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

In today’s episode, I take you through the evolution of my coaching methodology, the Anti-Macro Method, and how it’s adapted over the years to better serve the needs of my clients—especially as I’ve grown into a functional health practitioner. From its roots in intuitive eating and the hand portion method to its new focus on gut health, hormone balance, and sustainable habits, the AMM has become a flexible, client-centered approach to nutrition that helps people make empowered food choices without obsessing over calorie or macro tracking.

• Why I Embraced the Anti-Macro Approach:Starting from my own struggles with restrictive eating and disordered habits, I explain why I walked away from traditional macro tracking and embraced a healthier, more sustainable way of nourishing my body.

• The Anti-Macro Method: A Blend of Flexibility and Structure:Learn how the Anti-Macro Method uses tools like hand portions, food photos, and intuitive eating to build balanced, nutritious meals without requiring clients to track every calorie or gram. It's about creating long-term habits, not short-term fixes.

• My Journey into Functional Health:As my clients’ needs grew to include gut health and hormone balancing, I sought additional education to better serve them. This led to the evolution of AMM to include more tailored nutritional strategies, including fiber-rich foods and symptom journaling.

• The Benefits of Food Journaling and Hand Portions:I discuss how food journaling (especially photo food journaling) became an essential tool to better understand clients' nutrition, as opposed to relying solely on hand portion tracking. This method allows for deeper insights and greater client success, especially for those struggling with gut and hormone issues.

• The Anti-Macro Method Today:With a deeper focus on fiber, hormone health, and practical nutrition solutions, I share how the Anti-Macro Method continues to help clients create lasting results without the pressure of obsessive tracking or perfection.

• Personalization: The Anti-Macro Method is about giving clients the flexibility to choose a method that works for them—whether that’s hand portions, photo food journaling, or intuitive eating.

• Sustainability: The approach encourages structure and balance without the stress of counting every calorie or macro. It’s about long-term progress, not short-term perfection.

• • Empowerment: I emphasize the importance of developing a relationship with food that is based on trust, mindfulness, and self-awareness.
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• CONNECT WITH COACH DIANA
• IG and TikTok @coachdianaleigh
• Email: coachdianaleigh@gmail.com
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• Explore 1:1 coaching and other offers: https://www.coachdianaleigh.com/offers

In this episode, I sit down with David Amerland, who brings a unique perspective on fitness, health, and longevity, blending his deep scientific background with a lifelong passion for human behavior. David shares his insights into how technology, movement, and understanding human behavior intersect in the fitness world, helping us build a sustainable approach to our health.

David takes us through his journey from chemical engineering to digital marketing, and eventually to fitness, where he now explores how our bodies, minds, and even emotional connections impact our fitness journey. We discuss his book, Built to Last, and how it provides a personalized roadmap to fitness, focusing on long-term health rather than quick fixes.

Throughout our conversation, we dive deep into the mind-body connection, exploring how emotional triggers and perceptions can influence physical performance and our long-term success. David also shares how sustainable fitness isn’t about perfection but finding what works for YOU, no matter your age or starting point.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

• How emotional connections impact physical performance.

• The science of longevity and cognitive health through movement.

• Sustainable fitness strategies for lasting results, no matter your lifestyle.

• Overcoming obstacles, including stress, to build momentum for change.

• Why consistency always trumps intensity when it comes to fitness.

If you’ve been looking for a fitness philosophy that’s tailored to your life, without unrealistic expectations, this episode will provide the clarity and insights you need to get started on your path to sustainable health and wellness.

Guest Info:
David Amerland is the author of Built to Last and a recognized expert in the intersection of human behavior, technology, and fitness. With a background in chemical engineering and digital marketing, David uses his knowledge to help people design fitness plans that fit their lives and help them build long-term health. His unique approach focuses on the emotional connection we have with our health goals and how to transform that connection into sustainable action.

You can learn more about David’s work and connect with him on his website and follow him on social media for regular updates and insights into fitness, health, and human behavior.

Website: https://davidamerland.com/

Twitter, Medium, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram: @DavidAmerland

In today’s episode, I’m breaking down how to master your meal prep without the overwhelm. If you’ve ever stared at your fridge, hoping for a magical, nutritious meal to appear, this episode is for you. We dive into a simple, actionable meal prep formula that will make your week easier, healthier, and more organized.

No need for complicated recipes or fancy kitchen gadgets. I’ll show you how to plan balanced meals using a simple approach that includes protein, carbs, veggies, and fats. Plus, I’ll share tips on how to avoid food waste, reduce impulse purchases, and make grocery shopping a breeze.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

• The easiest way to plan meals and stay on track without recipes (unless that’s your thing!).

• How to use a basic formula to prep proteins, carbs, and vegetables that’ll keep you on track all week.

