• Are You Fueling or Nourishing Your Body? How Fitness Professionals Can Optimise Health and Performance with Food - with Ian Craig
    Dec 15 2025

    Are you fueling your body or genuinely nourishing it? Join Ian Craig, founder of the Centre for Integrative Sports Nutrition (CISN), as he challenges conventional sports nutrition thinking. In this episode, you'll learn how to balance macronutrients with essential micronutrients, integrate diverse, colorful foods into your diet, and support your mitochondrial health for optimal energy, recovery, and performance. Ian breaks down practical strategies for fitness professionals and anyone who wants to improve their nutrition for health and exercise performance. Listen now and get ready to rethink your approach to food and nourishment.

    If you’re loving the podcast, please leave a review on this listening platform!


    Resources:

    Integrative Sports Nutrition Website: https://intsportsnutrition.com/about/

    Integrative Sport and Exercise Nutrition Book: https://intsportsnutrition.com/textbook/

    Ian Craig’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-craig-nutrition/

    Get 15% off any of our online courses. Simply go to Functional Training Institute and input 'PDM15' at the cart checkout: https://www.functionaltraininginstitute.com

    Check out our best selling book Purpose Driven Movement by host Tarek Michael-Chouja and Dan Henderson: https://amzn.to/499x6nO

    Join Our Mailing List: https://sa319.infusionsoft.app/app/form/vowsignup


    About Our Guest: Ian Craig MSc DipCNE FBANT INLPTA is the founder of the Centre for Integrative Sports Nutrition (CISN) and course leader of their online postgraduate level courses. He is an experienced exercise physiologist, nutritional therapist, NLP practitioner, and an endurance coach. Clinically, within a team dynamic, Ian works with sporting individuals and complex health cases at his Scottish home, and online. Additionally, Ian co-authored the Struik Lifestyle book Wholesome Nutrition with his natural chef wife Rachel Jesson and the Routledge textbook Integrative Sport and Exercise Nutrition with Professor Justin Roberts.

    About Your Host: Tarek is the co-founder of the functional training institute and FitWell Education lab. Tarek is an international educator and speaker who has presented numerous times at the biggest convention in Australia, Asia and the US. In addition, Tarek has presented courses to thousands of trainers throughout Australia, Asia, the Middle East and South America. Tarek is also a best-selling author of ‘Purpose Driven Movement.


    This podcast is produced by Brave Moon Podcasts: https://www.bravemoonpodcasts.com


    We sometimes include links to products and services we find interesting. These may or may not be affiliate links. Thanks for your support!


    Related: sports nutrition strategies for fitness professionals, how to balance macronutrients and micronutrients, integrative nutrition for health and performance, practical ways to nourish your body naturally, using diverse foods to boost energy and recovery

    This podcast is sponsored by ZIVA. Discover more at www.ziva.com.

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    38 mins
  • The Miracle Healing Effects of Light Phytotherapy with Peter Forhan
    Nov 24 2025

    What if your chronic fatigue, inflammation, or low mood has nothing to do with motivation and everything to do with sunlight deficiency? In this episode, Peter Forhan, a Light Physicist, breaks down the science behind how sunlight and red light therapy restore cellular energy, why most people today are living in chronic low-power mode, and how your intracellular water acts like a biological solar panel. You’ll learn about near-infrared wavelengths for recovery, optimal sun exposure for different skin types, hydration as your body’s “battery capacity,” and the role of sun gazing for pineal gland activation. Listen now and get ready to rethink how light shapes your biology, your mood, and your long-term health.

    If you’re loving the podcast, please leave a review on this listening platform!


    Our favourite quotable moments:

    “Light is the most important thing that we can study.” - Peter Forhan

    “We are chronically dehydrated of solar energy, which is an urgent health crisis.” - Peter Forhan

    “Every single cell of your body is a solar panel, full stop.” - Peter Forhan


    Resources:

    Light Bodies Book Website

    Peter Forhan’s Instagram

    Lumaflex Website


    Get 15% off any of our online courses. Simply go to Functional Training Institute and input 'PDM15' at the cart checkout.


    Check out our best selling book Purpose Driven Movement by host Tarek Michael-Chouja and Dan Henderson.

    Join Our Mailing List


    About Our Guest: Peter Forhan is a Light Physicist who writes about the intersection of Biology and Solar Energy. As a classically trained Materials Engineer at the University of Michigan, he changed his focus to Light Physics after observing the miracle healing effects of Phototherapy. Today Peter writes, speaks, and consults while travelling the world nomadically.

