Health Coaching in Startups: Insights With Neal Sundberg

In this insightful episode of the Health and Wellness Coach Journal Podcast, Dr. Jessica Singh interviews Neal Sundberg, NBC-HWC, CRC, a recognized leader in health and wellness coaching with over a decade of experience in mental health counseling, coaching, and healthcare innovation. Neal has played key roles at Ginger and Headspace, where he helped scale a 24/7 coaching platform from 500 to more than 8,000 weekly sessions—while enhancing outcomes and the overall member experience. Currently, he serves as Director of Coaching at Brightline, overseeing training and quality for Bright Life Kids, a program that offers free coaching to children aged 0 to 12 living in California.  Neal’s journey into coaching began with his own search for meaning during a period of mental health challenges in college. Initially pursuing a career in therapy, he earned his master’s in counseling but ultimately discovered coaching as a way to support people without the barriers of diagnoses or insurance requirements. At Ginger, he found a space where coaching could meet subclinical needs and empower people to move from surviving to thriving.  Together, Dr. Singh and Neal discuss the similarities and differences between therapy and coaching, the opportunities and challenges of working in a startup environment, and the lessons he learned when stepping into leadership roles in the tech-enabled coaching space. Neal also shares his groundbreaking work with children and parents at Bright Life Kids. The conversation also highlights how technology—from scaling platforms to AI-powered tools—can expand access, reduce administrative burdens, and ultimately help coaches do what they love most: coach.  Neal’s story is a powerful reminder of how curiosity, courage, and compassion can shape not only a career but also the future of health and wellness coaching. His insights offer inspiration for coaches, healthcare professionals, and anyone eager to explore how coaching can transform both individual lives and entire systems of care. For detailed show notes, resources, and information to connect with Neal Sundberg, visit: https://www.centerforhealthandwellnesscoaches.com/blog/health-coaching-in-startups-insights-with-neal-sundberg To be notified of new episodes, subscribe here:  https://www.centerforhealthandwellnesscoaches.com/stay-connected Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction 1:36 - Neal’s Journey To Becoming A Coach 4:15 - Exploring Common Ground Between Coaching And Therapy And Understanding Their Differences 7:24 - Neal’s Insights On Coaching Leadership In A Start-Up Environment 12:14 - Neal’s Experience Coaching Kids 17:51 - Enhancing Coaching Impact Through Technology 22:18 - Takeaways  

In this insightful episode of the Health and Wellness Coach Journal Podcast, Dr. Jessica Singh sits down with Aimee Carlson a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach, licensed massage therapist, Chopra-certified meditation teacher, Duke-trained coach, and co-founder of Mountain Lotus Wellbeing. Through her coaching practice, Aimee helps women cultivate balance, vitality, and alignment. Aimee’s path was shaped by both personal and professional turning points. Although she had long been interested in massage therapy, early career priorities and the demands of being a young mother led her toward the corporate world. Years later, career burnout, shifting values, and a back injury prompted her to reconsider her direction. Recognizing massage therapy as a powerful tool for healing rather than just an occasional luxury, she left her corporate role and completed massage school.  However, when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted her hands-on practice, she felt called to expand her work through coaching and transition careers. Together, Dr. Singh and Aimee explore the synergies between coaching and massage therapy, including shared ethical foundations, the role of presence and intuition, and the research-supported benefits of massage. They also talk about the journey of health and wellness professionals seeking to integrate multiple modalities into a sustainable, values-driven practice.  Aimee's journey is a powerful reminder that healing is not linear, and that having knowledge of multiple holistic health modalities can offer clients a deeper, more lasting transformation. Her heart-led approach offers valuable insight for anyone building a practice rooted in compassion and purpose.  