Primal Alternative Podcast

PAP 123: Root Cause Healing with Nutritionist Elyse Comerford

In this episode, I’m joined by highly respected Nutritionist and GAPS Practitioner, Elyse Comerford from Well Belly Health. Elyse has helped hundreds of families (including mine!) address the root cause of ongoing health issues — from allergies and gut pain to hormonal imbalances and skin troubles.
Together, we answer real-life listener questions covering:👩‍👧‍👦 Migraines, poor sleep, and stress🌸 Severe period pain, eczema, and hormonal imbalance👃 Chronic sinus issues and grommets in kids🌶️ Food sensitivities (chilli + capsicum reactions!)🧠 Feeling stuck in symptom-management🌀 A complex case involving a teen with gut pain, food reactions, no period yet, and needing spinal and dental supportElyse shares how she thinks through each situation, what might be going on underneath, and how her root cause approach can help guide real, lasting healing.
🥣 Mentioned in this episode:
Well Belly Granola – A GAPS-friendly, gut-supportive granola created by Elyse and now available through primalalternative.com, via local Primalistas, stockists, or from Elyse’s online shop at wellbellyhealth.com.au.
The Primalista Licence – Interested in baking beautiful grain-free products like this from your own kitchen? Take the Primalista Quiz or book a free 30-minute chat with me at primalalternative.com.
🌿 Connect with Elyse:
Website: wellbellyhealth.com.au
Instagram: @wellbellyhealth
🎧 Listen now and discover how to shift from managing symptoms to uncovering the true why behind what’s going on in the body.

PAP 122: Reclaiming Your Mojo in Midlife with Cathy Carr

After a long, sun-soaked summer break (because, hello, perks of being your own boss! 😉), I’m back and bringing you an incredible chat with the one and only Cathy Carr—holistic nutrition, movement, and lifestyle coach with over 30 years of experience helping women thrive.
Cathy has been through her own health transformation, going from being a ‘sick fit woman’ to someone who truly understands what it takes to feel good in midlife. In this episode, she shares her powerful insights on:
✅ Why working IN before you work OUT is key for midlife women✅ The MOJO Method and how it helps navigate menopause with more ease✅ The best exercises for energy, strength & longevity (and the myths we need to ditch!)✅ How stress impacts our health and how to reconnect with our natural flow
🎁 FREEBIE ALERT! Cathy is giving away her Create Calm in Your Life guide—perfect if you’re feeling overwhelmed and craving more balance. Grab your copy here.
🎉 GIVEAWAY TIME! Head over to @primalalternative on Instagram to enter our special giveaway where you could win a 1-hour Reset Session with Cathy Carr AND a delicious bundle of grain-free Primal Alternative goodies! 🌿
💬 Connect with Cathy:🌐 Website📷 Instagram📘 Facebook
👩‍🍳 P.SLove the idea of baking from home while running your own health-focused business? Find out more about becoming a Primal Alternative producer here: 👉 www.primalalternative.com/licence
Enjoy the episode! If you loved it, let us know by tagging @primalalternative on socials! 🎙️💚

PAP 121: The Power of Holistic Wellness with Kylie Gates

Welcome back to the Primal Alternative Podcast! In today’s episode, I’m absolutely thrilled (and a little starstruck!) to sit down with the one and only Kylie Gates! If you’re a fan of holistic health and wellness, you’ll know exactly why I’m so excited—Kylie is a powerhouse in this space and has been transforming lives for over 30 years. She’s a Master Certified Integrative Wellness & Life Coach, a Creative Director at Les Mills International, a yoga instructor, and the Head Program Coach for Les Mills. Talk about inspiring, right?
In our chat, Kylie shares her unique journey, her take on wellness from the inside out, and her belief that coaching yourself is the first step to guiding others. We dive into her approach to integrated wellness, covering physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Kylie also opens up about the lessons she’s learned from coaching herself and what keeps her going in a wellness industry full of youthful energy.
And for a fun little peek behind the scenes, I had to ask her—what weights does she really use in BodyPump? (Spoiler alert: it’s inspiring and so relatable!)
Whether you’re new to wellness or a long-time health enthusiast, Kylie’s advice on simple practices for holistic well-being is going to be a game-changer. So grab a cup of tea, settle in, and enjoy this inspiring episode!
Connect with Kylie Gates:
Website: Kylie Gates Coaching (double-check the URL for accuracy)
Instagram: @kyliegatesofficial
Facebook: Kylie Gates Coaching
Follow Primal Alternative for more updates:
Website: Primal Alternative
Instagram: @primalalternative
Facebook: Primal Alternative
Thanks for tuning in! If you loved this episode, please rate, review, and share it with anyone who might need a little wellness inspiration today. And stay tuned for more amazing guests coming your way on the Primal Alternative Podcast!

