORK WITH MICHELLE:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Coaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Disordered Eating Informed⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Body Image & Nutrition Review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@michellecarroll1WORK WITH CHLOE:@chloelewisphysioWomen's Health Consultancy

This week on the podcast, Chloe and Michelle are back with a proper mix of real talk, evidence, and a few necessary rants.We’re also announcing something we’re very excited about…Menopause Webinar🗓️ 11th May⏰ 7pmWe’ll be diving into:- Body image during the menopause transition- Relationship with food- Exercise (including why resistance training matters)- Nutrition and supplements (what’s useful vs what’s just marketing)- And the real barriers to lifestyle changeBecause spoiler: it’s not a lack of motivation or discipline.Also in this epsiode, we unpack the real barriers women face during menopause — from time, energy, caregiving roles and work, to symptoms, misinformation and access to healthcare — and why reducing lifestyle change to “just try harder” completely misses the mark. We discuss why resistance training is one of the most impactful interventions for women’s health (and how the messaging around it often becomes overcomplicated), alongside what actually matters when it comes to nutrition and supplements versus what is simply clever marketing. We also share insights from our studies for our PhDs, and we reflect on our recent Fitness Unprofessionals Live event — all grounded in the reminder that menopause isn’t a problem to fix or a niche to sell into, but a life stage that deserves evidence-based, honest support!Enjoy!

This week on the podcast, Chloe and Michelle are back with their usual unfiltered chat and yes, there’s a rant.With International Women’s Day everywhere this week, we found ourselves talking about the irony of being asked to speak about women’s empowerment… for free.The emails always sound lovely.“We’d love to have you.”“It’ll be great exposure.”“We don’t have budget, but…”And that’s where the discomfort sits.Because there’s something deeply contradictory about celebrating women’s expertise, leadership and contribution — while simultaneously not valuing it enough to pay for it!

We reveal our thoughts on the ANTM documentary, chat about Chloe's presentation to women returning to exercise after birth trauma and ultimately what we're so excited to chat about at our Fitness Unprofessionals LIVE event in Manchester on March 7th!TICKETS FOR OUR FITNESS UNPROFESSIONALS EVENT IN MANCHESTER HERE⁠WORK WITH US⁠Coaching with Michelle⁠⁠Disordered Eating Informed Course⁠⁠Chloe's Womens Health Consultancy

Disordered eating is appears to be an "open secret" amongst fitness professionals - but what does the evidence actually say? Michelle & Chloe unpacked Michelle's 2025 systematic review and get into all the juicy details!-Join the Body Image & Nutrition ReviewDISORDERED EATING INFORMED: ⁠⁠www.michellecarroll.co.uk/dei-course⁠⁠COACHING: ⁠⁠www.michellecarroll.co.uk/coaching⁠⁠@michellecarrol1 @chloelewisphysioINSTAGRAM: ⁠⁠@michellecarroll1⁠

Women are conditioned to be constantly dieting and unhappy in their bodies... but it isn't that simple. Today, Michelle say down with Christina Hathaway (licensed therapist and personal trainer) to chat about diet culture, her journey in healing her relationship with food and what women need to do to find food freedom!Follow Christina: @mindsetofmattercoachingChristina's website-Michelle's IG: @michellecarroll1

This week, Michelle and Chloe discuss the general chaos that unfolds on the internet every week. From the tide of coaches not understanding GLP-1s and their importance to Love Island stars using their coaching platforms to talk about cycle syncing, which, even in 2026, continues not to be evidence-based!We also plugged our event, the Fitness Unprofessionals Live, which is on 7/3/2026 in MRC. Here's the link:https://www.michellecarroll.co.uk/fitnessunprofessionalslive

In this episode of Healthcare Unprofessionals, we talk about Fitness Unprofessionals Live in Manchester on 7th March, where International Women’s Day will be marked with a symposium on some of the most pressing topics in fitness right now.We cover conversations around menopause, GLP-1 medications, neurodiversity, and fuelling, plus the opportunity for emerging voices to present their own talk at the event.As usual, we go a bit off-piste 😅 and the conversation shifts from our biggest concerns for the fitness industry in 2026, our fitness industry wins from 2025 to fascism! Thoughtful, honest, and occasionally chaotic, if you work in fitness or healthcare and want the industry to do better, this one’s for you.🎧 Listen now

In this episode of Healthcare Unprofessionals, Chloe and Michelle talk about the research behind Chloe's MSc narrative review, Exercise as a Therapeutic Intervention for Pelvic Organ Prolapse, and how it became the foundation for her PhD.They unpack what the evidence actually says about exercise and prolapse, to Kegel or not Kegel, low-impact exercise, high-impact exercise and weight lifting with prolapse.The conversation also looks at the bigger picture: how inconsistent, cautious messaging can limit women’s confidence, movement and quality of life, and why coaches and healthcare professionals need to be mindful of their messaging. For a copy of Chloe's work, drop her a message on Instagram, and she will send you a copy.