    About Your Host: Tarek is the co-founder of the functional training institute and FitWell Education lab. Tarek is an international educator and speaker who has presented numerous times at the biggest convention in Australia, Asia and the US. In addition, Tarek has presented courses to thousands of trainers throughout Australia, Asia, the Middle East and South America. Tarek is also a best-selling author of ‘Purpose Driven Movement.


    This podcast is produced by Brave Moon Podcasts.


    We sometimes include links to products and services we find interesting. These may or may not be affiliate links. Thanks for your support!

    This podcast is sponsored by ZIVA. Discover more at www.ziva.com.

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    44 mins
  • The Power of Heart Rate Variability [HRV]: How SPREN Helps Coaches Design Personalised Client Programmes with Jason Moore
    Nov 3 2025

    Ever wondered how technology can transform your health journey? In this episode of the Purpose Driven Movement podcast, Coach Tarek sits down with Jason Moore, founder of SPREN and Elite HRV, to discuss the future of health technology. Discover how SPREN is making health data more accessible and actionable, and learn about the role of personalization in health management. Jason shares insights into bridging the gap between medical and preventative health, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among health professionals. Listen now and get ready to revolutionize your approach to health and wellness!


    If you’re loving the podcast, please leave a review on this listening platform!


    Our favourite quotable moments:

    “Our goal is not to create a walled garden where you can only work with our stuff.” - Jason Moore

    “The most important piece of equipment that we have is our body.” - Jason Moore

    “What we want to do is provide tools that allow coaches to scale themselves a little bit more, reach more people while keeping the quality of their service high.” - Jason Moore


    Resources:

    Spren Website: http://spren.com

    Spren LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sprenlabs/

    Jason Moore LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thehumanjason/

    Download Spren on App Store: https://apps.apple.com/ph/app/spren-body-fat-fitness-tracker/id1664503999

    Get 15% off any of our online courses. Simply go to Functional Training Institute and input 'PDM15' at the cart checkout: https://www.functionaltraininginstitute.com

    Check out our best selling book Purpose Driven Movement by host Tarek Michael-Chouja and Dan Henderson: https://amzn.to/499x6nO

    Join Our Mailing List: https://sa319.infusionsoft.app/app/form/vowsignup


    About Our Guest: Jason Moore is a dedicated innovator in health and fitness, known for developing tools that have empowered 1.2 million people to better understand their bodies. With a passion for the intersection of behavior, physiology, and outcomes, Jason's work is valued by research teams, military units, and top sports teams. Practicing what he preaches, he has transformed his own health, reducing his biological age and improving his fitness. Jason's mission is to help people build strong, capable bodies and minds by providing access to effective tools and guidance.


    About Your Host: Tarek is the co-founder of the functional training institute and FitWell Education lab. Tarek is an international educator and speaker who has presented numerous times at the biggest convention in Australia, Asia and the US. In addition, Tarek has presented courses to thousands of trainers throughout Australia, Asia, the Middle East and South America. Tarek is also a best-selling author of ‘Purpose Driven Movement.


    This podcast is produced by Brave Moon Podcasts.


    We sometimes include links to products and services we find interesting. These may or may not be affiliate links. Thanks for your support!


    Related: SPREN personalized health tools, improving body composition with technology, longevity

    This podcast is sponsored by ZIVA. Discover more at www.ziva.com.

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    43 mins
  • The Mental Skills Coach: How the Inner Game Drives the Outer Game, with HeadCoach and The Coaching Room’s Jay Hedley
    Oct 13 2025

    What separates good athletes from great ones? In this episode, host Tarek Michael-Chouja speaks with Jay Hedley, Managing Partner at The Coaching Room, who draws on years of experience in elite sport to show how mental skills shape winning outcomes. From working with powerhouse teams like Fiji Rugby to launching the HeadCoach brand, Jay explores transforming anxiety into potential, building strong team cultures, and collaborating with sports psychologists. You’ll also hear about his mental skills training program designed to equip coaches and athletes with the tools to thrive under pressure. Listen now and step inside the mindset of champions.


    If you’re loving the podcast, please leave a review on this listening platform!