For detailed show notes, resources, and information to connect with Aimee Carlson, visit: https://www.centerforhealthandwellnesscoaches.com/blog/navigating-dual-practice-as-a-coach-and-massage-therapist-with-aimee-carlson To be notified of new episodes, subscribe here:  https://www.centerforhealthandwellnesscoaches.com/stay-connected Resources Mentioned in This Episode:  American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). Research Articles & Position Statements. https://www.amtamassage.org  Society for Oncology Massage. https://www.s4om.org Timestamps 0:00 - Introduction 1:41 - Called to Heal: Aimee’s Motivation to Pursue Massage Therapy 3:47 - Aimee’s Journey Into Coaching 7:02 - Aimee’s Experience: The Requirements of Becoming a Massage Therapist 9:26 - What Is the Scope of Practice for Massage Therapists? 11:41 - Benefits of Massage Therapy 18:22 - Contraindications to Massage Therapy 20:13 - Aimee’s Experience Practicing Both Coaching and Massage Therapy 29:59 - Takeaways

In this episode of the Health and Wellness Coach Journal Podcast, Dr. Jessica Singh sits down with Clare Norman, Master Certified Coach and author of Cultivating Coachability. With over twenty years of experience in coaching and coach supervision, Clare is on a mission to encourage coaches to be more vocal about coachability, expecting more of coaching custodians and thinkers alike such that those thinkers are coaching-ready  Together, Clare and Dr. Singh explore the often-overlooked but essential concept of coachability: what it is, how it differs from coaching readiness, and why it matters. Clare offers thoughtful distinctions that speak to the heart of what many coaches experience in practice: misalignment, unclear expectations, or clients who may not yet be ready for the work coaching entails. This conversation highlights how coaches must cultivate coachability to stay aligned with their ethics and scope of practice, regardless of their niche or practice setting. In this episode, Clare Norman also explores the often-overlooked role of the coaching custodian—those who hold responsibility for the structure, delivery, and integrity of coaching within organizations. In private practice, the coach often assumes this role themselves, making intentional coach screening and assessing whether coaching is appropriate particularly important. Clare offers thoughtful guidance on setting boundaries, screening for coachability, and reframing success in ways that support more ethical, sustainable coaching relationships. Her insights equip coaches to lead with greater clarity, care, and accountability—whether they’re working independently or within a broader system. Whether you're a new coach navigating your first few clients or a seasoned practitioner, this episode sheds light on how to cultivate coachability for deeper, more sustainable impact.  For detailed show notes, resources, and information to connect with Clare Norman, visit: https://www.centerforhealthandwellnesscoaches.com/blog/why-cultivating-coachability-is-key-for-effective-coaching-with-clare-norman To be notified of new episodes, subscribe here:  https://www.centerforhealthandwellnesscoaches.com/stay-connected Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Norman, Clare. Cultivating Coachability: How to Leverage Coaching Readiness So Thinkers Can Optimise Value. Right Book Press, 2024. Norman, Clare. Mentor Coaching: A Practical Guide. McGraw-Hill Education (UK), 2020.  Norman, Clare. The Transformational Coach: Free Your Thinking and Break Through to Coaching Mastery. Right Book Press, 2022. Timestamps 0:00 - Introduction 1:57 - Clare’s Summary of Cultivating Coachability 4:54 - Coachability: The Overlooked Essential in Coach Training 7:30 - How Do You Show the Value of Coaching? 13:05 - Coaching Readiness vs. Coachability: What’s the Difference? 16:59 - The Role of a Coach: Exploring the Essence of Coaching 28:16 - Understanding the Distinction Between Mentoring and Supervision 32:07 - The Essential Role of the Coaching Custodian 35:47 - Beyond the Initial Coaching Agreement: Recontracting 37:37 - Takeaways