PAP 120: How to Live an Exceptional Life in 2025 with Marcus Pearce

In this episode of the Primal Alternative Podcast, I chat with longevity expert, speaker, and author Marcus Pearce. Marcus is the author of Your Exceptional Life and has dedicated his life to helping others live with more purpose, health, and happiness. We dive deep into what it means to make the rest of your life the best of your life – starting right now.
Topics Discussed:•What we can do to make 2025 the best year of our lives•Marcus’s perspective on death and how he embraces it in his philosophy as a longevity expert•The key steps to elevate your life from mediocrity to exceptional•The role of the “Blue Zones” in understanding longevity and fulfilment•Advice on work-life balance, especially for those feeling overwhelmed by “life admin”
Key Links & Resources:👉 Take the quiz and download Marcus’s free eBook and audio version of Your Exceptional Life:
Visit Marcus’s Website Here👉 Follow Marcus on Social Media:•Instagram: @marcusdpearce•Facebook: Marcus Pearce
This is such a rich and inspiring conversation, so don’t miss out! If you’re ready to stop living a mediocre life and embrace something truly exceptional, Marcus’s insights will give you a powerful push in the right direction.

PAP 119: Festive Season Made Easy: Low-Tox Tips with Alexx Stuart

In this episode of the Primal Alternative Podcast, I’m joined by the fabulous Alexx Stuart from Low Tox Life, and we’re diving into how to make your holiday season smoother, stress-free, and full of joy. Alexx is sharing her expert tips to help you enjoy the festive season without breaking a sweat or your budget.
Here’s a sneak peek of what we cover:
Holiday Entertaining Without the Overwhelm: Alexx shares her practical tips for hosting a stress-free holiday, no matter your budget. You’ll learn how to keep things simple but still wow your guests!
Timelining for Holiday Season Ninja Vibes: Want to feel like you’ve got it all together this holiday season? Alexx talks about creating a timeline to keep you organized and calm, from prep to party time.
Lists, Lists, Lists: The key to staying on track! We chat about how creating lists and sticking to them can help you stay on budget, on task, and avoid that holiday chaos.
Are You a Christmas Martyr? Doing everything yourself? We talk about how to break free from the “I’ll do it all” mentality and get the family to pitch in, making it a team effort!
Family Appreciation and Pitching In: Alexx highlights what we can learn from other cultures about coming together as a family and showing appreciation for one another’s contributions during the holidays.
What’s on the Table: We share some of our favorite Christmas dishes, with a focus on delicious, seasonal, and local food that will make your table shine without adding stress.
Leftovers and Reducing Waste: No one wants to see Christmas food go to waste! Alexx shares some creative ways to use your holiday leftovers and reduce food waste, so you can feel good about what’s on your plate.
Tune in to get some practical advice and festive inspiration to help you have a meaningful, relaxed, and low-tox holiday season. You’ll walk away with tips that’ll keep you calm, collected, and ready to enjoy the season to its fullest.
Follow Low Tox Life on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lowtoxlife/

PAP 118: Baking Business Success Stories with Aurelia from Philosophy of Yum

In This Episode: Helen Marshall is joined by the wonderful Aurelia from Philosophy of Yum, an inspiring home baker who has turned her passion into a thriving business. Aurelia is a heart-led individual with an authentic love for baking and a deep desire to help others achieve success from their own kitchens. Her journey and teachings are grounded in practical, mindset-based strategies that take you from being a passionate baker to a confident business owner.
What You’ll Learn:
Aurelia’s Journey: Learn how Aurelia made the leap from hobby baker to full-fledged business owner, and how her passion for creating beautiful, delicious products is matched by her passion for helping others do the same.
Heart-Led Teaching: Aurelia’s generous free content has helped countless home bakers turn their craft into a stable source of income. Her guidance goes beyond recipes, focusing on mindset shifts and practical strategies to grow your business.
Practical Tips: Get actionable advice on how to start and scale a home-based baking business, including key considerations like pricing, branding, and attracting the right customers.
Inspiring Stories: Hear about the success stories of others who have followed Aurelia’s path, overcoming fear and imposter syndrome to build a fulfilling and sustainable baking business.
Why You’ll Love Aurelia: I’ve had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Aurelia, and I just adore her! She’s one of those rare souls who combines incredible knowledge with a truly giving heart. Her passion for baking is contagious, and her desire to help others succeed shines through in everything she does. Whether it’s her paid content or her incredibly generous free resources, Aurelia’s teachings offer a perfect balance of mindset work and actionable steps to help you take that leap from hobbyist to business owner.
Links & Resources:
Philosophy of Yum: Learn more about Aurelia’s work and discover resources for aspiring home bakers.
Home Bakery Startup Guide: Check out her comprehensive guide to starting a successful home bakery.
Follow Aurelia on Instagram for inspiration, tips, and updates.
Join the Conversation: Feeling inspired to start or grow your own baking business? Share your thoughts and experiences with us using #PrimalAlternativePodcast on social media!
Subscribe & Review: If you loved this episode, don’t forget to subscribe to the Primal Alternative podcast and leave a review. Your feedback helps us continue bringing you inspiring stories and practical advice!