    Our favourite quotable moments:

    “As I always say, the game's always won before it's won.” - Jay Hedley

    “Sport is a bridge between the early stage of development and the later stages of development.” - Jay Hedley

    “High performance is about waking up, growing up, cleaning up, and showing up.” - Jay Hedley


    Resources:

    HeadCoach Website

    The Coaching Room Website

    The Coaching Room YouTube

    The Coaching Room Instagram

    The Coaching Room Facebook

    The Coaching Room LinkedIn


    Get 15% off any of our online courses. Simply go to Functional Training Institute and input 'PDM15' at the cart checkout.


    Check out our best selling book Purpose Driven Movement by host Tarek Michael-Chouja and Dan Henderson.


    Join Our Mailing List


    About Our Guest: Jay Hedley is the Managing Partner at The Coaching Room®, a firm dedicated to helping high-performance executives, athletes, sports coaches, and teams unleash their full potential. With a focus on identifying blind spots and challenging limiting beliefs, Hedley is known for building clarity in both professional and personal life. His extensive client roster includes executive teams at organizations like RedBull Racing, KPMG Australia, and Optus, as well as elite sports programs such as the Waratahs and Fiji Rugby Sevens. Most recently, he contributed to the Fijiana XVs at the Women’s Rugby World Cup England 2025, specializing in developing mental and leadership capacities. His unique approach synthesizes NLP, developmental coaching, and integral theory, all centered on the critical question of "how you show up."


    About Your Host: Tarek is the co-founder of the functional training institute and FitWell Education lab. Tarek is an international educator and speaker who has presented numerous times at the biggest convention in Australia, Asia and the US. In addition, Tarek has presented courses to thousands of trainers throughout Australia, Asia, the Middle East and South America. Tarek is also a best-selling author of ‘Purpose Driven Movement.


    This podcast is produced by Brave Moon Podcasts.


    We sometimes include links to products and services we find interesting. These may or may not be affiliate links. Thanks for your support!


    Related: high performance coaching, mental skills, sports psychology, coaching dynamics, team culture

    This podcast is sponsored by ZIVA. Discover more at www.ziva.com.

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    29 mins
  • Foot Sensory Performance and Movement Longevity with Dr Emily Splichal
    Sep 22 2025

    What if your feet hold the key to lifelong health, agility and movement? In this episode, Dr Emily Splichal, the Movement Longevity Doctor, shares her journey from podiatry to functional health, showing how foot strength and balance shape our overall wellbeing. She explains the hidden risks of overly supportive shoes and offers practical strategies for moving towards minimalist footwear. You’ll learn her four pillars of foot health: activation, strength, balance and recovery and how to weave them into simple daily routines for lasting movement and vitality. Listen now and start building a stronger foundation for every step you take.

    If you’re loving the podcast, please leave a review on this listening platform!


    Our favourite quotable moments:

    “My appointments last an hour because I'm actually listening to the patient for a sufficient amount of time.” - Dr Emily Splichal

    “Shoes are a sensory barrier; a natural foot function barrier. It can atrophy the small muscles in the foot.” - Dr Emily Splichal

    “Our feet are not designed to support themselves, especially in modern society in the concrete jungle gym.” - Dr Emily Splichal


    Resources:
    Naboso Website
    Dr Emily Splichal Website
    Dr Emily's Instagram
    Naboso Technology's Instagram
    The Functional Foot Doc's Instagram
    Naboso's Amazon
    Sensory Sapiens Book
    Born to Rise Podcast

    Get 15% off any of our online courses. Simply go to Functional Training Institute and input 'PDM15' at the cart checkout.

    Check out our best selling book Purpose Driven Movement by host Tarek Michael-Chouja and Dan Henderson.

    Join Our Mailing List

    About Our Guest:

    Dr Emily Splichal, aka the Movement Longevity Doctor, is a Functional Podiatrist, Human Movement Specialist, author of Barefoot Strong and Sensory Sapiens, and the CEO/founder of Naboso. With over 23 years in the health & fitness industry, Dr Splichal has positioned herself as a global leader on the topics of postural alignment and human movement as it relates to barefoot science, foot to core integration and sensory integration. Degrees/Certifications: Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), Master's Human Movement (MS), NASM-CES, NASM-PES, NSCA-CPT

    About Your Host: Tarek is the co-founder of the functional training institute and FitWell Education lab. Tarek is an international educator and speaker who has presented numerous times at the biggest convention in Australia, Asia and the US. In addition, Tarek has presented courses to thousands of trainers throughout Australia, Asia, the Middle East and South America. Tarek is also a best-selling author of ‘Purpose Driven Movement.