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of the Health and Wellness Coach Journal Podcast, Dr. Jessica Singh sits down with Dean Hall, a licensed therapist and success coach with over 35 years of experience. A two-time cancer survivor and two-time world record-setting extreme distance swimmer, he is the first person in history to swim the entire 187-mile length of Oregon’s longest river, the Willamette River, which he completed as an active cancer patient, and Ireland’s longest river, the River Shannon, measuring 180 miles. These swims were not only physical feats but also marked spiritual and emotional turning points that led to an unexpected remission and ignited a powerful new calling. Dean shares the extraordinary story of how the death of his beloved wife Mary and his own repeated brushes with mortality catalyzed a profound transformation in his understanding of healing. Instead of following the conventional advice to "fight cancer," Dean began to question the cultural conditioning around illness and realized that staying in a chronic state of fight-or-flight was preventing true healing. Inspired by a shift in perspective—from battling disease to loving life—Dean embraced the healing power of nature and purpose, leading to an unexpected remission and the founding of his initiative, Wild Cure Way, to help individuals leave behind the confines of concrete jungles and digital distractions to rediscover the transformative healing power of nature through his nature-based approach. Throughout the episode, Dean and Dr. Singh explore how becoming one’s own best advocate, reclaiming agency, and reconnecting with nature can lead to physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. Dean reflects on how his fight against cancer evolved into a practice of surrender, presence, and purpose—urging coaches and healthcare providers alike to walk alongside patients with humility, grace, and deep listening. His story is not only a testament to the resilience of the human spirit but also a reminder that healing is not merely about pursuing a cure; it’s about reclaiming meaning and connection during the time we have. Dean and Dr. Singh explore how purpose, immersion in nature, and mindset shifts can foster profound healing physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Dean also shares how he reframed his fight with cancer by choosing to love life rather than fight disease, and how this shift in perspective empowered his transformation. This episode is a powerful testament to the power of purpose, the impact of nature on health and healing, and how coaches and healthcare providers can support individuals during their most defining moments through deep listening and by encouraging reconnection with what matters most. For detailed show notes, resources, and information to connect with Dean Hall, visit: https://www.centerforhealthandwellnesscoaches.com/blog/healing-from-cancer-wild-water-swimming-and-the-power-of-purpose-with-dean-hall To be notified of new episodes, subscribe here: https://www.centerforhealthandwellnesscoaches.com/stay-connected Resources Mentioned in This Episode Turner, Kelly A. Radical Remission: Surviving Cancer Against All Odds. HarperOne, 2014. Turner, Kelly A. Radical Hope: 10 Key Healing Factors from Exceptional Survivors of Cancer and Other Diseases. Hay House, 2020. Hall, Dean. The Wild Cure Way. 2023 Radical Remission Project. Radical Remission Project. https://radicalremission.com Li, Qing. Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness. Viking, 2018. Timestamps 0:00 - Introduction 3:23 - Dean's Healing Journey 15:14 - Turning Points 33:05 - Swimming Toward Legacy: How Deans' Dream Led to Unexpected Healing and Remission 39:46 - Trading Fighting Cancer for Loving Life 42:36 - Be Your Own Best Advocate 48:40 - Takeaways

In this episode of the Health and Wellness Coach Journal Podcast, Dr. Jessica Singh speaks with Leigh-Ann Webster, NBC-HWC, about the evolution and impact of health and wellness coach certification. Leigh-Ann is a recognized leader in the field of health and wellness coaching, with a career dedicated to advancing industry standards. She served as the Executive Director of the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) from 2016 until 2024, leading the organization to global recognition in training and certification and impacting over 10,000 coaches worldwide. A passionate advocate for the profession, Leigh-Ann shares her personal and professional journey into coaching, as well as the pivotal moments that shaped the field’s evolution. From building the original competencies of the NBHWC to the landmark collaboration with the National Board of Medical Examiners resulting in the coach certifying exam, Leigh-Ann offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it took to create a nationally recognized credential for health and wellness coaches. Together, Leigh-Ann and Dr. Singh explore the evolving role of coaching in healthcare, emphasizing the importance of research and advocacy in advancing the field through education and awareness. This episode is a powerful reminder of the dedication required to effect change.  