PAP 117: Healing from Within with Naturopath Lauren Jane

In this episode, we dive deep into holistic health and healing with Australian naturopath, herbalist, and nutritionist Lauren Jane. Lauren specializes in helping women heal their digestion, tune into the signals from their bodies, and eat intuitively. Her journey through overcoming her own health challenges is nothing short of inspiring, and she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Lauren’s Personal Health Journey: Discover how Lauren navigated through IBS and mould toxicity, and the pivotal moments that transformed her approach to health.
Unpacking the Drivers Behind Health Issues: Learn about the impact of stress, unprocessed trauma, binge eating, and binge drinking on Lauren’s health and how she recognized and addressed these factors.
The Influence of Psychology and Naturopathy: Lauren shares key strategies and treatments from her background in psychology and naturopathy that significantly impacted her healing journey.
Understanding Intuitive Eating and Chi Nei Tsang: Explore these powerful practices and how they played a crucial role in Lauren’s recovery, along with the benefits they can offer to others.
Embracing a Holistic Approach to Wellbeing: Gain practical tips and wisdom on integrating a holistic approach into your life to enhance digestive health and overall wellbeing.
Connect with Lauren Jane:
Instagram: @laurenjane.naturopath
Website: Kiyah Wellness
Gut Health Assessment: Gut Health Assessment
Free Emotional Eating Survival Guide: Emotional Eating Survival Guide
Questions Explored in This Episode:
Personal Health Journey:
“Lauren, can you share with us your personal health journey, specifically dealing with IBS and mold toxicity? What were some of the most challenging aspects, and how did you navigate through them?”
Recognizing Health Drivers:
“You mentioned stress, unprocessed trauma, binge eating, and binge drinking as drivers behind your health issues. How did you come to recognize these factors, and what steps did you take to address and manage them?”
Influence of Psychology and Naturopathy:
“How did your background in psychology and naturopathy influence your approach to treating yourself? Can you elaborate on some of the key strategies or treatments you discovered during your studies that had the most significant impact on your healing?”
Intuitive Eating and Chi Nei Tsang:
“Can you explain what intuitive eating and Chi Nei Tsang are, and how they played a role in your recovery? How can these practices benefit others who might be struggling with similar issues?”
Holistic Approach to Wellbeing:
“You emphasize the necessity and power of a holistic approach to wellbeing. Could you share some wisdom and practical tips on how women can start integrating a holistic approach into their lives to improve their digestive health and overall wellbeing?”
Tune in to this enlightening conversation and learn how to take control of your health journey with the guidance of Lauren Jane.

PAP 116: So Seed Oils Are OK Now???? With Cyndi O'Meara

In this episode of the Primal Alternative Podcast, host Helen Marshall dives into the confusing world of seed oils and the surprising new stance from Whole30 on their consumption. Helen felt unsettled after reading that seed oils, long criticised in many health circles, were now being promoted by Whole30—and knew she had to reach out to trusted expert Cyndi O’Meara to get some clarity.
Cyndi O’Meara, founder of The Nutrition Academy and author of Lab to Table, joins Helen to unravel the complex narratives surrounding seed oils and new developments in the food industry. In this episode, they explore:
Whole30’s surprising promotion of vegetable oils—what’s behind it?
The buzz around Zero Acre Oil, a new alternative to conventional seed oils.
Why Melissa Urban, founder of Whole30, may have distanced herself from Zero Acre Oil.
CSIRO’s role in the conversation and the rise of synthetic biology—what is it, and why should we care?
Bill Gates’ latest venture: creating a fat from coal—how does it fit into the bigger picture?
Cyndi’s guiding philosophies of Vitalism and Historical Perspective, helping us navigate these confusing times with empowerment instead of fear.
This episode is a must-listen if you’ve been feeling confused or concerned about the food industry’s latest shifts and the reintroduction of products like seed oils into ‘healthy’ diets. Cyndi’s thoughtful insights offer clarity and practical advice on how to stay informed and make the best choices for your health.
Tune in to hear Helen and Cyndi break down these topics and provide empowering strategies to navigate our modern food system with confidence.

