In this episode of The Health and Wellness Coach Journal Podcast, Dr. Jessica Singh speaks with Karen Lawson, MD, DABIHM, NBC-HWC, founder and CEO of IHWC Productions, a consulting company that works with programs and individuals to advance and expand training in Integrative Health Coaching and Holistic Healthcare, and she provides virtual Health Empowerment Services to individuals directly. She served as the founder and Director of Integrative Health Coaching at the University of Minnesota from 2005–2022. She is a physician, board-certified in Integrative and Holistic Medicine and a founding board member of the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) and Past-president of the American Holistic Medical Association. A published author and researcher, Dr. Lawson speaks internationally to diverse audiences on the potential of holistic health care practices, the role of spirituality in health and healing, and the power of health coaching.

Dr. Lawson reflects on the experiences that led her into integrative health and health coaching, including the early work that helped demonstrate how coaching could support meaningful behavior change. She shares the grassroots efforts that brought leaders in health coaching together to develop standards for the field, eventually leading to the creation of NBHWC, a partnership with the National Board of Medical Examiners, a program approval process, and an individual certification exam.

Together, Dr. Lawson and Dr. Singh explore the role of coaching within the healthcare system, the importance of staying within the coaching scope of practice, and the differences between holistic, integrative, and functional medicine. Dr. Lawson also discusses her work in Health Empowerment and the need to help individuals take control of their own health beliefs and behaviors and be in charge of their healthcare experience.

Drawing on more than two decades of training coaches, Dr. Lawson shares guidance for coach educators and coaches alike, including the importance of going beyond minimum competencies, developing skills through supported practice, caring for one’s own wellbeing, and staying aligned with one’s values and integrity.

This episode offers coaches, healthcare professionals, and coach educators a look at the evolution of health and wellness coaching, the importance of staying within coaching scope of practice, and the role of whole-person and integrative approaches in healthcare. Listeners will also hear Dr. Lawson’s reflections on practicing in alignment with one’s values, caring for oneself in order to hold space for others, and helping people become more empowered in their health and healthcare experience.

For detailed show notes, resources, and information to connect with Dr. Karen Lawson, visit: https://www.centerforhealthandwellnesscoaches.com/blog/dr-karen-lawson-on-the-evolution-of-health-wellness-coaching-becoming-a-health-empowerment-specialist

To be notified of new episodes, subscribe here: https://www.centerforhealthandwellnesscoaches.com/stay-connected

Timestamps

0 - Introduction

2:27 - Dr. Karen Lawson’s Journey into Integrative Health Coaching

11:30 - The Evolution of Health Coaching and Development of National Standards

23:35 - Integrative Healthcare, Coaching Scope of Practice, and Health Empowerment

43:25 - Takeaways

In this insightful episode of The Health and Wellness Coach Journal Podcast, Dr. Jessica Singh speaks with Dr. Jayarajan Kodikannath, an internationally renowned Ayurvedic scholar, author, researcher, educator, keynote speaker, and CEO and Chief Ayurveda Consultant of Kerala Ayurveda USA. With more than 25 years of Ayurvedic clinical experience in India and the United States, Dr. Jayarajan has dedicated his life and career to advancing the traditional wisdom of Ayurveda through clinical practice, education, research, and global advocacy. He is also a Board Member of the National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA), the author of the award-winning book The Parent's Complete Guide to Ayurveda, and a passionate educator committed to making Ayurveda accessible and relevant in today's world.

In this episode, Dr. Jayarajan shares his journey into Ayurveda, reflecting on how this ancient science of life continues to offer profound guidance for modern health and well-being. He introduces listeners to Ayurveda's foundational principles, explaining why its holistic understanding of the interconnectedness of body, mind, emotions, relationships, environment, and purpose remains remarkably relevant in today's increasingly complex healthcare landscape. Dr. Jayarajan explains that Ayurveda is a natural, holistic life science rooted in the principles of nature. He discusses its focus on preserving health, preventing illness, supporting longevity, and helping people live healthy, peaceful, and purposeful lives.

Together, Dr. Singh and Dr. Jayarajan explore the growing gaps in modern healthcare and discuss how Ayurveda complements contemporary medicine by emphasizing prevention, lifestyle, nutrition, daily rhythms, self-awareness, and individualized care. Dr. Jayarajan highlights the importance of honoring the strengths of both Eastern and Western approaches to healthcare, offering an integrative perspective that values evidence-based medicine while recognizing the timeless wisdom of traditional healing systems.