Whether you're a coach, a healthcare provider, or simply curious about the growth and future of the profession, this episode offers an inspiring glimpse into where health and wellness coaching began, the progress that’s brought it to where it is today, and the possibilities that lie ahead. Resources Mentioned in This Episode 1. Turner, Kelly A. Radical Remission: Surviving Cancer Against All Odds. Harper Collins, 2014. 2. Abu Dabrh, Abd Moain, et al. "Compendium of Health and Wellness Coaching: 2023 Addendum." Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine (2025). For detailed show notes, resources, and information to connect with Leigh-Ann Webster, NBC-HWC, visit: https://www.centerforhealthandwellnesscoaches.com/blog/the-evolution-and-impact-of-health-and-wellness-coach-certification-with-leigh-ann-webster  To be notified of new episodes, subscribe here: https://www.centerforhealthandwellnesscoaches.com/stay-connected Timestamps 0:00 - Introduction 2:49 - Leigh Ann’s Journey Into Coaching 11:15 - Insights on the Evolution of the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching 15:12 - Formation of the NBHWC Coach Certifying Exam 19:25 - The Impact of the NBC-HWC Credential 24:48 - The Value of Coach Credentialing 26:48 - An Unsolved Conundrum: Coaching in Healthcare 32:30 - Coaching in Disaster Relief: Meeting People Where They Are 35:16 - Leigh-Ann's Experience Hiking the John Muir Trail 41:04 - Takeaways 

In this eye-opening episode of the Health and Wellness Coach Journal Podcast, Dr. Jessica Singh speaks with Dr. William Davis, a renowned cardiologist. Dr. Davis is the author of the New York Times bestselling books Wheat Belly, Wheat Belly Cookbook, Wheat Belly 30-Minutes (or Less!) Cookbook, and Wheat Belly Total Health, and several other books, including Wheat Belly 10-Day Grain Detox, Undoctored, and Super Gut.  Dr. Davis challenges the conventional medical approach to heart disease, revealing startling truths about the foods we eat and widespread misinformation we encounter. Dr. Davis explores the primary contributors to heart disease, particularly the role of wheat and sugar in the development of insulin resistance. He also examines the limitations of conventional cholesterol tests, emphasizes the significance of triglycerides as a marker of heart health, and highlights the need for a more comprehensive, evidence-based understanding of cardiovascular risk. In this conversation, Dr. Davis delves into the profound benefits of a wheat-free diet, alongside nutrient-dense foods such as Omega-3, B12, and hyaluronic acid, providing listeners with practical strategies for improving heart health and overall well-being. He also explains how modern wheat has been genetically altered, contributing to nutrient deficiencies that can exacerbate chronic conditions. Whether you’re a coach, healthcare provider, and/or simply interested in how nutrition can transform health, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how nutrition plays a pivotal role in preventing and managing chronic diseases. Tune in for an enlightening discussion that will inspire you to rethink traditional health paradigms and take actionable steps toward optimal health. For detailed show notes, resources, and information to connect with Dr. William Davis visit: https://www.centerforhealthandwellnesscoaches.com/blog/the-dangers-of-wheat-insights-on-heart-disease-and-healthy-living-from-dr-william-davis   To be notified of new episodes, subscribe here: https://www.centerforhealthandwellnesscoaches.com/stay-connected Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction 1:21 - Challenging Conventional Medicine's Approach to Heart Disease: Dr. Davis’s Journey Beyond Cardiology Norms  5:40 - What Routine Cholesterol Tests Don't Tell Us About Heart Health 8:33 - Wheat and Sugar: Leading Culprits of Heart Disease and Insulin Resistance 12:31 - Navigating The Challenges Of Finding Credible Health Information 19:25 - Triglycerides: A Key Indicator Of Health 21:18 -From Misinformation And Medication To Lifestyle Changes: Rewriting Health 25:33 - Exploring A Wheat-Free Diet And The Benefits Of Omega-3, B12, and Hyaluronic Acid  32:52 From Ancient Grains to Modern Wheat: The Genetic Shift and Resulting Nutrient Deficiencies 40:00 - Takeaways 

