In this episode, I’m joined by Natalie Gardner, a psychotherapist, hypnotherapist, and biofeedback practitioner with a strong focus on the gut–brain connection. Natalie is the founder of Altramind Hypnotherapy and works closely with people experiencing anxiety, digestive symptoms, and nervous system dysregulation, often using gut-directed hypnotherapy as a core part of her work.

In this episode, we explore how hypnotherapy can reduce gut symptoms by regulating stress responses, supporting the vagus nerve, and helping people understand the powerful connection between their thoughts, emotions, nervous system, and digestive health. If you’ve ever wondered whether your sensitive gut could be supported through the power of the mind, this conversation is for you.

In this episode, we chat about:

• What gut-directed hypnotherapy is and how it differs from traditional hypnotherapy
• How a hypno-psychotherapist works with clients
• The gut–brain axis and its role in conditions like IBS
• How stress and emotional experiences impact gut health
• What’s happening in the brain and body during gut-directed hypnotherapy
• The role of the autonomic nervous system and vagus nerve
• Gut conditions and symptoms that may benefit from hypnotherapy
• How hypnotherapy compares to approaches like the low FODMAP diet for IBS
• How long it takes to see results and whether benefits last
• Digital hypnotherapy platforms vs in-person sessions — benefits and limitations
• What to look for in a qualified hypnotherapy practitioner
• Simple self-help tools to start calming the gut–brain connection today
• Natalie’s #1 piece of advice for supporting gut health and nervous system regulation

Rachel’s (she/her) details: Ready To Take Your Next Step To Support Your Gut?

Follow Rachel on Instagram HERE

Watch the FREE Masterclass 'How To Overcome Bloating and IBS Naturally & Eat Your Favourite Foods Without Fear' HERE

Check out the range of FREE gut health resources HERE

Work with Rachel HERE

Connect With Natalie (she/her)

Visit Natalie's Website

Connect With Natalie on Facebook, Youtube and LinkedIn

Disclaimer: The information provided on Gutsy Talks is for education and informational purposes only. It is not provided nor intended to substitute for professional advice or care. Please seek the advice of a qualified health care professional in the event you have questions or concerns about your health.

Social events and travel should be fun, right? But if you’re living with IBS, they can feel more like a minefield of stress, bloat, and food fear.

In this solo episode, I’m sharing 10 practical, gut-friendly tips to help you feel more confident, in control, and at ease when you're eating out, attending events, or packing your bags for a trip. Because with the right strategies, it is possible to enjoy yourself without flaring up your symptoms.

This isn’t about restriction or staying home, it's about preparation, mindset, and knowing your body. Whether you're heading to a dinner party or planning a weekend away, this episode will help you build a toolkit of supportive habits to protect your gut and your peace of mind.

In this episode, I chat about:

• What to eat before you go so you’re not starving or tempted by trigger foods
• Smart hydration strategies that help digestion (and avoid bloating)
• Nervous system hacks to calm pre-event anxiety and reduce flares
• Why bringing your own snack can be a game-changer
• How to move after meals to support smoother digestion
• Low-FODMAP alcohol options (and what to steer clear of)
• The power of an “exit plan” when you need to step away without guilt
• Mindset shifts to reduce food pressure and enjoy connection
• Gentle gut supports to ease symptoms before and after events
• How to reflect without judgment so every event becomes a learning opportunity

Whether you’ve been caught out before or just want to feel more prepared and confident, this episode is your go-to guide for navigating social life and travel with IBS—without fear, flares, or food anxiety.

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Rachel’s (she/her) details: Ready To Take Your Next Step To Support Your Gut?

Follow Rachel on Instagram HERE

Watch the FREE Masterclass 'How To Overcome Bloating and IBS Naturally & Eat Your Favourite Foods Without Fear' HERE

Check out the range of FREE gut health resources HERE

Work with Rachel HERE

Disclaimer: The information provided on Gutsy Talks is for education and informational purposes only. It is not provided nor intended to substitute for professional advice or care. Please seek the advice of a qualified health care professional in the event you have questions or concerns about your health.

If you’ve ever felt out of control around food, stuck in the binge–restrict cycle, or burdened by body shame — you're not alone. And you’re not broken.

Today’s guest is Stefanie Michele, a Binge Eating Recovery Coach who combines lived experience with an impressive toolkit of professional training. As an Intuitive Eating Counselor, Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Somatic Experiencing Therapist, and Occupational Therapist, Stefanie supports people to break free from binge eating, regulate their nervous systems, and reclaim peace with food and their bodies.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s felt stuck in disordered eating patterns, even if you’re not sure what to call it.

In this episode, we chat about:

• The difference between comfort eating, binge eating, and binge eating disorder
• Root causes of binge eating (beyond just willpower or emotional eating)
• What happens in the body during a binge: physically, chemically, and emotionally
• The role of trauma, stress, and nervous system dysregulation
• Subtle signs your relationship with food may not be healthy
• Mental vs. physical restriction and how both fuel the binge cycle
• What intuitive eating really is (and how it differs from mindful or clean eating)
• First steps to break the binge–restrict cycle
• How somatic practices and intuitive eating support lasting healing
• Relearning hunger, fullness, and satisfaction cues
• Navigating therapeutic diets (like low FODMAP) without reigniting restriction
• Inner critics, perfectionism, guilt and the role of self-compassion in recovery
• One small, powerful step for anyone feeling stuck or hopeless

Rachel’s (she/her) details: Ready To Take Your Next Step To Support Your Gut?

Follow Rachel on Instagram HERE

Watch the FREE Masterclass 'How To Overcome Bloating and IBS Naturally & Eat Your Favourite Foods Without Fear' HERE

Check out the range of FREE gut health resources HERE

Work with Rachel HERE

Connect With Stefanie (she/her)

Visit Stefanie’s website

Connect with Stefanie on Instagram

Disclaimer: The information provided on Gutsy Talks is for education and informational purposes only. It is not provided nor intended to substitute for professional advice or care. Please seek the advice of a qualified health care professional in the event you have questions or concerns about your health.