    This podcast is produced by Brave Moon Podcasts: https://www.bravemoonpodcasts.com.


    We sometimes include links to products and services we find interesting. These may or may not be affiliate links. Thanks for your support!


    This podcast is sponsored by ZIVA. Discover more at www.ziva.com.

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    36 mins
  • Healing Beyond IVF: Kelly O'Brien’s Purpose, Wellness & Self-Care Journey to Elysium Wellness
    Sep 1 2025

    Step into an inspiring story of transformation as Kelly O’Brien, founder of Elysium Wellness, shares her deeply personal journey from corporate life through the heartbreak and trauma of IVF to discovering lasting healing, purpose, and mental health awareness. In this episode, Kelly reveals how a near-fatal incident became the spark for personal growth, leading her to create accessible wellness solutions and champion the importance of self-care for wellness enthusiasts. If you’re navigating trauma, seeking healing, or striving for personal growth against life’s toughest challenges, Kelly’s journey offers hope, practical self-care wisdom, and the reminder that your path to wellness can become your purpose.


    - Hear how Kelly’s experience surviving a life-threatening IVF complication was the turning point that inspired the creation of Elysium Wellness, reshaping her approach to trauma, healing, and self-care.

    - Discover practical mental health strategies for managing stress, letting go of guilt, and building self-awareness—essential tools for anyone facing infertility or other life challenges.

    - Learn the vital importance of community, forgiveness, and creating accessible wellness spaces, as well as the innovative role of therapies like red light therapy in supporting recovery and holistic wellbeing.


    Resources:

    Elysium Wellness Website / Store: https://elysiumwellness.com.au/

    Elysium Wellness Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/this_is_elysium_wellness

    Featured Partner: LumaFlex Portable Red Light Therapy: https://www.lumaflex.com/ Get 15% off any of our online courses. Simply go to Functional Training Institute and input 'PDM15' at the cart checkout.Check out our best selling book Purpose Driven Movement by host Tarek Michael-Chouja and Dan Henderson.


    Join Our Mailing List


    About Our Guest : Kelly O’Brien is the founder and CEO of Elysium Wellness and This is Elysium. She comes from the corporate world with nearly 20 years of experience before taking time off to follow her entrepreneurial passion to start her own wellness company.

    About Your Host: Tarek is the co-founder of the functional training institute and FitWell Education lab. Tarek is an international educator and speaker who has presented numerous times at the biggest convention in Australia, Asia and the US. In addition, Tarek has presented courses to thousands of trainers throughout Australia, Asia, the Middle East and South America. Tarek is also a best-selling author of ‘Purpose Driven Movement.


    This podcast is produced by Brave Moon Podcasts.


    We sometimes include links to products and services we find interesting. These may or may not be affiliate links. Thanks for your support!

    This podcast is sponsored by ZIVA. Discover more at www.ziva.com.

    Show More Show Less
    36 mins
  • Celebrating 50 Episodes: Longevity, Wellness & Mindset Breakthroughs for Wellness Enthusiasts
    Aug 11 2025

    Are you ready to revolutionise your health, performance, and mindset? In episode 51 of Purpose Driven Movement, host Tarek Michael Chouja celebrates a landmark of 50 episodes by bringing together the most transformative highlights from wellness visionaries like Sam Merza, Ian O’Dwyer, Anna Milani, and Whitney Jones. This special episode is packed with longevity tips, unique fitness philosophies, and holistic strategies that empower fitness and wellness enthusiasts to move with purpose, overcome obstacles, and create lasting change. If you’re passionate about optimising your health span and discovering the deeper side of wellness, this episode will inspire you to thrive - no matter where you’re starting from. Welcome to the next evolution of movement.


    What You Can Expect From This Episode:

    - Groundbreaking insights on longevity and redefining health span for wellness enthusiasts.

    - Holistic approaches to stress, cognitive fitness, and building lasting wellness habits that go beyond trending fads.

    - Authentic mindset shifts and motivational stories to help you break limits, embrace movement, and pursue a purpose-driven lifestyle.