In this episode of the Health and Wellness Coach Journal Podcast, Dr. Jessica Singh interviews Liz Kiniry, NBC-HWC, a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach who specializes in working with clients living with multiple sclerosis. Liz’s journey into coaching was shaped by her background as a chef, her passion for health and wellness, and personal experiences with chronic disease in her family. She worked as a coach with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and coaches in private practice, helping people build confidence, resilience, and strategies for managing their health. In her conversation with Dr. Singh, Liz shares how she transitioned into coaching and the unique role health and wellness coaches have in supporting individuals with MS. Together, Dr. Singh and Liz explore the challenges that people with MS face. Liz shares coaching insights, discussing the importance of active listening, meeting clients where they are, and helping them navigate challenges. Liz also highlights how coaches serve as a vital bridge between patients and healthcare providers, empowering individuals to implement medical guidance in a way that aligns with their unique situations, values, and goals. Listen in to learn how health and wellness coaches can support for people with multiple sclerosis, become an integral part of the healthcare team, and foster empowerment in the face of life’s challenges. For detailed show notes, resources, and information to connect with Liz Kiniry, visit: https://www.centerforhealthandwellnesscoaches.com/blog/how-coaching-can-benefit-people-with-multiple-sclerosis-featuring-liz-kiniry For more information about multiple sclerosis, visit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society: https://www.nationalmssociety.org/ To be notified of new episodes, subscribe here: https://www.centerforhealthandwellnesscoaches.com/stay-connected Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction1:05 – Liz’s Journey To Becoming A Coach3:02 – How Liz Became A Coach For People With Multiple Sclerosis7:35 – Multiple Sclerosis 10112:37 – How Coaching Can Benefit People With Multiple Sclerosis16:39 – Coaching Bridges Gaps In Healthcare24:33 – Navigating MS: Building Care Teams & Finding Resources 27:32 – MS Challenges: Understanding The Journey33:09 – Liz’s Experience Of Fulfillment Through Coaching39:17 - Takeaways

In this episode of the Health and Wellness Coach Journal Podcast, Dr. Jessica Singh speaks with Dr. Raquel Harrison, an Emergency and Lifestyle Medicine Physician based in Fairfield County, Connecticut. Dr. Harrison previously served as an Assistant Program Director for the Emergency Medicine Residency at Yale and was an Assistant Professor. Upon leaving Yale, she sought to understand her own health with a new lens and is now also board certified in Lifestyle Medicine. She worked as a part-time Emergency Medicine Physician at Bridgeport Hospital, Yale New Haven Health for over 5 years.  In this episode, Dr. Harrison shares her journey into the pursuit of lifestyle medicine and discusses the six pillars of lifestyle medicine. Together, Dr. Harrison and Dr. Singh explore the importance of aligning our actions and goals with our values and the transformative impacts of social connection, faith, and grounding in spirituality. Tune in to learn how lifestyle medicine is changing the healthcare paradigm and why empowering patients and providers with lifestyle medicine is at the heart of creating lasting, impactful change.  Whether you’re a coach, healthcare provider, or simply curious about the intersection of modern medicine and holistic health, this conversation offers profound insights and practical takeaways.  For detailed show notes, resources, and information to connect with Dr. Harrison, visit: https://www.centerforhealthandwellnesscoaches.com/blog/empowering-healthcare-with-lifestyle-medicine-with-dr-raquel-harrison For more information about lifestyle medicine, visit the American College of Lifestyle Medicine at https://lifestylemedicine.org/ To be notified of new episodes, subscribe here: https://www.centerforhealthandwellnesscoaches.com/stay-connected Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction 3:14 - Dr. Harrison’s Journey into Lifestyle Medicine  9:43 - Integrating Lifestyle Medicine into Practice: Insights for Coaches and Health Care Providers 15:20 - Harnessing Coaching In Lifestyle Medicine To Empower Change 19:43: Aligning Actions With Values: Grounding In Spirituality 26:49 – Shifting The Healthcare Paradigm with Lifestyle Medicine 31:56 - Takeaways 

