What does it really take to age strong—and keep your brain sharp while you’re at it?

In this episode, I’m joined by Janet McConnell, a 69-year-old powerhouse who’s redefining what it means to thrive into your 60s and beyond. A longevity coach, personal trainer, and former corporate high-flyer turned bodybuilding competitor, Janet shares her journey from a shocking doctor’s visit at 46 to standing on a bodybuilding stage—and discovering the secrets of healthy aging along the way.

We dive into topics like:

• Why resistance training is crucial for brain health and longevity

• How lifting weights produces brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and protects cognitive function

• Common myths keeping women (especially over 40) out of the weight room—and how to overcome them

• Janet’s incredible personal transformation and lessons learned from stepping on stage at age 48

• How to safely get started with resistance training at any age

• Tips for finding the right trainer or fitness community (and how to spot red flags)

• Why training for life—not just aesthetics—is the key to long-term health and independence

• The real reason obstacles show up when you’re making changes—and how to handle them

Janet’s message is clear: You’re never too old—and it’s never too late—to build a strong body and mind. Whether you’re in your 30s, 40s, 50s, or pushing 70, this episode will inspire you to take up space and take charge of your health.

Connect with Janet McConnell:

• YouTube: Aging Strong For Life

• LinkedIn: Janet McConnell

• Book: Elements of Aging

• Website: ignitefitnesswithjanet.com

• • Email: janet.mcconnell@gmail.com

  
  

  Connect with Coach Diana Leigh

  IG, TikTok, YouTube @coachdianaleigh

  Email: coachdianaleigh@gmail.com

"Only trust a doctor or a dietician."
If you’ve heard this online, you’re not alone—and in today’s episode, we’re diving into the why behind that message, the backlash it sparks, and where the truth actually lies.

We’re peeling back the layers of a complicated conversation:

• Why so many people feel let down by the medical system

• How unregulated coaches sometimes fill the gap—and sometimes cause harm

• The rise of the “do your own research” crowd and the erosion of trust in science

• Why credentials, mentorship, and integrity all matter in both fields

• The importance of both medical and holistic care in building a well-rounded support system

• How to vet coaches (yes, even the ones with big followings)

This episode is all about the middle ground: where nuance, science, lived experience, and accountability collide—and how you, as a consumer, can navigate this messy space with more clarity and confidence.

Connect With Coach Diana

Instagram, TikTok: @coachdianaleigh

Email: coachdianaleigh@gmail.com

In this special episode, I sit down with my client, Taylor Stead, to dive into her transformative journey in healing her lifelong IBS and gut issues. Taylor shares her story of navigating gut health struggles that had been plaguing her for years, from anxiety-induced digestive issues to feeling stuck in the cycle of dietary restrictions and discomfort.

Taylor opens up about the challenges of managing IBS while juggling a demanding lifestyle, and how it led her to explore various coaching and wellness options before finally finding a path that truly worked for her. We discuss the power of mindful eating and how it became the game-changer for her relationship with food, as well as the importance of stress management in the healing process. She also shares how hypnotherapy through the Nerva app played a pivotal role in managing stress and preventing flare-ups.

One of the most insightful parts of Taylor’s journey is her experience with the low FODMAP diet, which she had tried before but never with the structure and support that we created in our coaching. Taylor talks about what it was like to go through the elimination and reintroduction phases with full accountability, and how understanding the connection between stress and gut health has empowered her to make sustainable changes.

Not only has Taylor seen improvements in her gut health, but she’s also celebrated significant wins in her hormonal balance and overall wellbeing, including clearer skin and more stable energy levels. She reflects on how this process has shifted her mindset and empowered her to advocate for her health, making peace with imperfection and embracing the ongoing journey of self-care and healing.

This episode is full of practical tips, relatable struggles, and inspiring moments of progress. Whether you’re dealing with gut issues or simply want to learn more about mindful eating and stress management, Taylor’s journey offers valuable insights for anyone looking to take control of their health.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The power of mindful eating in overcoming IBS and digestive issues

• How stress management and hypnotherapy helped Taylor manage gut health

• The step-by-step process of the low FODMAP approach and how it can improve symptoms

• Insights on hormonal balance and skin health that came as a bonus of gut healing

• The importance of advocating for yourself in health and wellness, even when you don’t have all the answers

If you’ve struggled with IBS or gut health issues and felt discouraged by previous attempts, this episode is for you. Tune in to hear how Taylor broke free from the cycle and embraced a path to healing.

Learn more about 1:1 coaching: www.coachdianaleigh.com/1-1-coaching

Apply for 1:1 coaching today: https://www.bit.ly/applycoachd