We are back after taking some much needed time off (well, not Chloe, she used Christmas to get married!). We chat all things Chloe's wedding, our new social media plans and what we have seen this week in women's health and body image.Plus, we chat about our very exciting event in Manchester in March!TICKETS FOR OUR FITNESS UNPROFESSIONALS EVENT IN MANCHESTER HEREWORK WITH USCoaching with MichelleDisordered Eating Informed CourseChloe's Womens Health Consultancy

Should you diet before Christmas? Is it really damage to enjoy yourself?Why is the "evidence-based" community selective with who they call out?The last episode of 2025 is a banger... Thank you for listening this last year, and we hope you have a great Christmas and New Year - please share & tag us on your stories if you enjoyed!-⁠⁠⁠⁠@michellecarroll1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@chloestevensphysio

In this week’s episode, Chloe and Michelle get a bit existential about how quickly time goes ! One minute you’re 22 and clueless, the next you’re edging closer to 40 and realising age is an absolute privilege.We also dove into:✨ Learning to interpret data: especially thematic analysis, and how messy it can get when you’re in the industry you’re researching. Being a clinician/coach-researcher means you bring insight… but also bias. And that’s OK as long as you acknowledge it.✨ Why certain “studies” do more harm than good like research on weighing yourself around Christmas. The nuance gets lost, women get harmed, and then coaches cherry-pick the headline and parade it as “evidence.”✨ How to spot red flags in the fitness industry especially when people weaponise research they haven’t actually read.It’s honest, slightly chaotic, and very on-brand for two women realising that growing older and growing wiser go hand in hand.

In this episode, Michelle and I get into why research matters, how to get into it, and why good evidence gives us a full academic boner.We also unpack one of our favourite moments: the man on Instagram who confidently told Michelle she “hadn’t read the study”… the study she literally wrote.And a reminder for the people at the back: having a PhD doesn’t mean you know everything. A PhD is hyper-focused research in one area — not a universal licence to speak on every topic (especially not to the author of the study you're criticising).Plus, we open up opportunities for coaches to speak at our March 2026 event. If you love evidence, nuance and a bit of academic chaos, this one’s for you.

We're back, still complaining about PhDs and menopause... nothing new!Thank you for listening - please share & tag us on your stories if you enjoyed!-⁠⁠⁠@michellecarroll1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@chloestevensphysio

Body image and behaviour change are two of the essential pillars to incorporate into your coaching service - and yet so many people don't do it. Michelle sat down with Sarah Tierney (CEO of Hard House Nutrition) to chat about:- Why behaviour change matters and what coaches get wrong- Will you really let yourself go if you work on your body image?- What to do if you're worried about overeating this holiday szn- Why body neutrality should be binned offSarah's IG: @sarahmichelletierney-WORK WITH MICHELLECoaching: www.michellecarroll.co.uk/coaching⁠⁠⁠⁠Course: www.michellecarroll.co.uk/dei-course⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @michellecarroll1

Gavin is an online coach, who has transformed from focusing on fat loss to focusing on strength.. and his clients are thriving. Known for his hilarious and relatable takes on the fitness industry (a compliment Michelle doesn't throw around lightly), we get into a discussion that could have gone on for hours tbh...We chat about:- Our mistakes as baby coaches- What the industry gets wrong about coaching- What changed for Gavin to help him get life-changing results for clients (beyond fat loss)Make sure you're following him on IG: @gavinmckinneypt-WORK WITH ME:Coaching: https://www.michellecarroll.co.uk/coachingDEI Course: https://www.michellecarroll.co.uk/dei-courseIG: @michellecarroll1

Chloe's started her PhD and Michelle is living The Simple Life in the Scottish countryside. We chat all things menopause, fitness trackers and neurodivergence & food relationships.Thank you for listening - please share & tag us on your stories if you enjoyed!-⁠⁠@michellecarroll1⁠⁠⁠⁠@chloestevensphysio

This week on Healthcare Unprofessionals, Chloe is joined by Dr Emily Pfender, a health communication scientist and postdoctoral researcher at the University of Pennsylvania — and a spin and Pilates instructor on the side.Emily’s research dives into how social media shapes health behaviours, particularly in women’s and maternal health — from fertility and contraception to how health misinformation spreads online.Together we explore:💬 What health communication science actually is (in normal-people terms!)📱 How social media can both empower and mislead women when it comes to their health⚖️ The ethics of health marketing and fear-based messaging🧠 What makes a message stick and actually change behaviour🔗 How researchers, clinicians, and influencers can work together to bridge the gap between science and social mediaIt’s a fascinating, nuanced chat about the power — and pitfalls — of digital health communication.Emily's 'What Scientists and Providers Get Wrong on Social Media' Guide Find Emily on Instagram @emilypfender