• Why sticking to your grocery list saves you money and time—and how to make it work for your lifestyle.

• How to build a meal plan that works around your schedule, whether you’re cooking once a week or multiple times.

• Why the bulk cooking method might not be the best for everyone, and a flexible alternative that prevents food fatigue.

I’ll also give you the lowdown on how meal prep sets you up for success—not just in the kitchen, but in your overall health journey. Tune in for practical tips and strategies that will change the way you approach meal prep.

If you’ve been struggling with meal prep or just want a simpler way to make it work for you, this episode is for you!

Resources Mentioned:

• Free Meal Prep Guide - My most popular guide to help you get started with meal planning and prepping.

  https://coachdianaleigh.myflodesk.com/mealprepguide

  
  

  CONNECT WITH COACH DIANA

  Instagram, TikTok, Threads @coachdianaleigh

  Email coachdianaleigh@gmail.com

  
  

In today’s episode, we’re diving into the world of red light therapy with Dr. Carl Rothschild, a pioneer in the field and the founder of Trifecta Light™ Technologies. Dr. Rothschild shares his incredible journey from starting in chiropractic care to discovering the transformative power of red light therapy. While the potential of red light therapy is exciting, there are still many aspects that are being researched. In this episode, we explore both the science and the promises behind this therapy, as Dr. Rothschild discusses how it works, its benefits, and how it's revolutionizing the wellness industry.

We discuss:

• How red light therapy works on a cellular level and its powerful impact on mitochondria.

• The science-backed benefits for skin health, recovery, fat loss, and more.

• What to look for when shopping for quality red light therapy products.

• How red light therapy is changing lives—from professional athletes to those with chronic conditions like Hashimoto’s and Parkinson’s disease.

Whether you're new to red light therapy or have been using it for a while, this episode will provide valuable insights into how to harness its full potential for healing, recovery, and overall wellness.

Guest Info

Dr. Carl Rothschild is the founder and owner of Trifecta Light™ Technologies, a leading innovator in LED Infrared/Red Light therapeutic technology. With over 40 years of experience in the health and wellness industry, Dr. Rothschild has become a recognized expert in the field, helping individuals across the world achieve optimal health with cutting-edge red light therapy.

For more information on red light therapy or to get your hands on Dr. Rothschild’s book, Illuminated Healing, visit ⁠Trifecta Light™⁠ or find the book on Amazon.

Notes from Coach Diana

While Dr. Rothschild’s insights into red light therapy are incredibly valuable, I want to take a moment to clarify a few points that are still being studied in the scientific community:

• Fat Loss Mechanism: Dr. Rothschild shared an exciting concept about red light therapy making fat cell walls more porous, allowing fat to leak out. While there is research suggesting that RLT can support fat loss by stimulating fat cells and enhancing circulation, the exact mechanism—such as whether red light therapy directly makes fat cells "porous"—is not yet fully understood or scientifically established as it is part of ongoing research. Red light therapy has shown promise in enhancing metabolic processes, but it's not a substitute for diet and exercise (as stated within the episode).

• Miracle Claims: Throughout the conversation, Dr. Rothschild used the term "miracle" to describe the effects of RLT. While many users report positive results, it’s important to remember that "miraculous" outcomes should be taken with caution. Red light therapy is a growing field, and while the early results are promising, more research is needed to fully understand the scope of its effects.

• Curing Diseases: Dr. Rothschild highlighted how RLT has helped patients with conditions like ulcerative colitis and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. While there are indications that RLT can support healing and symptom management in chronic conditions, it’s important to clarify that RLT should not be viewed as a cure for such conditions. It can be an adjunct therapy, but it’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider for comprehensive treatment.

In this episode, I’m diving into a topic that many people with gut health issues wrestle with—elimination diets. More specifically, the three essential things you need to know before embarking on an elimination diet to improve your gut health.

The most common elimination diet I use with clients is the Low FODMAP diet, which focuses on eliminating specific foods that can trigger gut distress. But before you dive into this process, there are a few key factors to keep in mind.

In this episode, I cover:

• The Importance of Laying the Foundation First: It's critical to ensure your basic gut health habits are in place before you start eliminating foods. This is foundational for long-term success.

• Why Elimination Diets Are Temporary but Take Time: I break down the healing process, how long it should take, and how you can expect to feel throughout the journey.

• Mindset Matters: The right mindset is key to navigating this process and making sure it’s sustainable. I give tips on how to stay committed and stay empowered, even when things get tough.

You’ll walk away with a clear roadmap to approach an elimination diet confidently and avoid some common pitfalls along the way. Ready to start your gut health journey? This episode will help guide the way.

CONNECT WITH COACH DIANA

Instagram, TikTok, Threads @coachdianaleigh

www.coachdianaleigh.com/1-1-coaching