In this episode of the Health and Wellness Coach Journal Podcast, Dr. Jessica Singh interviews Dr. Sarah Wittry, DO, a hospice and palliative care physician, wife, and mom of four. Through her platform, Vibrant Humans, she helps women reclaim their time, energy, and joy. Her mission is to support women in creating a more vibrant, balanced life aligned with what truly matters to them. In this episode, Dr. Wittry shares her personal journey of navigating infertility, adoption, anxiety, and burnout while balancing the demanding roles of physician and mother. She opens up about recognizing red flags of misalignment, embracing her core values, and finding small yet impactful ways to bring more intentionality and joy into her life. Sarah offers practical advice for coaches and healthcare providers on cultivating emotional awareness, setting boundaries, and supporting their clients and patients in creating values-driven lives. Her story and strategies provide a powerful example of how authenticity and small changes can lead to transformative outcomes. Listen in to discover how you can integrate these insights to align your life with what truly matters and inspire others to do the same. For detailed shownotes, resources, and information to connect with Dr. Wittry, visit: https://www.centerforhealthandwellnesscoaches.com/blog/small-shifts-big-impact-aligning-core-values-with-dr-sarah-wittry To be notified of new episodes, subscribe here: https://www.centerforhealthandwellnesscoaches.com/stay-connected Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction 1:37 - Dr. Wittry’s Journey to Aligning Her Work With Her Values 6:07 - Raising Awareness and Taking Small Steps: The Path To Meaningful Change  8:38 - Warning Signs of Misalignment 11:00 - Redefining the Narrative & Overcoming Burnout 16:04 - Innovating Paths to Fulfillment 19:43 - Tangible Steps to Align Your Life With Your Values 26:33 - Takeaways

In this episode of the Health and Wellness Coach Journal Podcast, Dr. Jessica Singh interviews Michelle Trudel, NBC-HWC—a dynamic coach whose practice is rooted in the philosophy of empowerment self-defense as a lifestyle. Michelle brings a rich tapestry of expertise as a certified Empowerment Self-Defense instructor, boxing fitness trainer, Yoga Alliance-certified meditation teacher, and a dedicated student of herbalism under the renowned Rosemary Gladstar. She also brings her experience as a Radical Remission workshop leader to her transformative coaching practice. In this episode, Michelle shares her journey into coaching, blending her expertise in health and wellness, self-defense, and trauma-informed practices. Michelle explains how coaching through the lens of empowerment self-defense nurtures self-empowerment by creating safe, nonjudgmental spaces for clients to access their own wisdom as they navigate their health and healing journeys. Together, Dr. Singh and Michelle discuss how coaching has the potential to help bridge gaps in health care. In this episode, listeners will gain valuable insights into empowering your clients through tailored coaching techniques, cultivating trauma awareness, and helping individuals unlock their personal “superhero tool belt." Whether you’re a seasoned coach or just starting your journey, this episode offers valuable tools and inspiration to deepen your impact. For detailed shownotes, resources, and information to connect with Michelle visit: https://www.centerforhealthandwellnesscoaches.com/blog/coaching-through-the-lens-of-empowerment-self-defense-with-michelle-trudel To be notified of new episodes, subscribe here: https://www.centerforhealthandwellnesscoaches.com/stay-connected Timestamps 0:00 - Introduction 1:23 - Michelle's Journey To Becoming A Coach 3:20 - Michelle's Holistic Alignment With Coaching As A Means Of Self-Defense  7:39 - Coaching Has The Potential To Bridge Gaps In Health Inequity 10:46 - Coaching Helps Support Patients To Navigate The Health Care System  12:48 - Coaching Calls For A Shift In The Health Care Paradigm 18:10 - Coaching Through The Lens Of Empowerment Self-Defense 21:35 - Finding Your Coaching Niche 26:27 - The Importance Of Coaching With Trauma Awareness 29:41 - Resources 31:38 - Takeaways