Today, join Michelle in a solo episode/rant about some of the main challenges in ethical fitness coaching... let's chat about why your body isn't your business card, why transformation photos aren't motivating and why you can't diet your way out of binge eating.Don't forget to rate the podcast if you're enjoying it!-WORK WITH ME:DISORDERED EATING INFORMED: ⁠www.michellecarroll.co.uk/dei-course⁠COACHING: ⁠www.michellecarroll.co.uk/coaching⁠INSTAGRAM: ⁠@michellecarroll1⁠

Michelle and Chloe sit down for a real and honest chat about life in healthcare right now. Michelle has returned to work as a radiographer, Chloe is working as a physiotherapist — and as students trying to balance studies with running online businesses, both are finding it tough.They also touch on a recent large-scale study exploring partners’ experiences of endometriosis. While it’s important to understand the wider impact, both agree that the urgent priority should be funding more research into the cause and treatment of endo — rather than centring men’s experiences as partners.A short but candid conversation about the realities of working in healthcare and the research priorities that matter.

Join Michelle for a solo episode this week as we discuss all things comparison - why we do it, how it holds us back and how to stop ourselves!-Thank you for listening - please share & tag us on your stories if you enjoyed!-⁠@michellecarroll1⁠⁠@chloestevensphysio

On this week's episode, Michelle says goodbye to Threads (for the 15th time), Serena Williams sparks headlines with GLP-1s, and Chloe responds to an Insta troll’s comment about her so-called “massive cooter.”Plus the usual life updates you didn't ask for!

Plenty to complain about this week as we grapple with a new Netflix documentary, fight with people in Threads and discuss whether or not birth control is responsible for the terrible dating choices you made in your 20s (yes, really).Thank you for listening - please share & tag us on your stories if you enjoyed!-@michellecarroll1@chloestevensphysio

Michelle and I got spicy this week — we’re talking female Viagra and Kebabs, the science of sexual desire, and how going viral is exhausting.With our normal unprofessional chit chats! 💊🔥

In today's episode, Michelle sat down with Conor Nolan, author and public speaker about his journey navigating his mental health and anorexia recovery. We chat all about:Why ice baths won't fix your mental healthBarriers to male mental healthWhat the fitness industry can do to promote positive mental healthWhat we need to change to promote mental health in young peopleAnd lots more!Follow Conor on Instagram: @conor_n7Conor's website: https://normalmentalwellbeing.com/-Michelle's Instagram: @michellecarroll1Website: www.michellecarroll.co.uk

This week on the podcast…Michelle and I dived into the wild world of wellness trends. From the Skims chin strap to a “hormone-hacking” coach blaming the pill for menopause symptoms, we unpacked how these narratives often dismiss science and feed the ever-growing anti-medicine wellness bubble.Because while it makes a catchy headline, misinformation like this shapes how women see their bodies, their hormones, and their healthcare.

Join Michelle and Chloe as we chat about the latest in the fitness and wellness worlds - no homone hacking required.-Connect with us:@michellecarroll1 x @chloetevensphysio

Do people really not want to work on body image or is your marketing just trash?What do most coaches get wrong when it comes to marketing?How important is it to work in alignment with your values?This week, Michelle sat down with the fabulous @unapologeticallyshona, business coach & mentor that helps you build a thriving business, without falling into hustle culture or cold DMing people. -Follow Shona: @unapologeticallyshonaFollow Michelle: @michellecarroll1Mentoring | Coaching | Course

This week we are chatting about the latest study looking at pelvic floor dysfunction in female GAA players, why charlatans make the best nutrition coaches and what needs to change for the PT industry to be seen as credible.Plus, find out where Chloe is currently on the Bristol Stool chart. Nothing is off limits.-Please rate and share the episode if you can!!@michellecarroll1 x @chloestevensphysio

Michelle and Chloe are back chatting all things internalised misogyny — from the lens by which society views GLP-1 weight loss drugs to why women are still showing up to Chris Brown concerts. Please like, comment, or subscribe. If you have any ideas for future episodes, let us know!