    Guest Resources and Links Mentioned:

    - Sam Merza — National Fitness Manager, Total Fusion Australia: https://totalfusion.com.au/

    - Ian O’Dwyer — Wellness and Performance Coach, Co-founder of SOMA: https://www.facebook.com/ODOnMovement/

    - Anna Milani — Cognitive Fitness Specialist: https://www.coactivehealth.com.au/

    - Whitney Jones — IFBB Fitness Pro, Author of "Win Broken": https://whitneyjones.com/

    - Get 15% off any of our online courses. Simply go to Functional Training Institute and input 'PDM15' at cart checkout: https://www.functionaltraininginstitute.com

    - Check out our best selling book Purpose Driven Movement by host Tarek Michael-Chouja and Dan Henderson: https://amzn.to/499x6nO

    - Join Our Mailing List: https://sa319.infusionsoft.app/app/form/vowsignup


    Ready for wellness you can feel, not just count? Dive in, get inspired, and welcome to the movement - now available as a video podcast for the very first time!


    Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE, LIKE and SHARE. Thank you so much!


    About the Host: Tarek is the co-founder of the functional training institute and FitWell Education lab. Tarek is an international educator and speaker who has presented numerous times at the biggest convention in Australia, Asia and the US. In addition, Tarek has presented courses to thousands of trainers throughout Australia, Asia, the Middle East and South America. Tarek is also a best-selling author of ‘Purpose Driven Movement.


    We sometimes include links to products and services we find interesting. These may or may not be affiliate links. Thanks for your support!


    Produced by Brave Moon. Learn more at https://www.bravemoonpodcasts.com.

    This podcast is sponsored by ZIVA. Discover more at www.ziva.com.

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    34 mins
  • Rethinking Weakness, Movement, and Connection with Dave Liow
    Jul 21 2025

    What if tightness isn’t the problem but a symptom of something deeper? In this eye-opening episode, Dave Liow, founder of the Holistic Movement Coach Programme, shares how he integrates musculoskeletal science with traditional Chinese medicine, emotional health, and sensory activation to help the body move better and feel stronger. With over two decades of experience in sport science, kinesiology, and coaching, Dave brings a grounded, practical lens to complex systems thinking. You’ll learn about the real difference between tightness and weakness, the origins of the Activate Mobility Method, and how meaningful movement is the key to long-term results. Listen now and get ready to reframe the way you see pain, performance, and the power of awareness. If you’re loving the podcast, please leave a review on this listening platform!


    Our favourite quotable moments:

    “Tightness is a response to weakness and it's a protective mechanism by the body.” - Dave Liow

    “When the body doesn't feel safe somewhere, it will lock you down and stop you moving there.” - Dave Liow

    “When you get control, the body will give you mobility. So mobility comes from stability or control.” - Dave Liow


    Resources:

    The Kaizen Check-In Board

    Holistic Movement Coach (HMC) Website

    Holistic Movement Coach (HMC) Youtube

    Holistic Movement Coach (HMC) Instagram

    HMC Facebook Community Group

    Dave’s Instagram

    Dave’s Facebook

    Get 15% off any of our online courses. Simply go to Functional Training Institute and input 'PDM15' at the cart checkout.

    Check out our best selling book Purpose Driven Movement by host Tarek Michael-Chouja and Dan Henderson.

    Join Our Mailing List


    About Our Guest : Dave Liow is an exercise physiologist specialising in holistic health and exercise. He is the co-owner of the Kaizen Health Centre and the founder of the Holistic Movement Coach Programme based in the Sunshine Coast, Australia. Dave has a long history in elite high-performance sport conditioning and has worked with a wide range of world-class athletes. He also specialises in working with clients with chronic pain and injuries. He currently mentors and presents internationally to health professionals on integrating a holistic approach, and cutting-edge movement techniques into health and fitness.


    About Your Host: Tarek is the co-founder of the functional training institute and FitWell Education lab. Tarek is an international educator and speaker who has presented numerous times at the biggest convention in Australia, Asia and the US. In addition, Tarek has presented courses to thousands of trainers throughout Australia, Asia, the Middle East and South America. Tarek is also a best-selling author of ‘Purpose Driven Movement.


    This podcast is produced by Brave Moon Podcasts.


    We sometimes include links to products and services we find interesting. These may or may not be affiliate links. Thanks for your support!


    Related: Holistic Movement Coaching, Active Mobility Method, Exercise Physiology, Musculoskeletal Health, Tightnes

    This podcast is sponsored by ZIVA. Discover more at www.ziva.com.

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    40 mins