The conversation also examines how many modern scientific discoveries, including chrononutrition, the gut-brain connection, and the relationship between stress, immunity, and chronic disease, closely align with principles Ayurveda has taught for thousands of years. Dr. Jayarajan explains how the mind, gut, breath, and daily habits become powerful portals for healing and why restoring balance, rather than simply treating symptoms, is central to long-term health.

Dr. Jayarajan also discusses the importance of credible Ayurveda education, offering guidance for healthcare professionals, coaches, and curious learners seeking trustworthy resources, while emphasizing the need to preserve the authenticity and integrity of this ancient tradition.

The discussion extends beyond individual health to explore how Ayurvedic principles can strengthen families, relationships, parenting, and communities by encouraging greater awareness, balance, compassion, and connection in everyday life.

Finally, Dr. Singh and Dr. Jayarajan reflect on the potential impact of Ayurveda within coaching. Dr. Jayarajan shares why he believes every health coach can benefit from an understanding of Ayurvedic principles, empowering them to support clients with a more comprehensive, individualized, and whole-person approach to health and healing.

For detailed show notes, resources, and information to connect with Dr. Jayarajan Kodikannath, visit: https://www.centerforhealthandwellnesscoaches.com/blog/dr-jayarajan-kodikannath-on-the-essential-role-of-ayurveda-in-modern-health-and-coaching

To be notified of new episodes, subscribe here: https://www.centerforhealthandwellnesscoaches.com/stay-connected

References Mentioned in This Episode

• Kodikannath, Jayarajan, and Alyson Young Gregory. The Parent's Complete Guide to Ayurveda: Principles, Practices, and Recipes for Happy, Healthy Kids. Shambhala Publications, 2022.

Timestamps:

0 - Introduction and Dr. Jayarajan’s Journey Into Ayurveda

3:25 - An Introduction to Ayurveda and Its Relevance Today

7:55 - Addressing Gaps in Modern Healthcare Through Ayurveda

15:27 - How to Find Credible Ayurveda Education and Resources

23:05 - How Ayurveda Can Support Families and Relationships

34:25 - Why Ayurveda Continues to Resonate in the Modern World and Its Growing Role in Coaching

40:40 - Takeaways: Honoring the Profound Role of the Coach and Healer

In this insightful episode of The Health and Wellness Coach Journal, Dr. Jessica Singh speaks with Gina Martin, PCC, an Executive Coach, Consultant, and Director of Executive Coaching & Leadership Development at Leap Academy. Her work has been recognized with the Gold Stevie Award for Mentor and Coach of the Year, and she is a member of the Forbes Coaches Council with advanced certifications in Hogan and DiSC. Gina is also the founder of Own Your Next, a nonprofit that supports high-achieving women as they rebuild confidence, identity, and their careers after cancer.

Gina shares her journey from corporate leadership to coaching, spanning more than 25 years of leading in high-pressure organizations such as Victoria’s Secret, GUESS, and Gap. She reflects on the transitions that shaped her life, from arriving in the United States at age 18 with $300, a toddler, and no English, to becoming a single mother, building a successful career, and later navigating a stage-three breast cancer diagnosis.

Gina speaks candidly about advocating for herself when her intuition told her something was wrong, even after two mammograms came back clear. She shares what treatment required of her physically, emotionally, financially, and spiritually, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, physical therapy, and the difficult but necessary decision to slow down.

Together, Dr. Singh and Gina explore what healing can ask of high achievers, why self-compassion becomes essential during profound change, and how coaching helped Gina stay present through uncertainty. Gina also shares how cancer reshaped her identity, values, confidence, and professional path as she rebuilt her coaching career with more alignment, presence, and purpose.

The conversation also offers meaningful guidance for coaches who are finding their way, building a business, or learning to value their lived experience. Gina reminds coaches that they are more than a certification and that their story, resilience, and voice are part of what they bring to the coaching relationship.

For detailed show notes, resources, and information to connect with Gina Martin, PCC, visit: https://www.centerforhealthandwellnesscoaches.com/blog/redefining-life-after-cancer-gina-martin-on-healing-high-achievement-and-rebuilding-her-coaching-career

To be notified of new episodes, subscribe here: https://www.centerforhealthandwellnesscoaches.com/stay-connected

Timestamps:

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

• Own Your Next

Timestamps

0 - Introduction

2:50 - Gina Martin’s Journey: From Corporate Leadership to Coaching and Life After Cancer

8:10 - The Courage to Pause as a High Achiever: Healing, Recovery, and Self-Compassion

19:38 - Rebuilding from the Inside Out: Reshaping Identity, Confidence, and Career

25:03 - Words of Wisdom for Coaches: Owning Your Worth and Sharing Your Voice

35:39 - Takeaways