This week on the pod, we are chatting about what your gymwear says about you - from your pelvic floor, body image and feminist views. Big asks from a high-waisted legging.We are also discussing how the fitness industry acts as a pyramid scheme to keep you trapped.All in a day's work.-Chloe: @chloestevensphysioMichelle: @michellecarroll1

What can working in healthcare give you other than undereye bags and a large Botox bill?Does working hard automatically mean it'll pay off?Should you be checking in with clients every week?Michelle & Chloe are reunited this week and are yapping about all of the above and more.-Work with Michelle: https://www.michellecarroll.co.uk/Work with Chloe: https://www.chloestevenswomenshealth.co.uk/

Health and fitness professionals have the highest rates of weight stigma/bias... which is not ideal considering the majority of overweight individuals will seek out their help.I had the pleasure of sitting down with one of the leading experts in the area, Dr Kat Schneider. Kat is a Research Fellow at the Centre for Appearance Research (CAR) at the University of the West of England. She has a PhD in Sport & Exercise Psychology from Liverpool John Moores University, as well as a master’s in Psychology and a bachelor’s in Sports Science with Management from Loughborough University. We chatted ALL things coaching and weight stigma...What is weight stigma and weight bias?How is it harmful?What can we as coaches do about it?Connect with Kat: @dr_katschneider-Connect with Michelle: @michellecarroll1Get Disordered Eating Informed

Chloe & Michelle dive into the wild world of menopause — from predatory wellness practices and overpriced supplements, to what actually works when it comes to exercise, nutrition, and body image.It’s time to cut through the noise, call out the BS, and talk honestly about what women really need in midlife. No scare tactics, no shame — just evidence-based, real talk.

Prof Joyce Harper on Fertility Facts, AMH Testing & the Menopause MuddleChloe is joined by Professor Joyce Harper — UCL Professor of Reproductive Science, women’s health advocate, and author of Your Fertile Years — for a no-nonsense conversation on fertility, hormones, and everything in between.They dig into:Why fertility education still fails womenWhat AMH testing can (and can’t) tell youThe truth about egg freezing and reproductive timelinesPerimenopause vs menopause — and why knowing the difference mattersHow to cut through the fear-mongering in women’s health

This week, we have beef with almost everyone in the fitness industry. We talk about what's been grinding our gears lately, all accompanied by some nectar of the gods (discount M&S wine and old Prosecco in the fridge).From Michelle being body shamed to Chloe being triggered by fat loss coaches who only empower women by starving them... we have a lot of rage and what better place to air our grievances than in an online space. Whoops.If you have a wine or whine you'd like to send to us, please let us know on Instagram - @michellecarroll1 and @chloestevensphysio.-Michelle's website Chloe's website

The fitness industry is full of biznizz mentors that tell you that "your body is your business card", which often leaves coaches struggling with confidence, marketing and body image.Luckily, over on my 1:1 coaching we say two fingers to that. Here's what we did to help Ellen sell out her coaching, increase her prices, show up authentically online and get that rock solid relationship with food and body image.Follow Ellen here: @ellenjohnstonpt-Want this for you?WORK WITH MICHELLE: https://education.michellecarrollfitness.ie/coachingGET DISORDERED EATING INFORMED: https://education.michellecarrollfitness.ie/dei-courseFOLLOW MICHELLE ON INSTAGRAM: @michellecarroll

Diet culture is apparently the cause and solution to all our problems... but in reality it's what stops us from living a body confident and food freedom life.Today, Michelle sat down with the incredible Karen Oliver to chat about all things diet culture. Karen is currently pursuing her BSc in Psychology, and also holds an MA in Social Work and a BA in Sociology.We discuss:- What diet culture is- How diet culture develops- Why diets keep us stuck- What we actually need to live a confident lifeAnd LOTS more.Connect with Karen:Instagram: @beyondthebathroomscaleWebsite: Click here.Free assessment: https://beyondthebathroomscale.co.uk/dieting-mindset-assessment Eating Disorder awareness course https://beyondthebathroomscale.co.uk/eating-disorder-awareness Workbook bundle for professional use: https://beyondthebathroomscale.co.uk/therapy-workbooks/p/body-image-disordered-eating-cbt-workbooks-digitally-fillable-and-printable-for-professional-use-health-coach-therapist-pt- Work with Michelle: WebsiteInstagram: @michellecarroll1

You probably need more motivation.You heard me. If you’re struggling to achieve your goals, be they nutrition, exercise or body image related - it can be a motivation issue.But before you take up arms and cast me into the same category as 20 year old personal trainers who’s parents do all their emotional labour and tell everyone to be more disciplined and want it bad enough, let me explain.Let's talk about motivation psychology, types of motivation and how to harness motivation within yourself to get you what you actually want - sustainable behaviour change & great results!-Enjoyed this episode? Let me know on Instagram @michellecarroll1Ready to improve your body image: 1:1 coaching