PAP 115: Understanding Perimenopause with Melissa Hohaia

In this episode, we’re joined by the incredible Mel, a heart-led health professional with over two decades of experience in the health and fitness industry. Mel has dedicated her career to empowering women with a greater understanding of their health, guiding and supporting them on a journey to discover personalised health approaches that transform their wellness.
Mel is not only a successful businesswoman and a mother of three but also a genuinely hard-working chick who understands the real-life juggle of balancing it all while still prioritising self-care. In our conversation, Mel dives deep into the topic of perimenopause, explaining what it is, what’s happening in a woman’s body during this time, and why many women often don’t realise what’s going on until after it’s all happened.
Highlights:– Mel’s inspiring journey in the health and fitness industry and her passion for empowering women.– An in-depth explanation of perimenopause and the physical changes women experience during this time.– The importance of a different approach to health for women going through perimenopause.– Key areas women should nurture and look after during perimenopause to maintain a high quality of life.– Practical tips and strategies for balancing life and self-care during this transition.– Mel’s love for analogies, which she uses throughout the episode to help simplify and explain the complex and sometimes taboo topic of perimenopause.– A list of actionable tips from Mel that you can implement right now to support yourself through this natural stage of transition.
Join us for an enlightening and empowering conversation with Mel, filled with valuable insights and practical advice for navigating perimenopause with confidence and ease. Don’t miss out on Mel’s expert knowledge and relatable analogies that make understanding this important topic so much easier. Tune in now!
Follow Mel @melissa.hohaia.naturopath on Facebook and instagram

PAP 114: Transforming Health Holistically with Jodi Duval: Insights and Free Wellness Tips

**Show Notes for Primal Alternative Podcast Episode 114 with Jodi Duval**
Have you ever wondered how a holistic approach to health can transform your well-being?
In this episode, Helen Marshall sits down with Jodi Duval, the Head Naturopath and owner of Revital Health in Perth, Western Australia. With over a decade of experience, Jodi has transformed the naturopathic medicine landscape with her innovative treatments and holistic approach.
What We Cover:1. Jodi’s Journey and Vision: Discover what inspired Jodi to start Revital Health and how her vision has evolved over the past decade.2. Unique Approaches in Naturopathic Medicine: Jodi shares the key missing treatments she identified in the field and how they benefit her clients.3. Women’s Health Needs: A deep dive into the most critical health issues women face today and how a holistic approach can address these needs.4. Integrating Traditional and Modern Medicine: Learn how Jodi combines traditional and modern forms of medicine to achieve remarkable patient outcomes.5. Genetic, Environmental, and Lifestyle Factors: Understand how these factors interplay in women’s health and what women should be aware of regarding their own well-being.
Special Segment:– Jodi’s Top 5 Tips for Optimal Wellness: These are actionable, free tips that you can start implementing today to enhance your health and wellness.
Connect with Jodi Duval:– Instagram: @Revital_Health– Facebook: Revital Health– Website: www.revitalhealth.com.au
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review the Primal Alternative Podcast. Your support helps us bring more insightful conversations to you.
Stay tuned for more episodes filled with tips, insights, and expert advice on holistic health and wellness!
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Follow Primal Alternative:– Instagram: @primalalternative– Facebook: Primal Alternative– Website: www.primalalternative.com

PAP 113: Understanding Blue Light with Daniel Ebbett

Join Helen as she sits down with Daniel Ebbett, the forward-thinking founder and CEO of BlockBlueLight, a global leader in blue and artificial light-blocking products.
Discover Daniel’s personal journey from battling health issues caused by excessive screen time to pioneering solutions that address the modern challenges of blue light exposure.
Episode Highlights:– Delve into the science of blue light and its profound impact on our circadian rhythms and melatonin secretion.– Explore how chronic blue light exposure can lead to digital eye strain, migraines, and disruptions in sleep patterns.– Learn about Daniel’s research-driven approach to developing products that effectively mitigate the harmful effects of blue light.– Gain insights into BlockBlueLight’s mission to educate and empower individuals to take control of their eye health and enhance their quality of sleep.
Key Takeaways:– Understand the significant role blue light plays in modern health issues, including sleep disorders and eye strain.– Discover how blocking blue light can improve sleep quality and reduce the risk of eye-related problems.– Learn why educating ourselves and taking proactive steps to reduce blue light exposure is vital for overall well-being.
Stay Connected:Follow BlockBlueLight on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates and tips on managing blue light exposure.
Don’t miss out on future episodes; remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to stay informed and inspired.

PAP 112: Ultimate Health Made Easy with Dr Verena

In this episode, H is joined by Dr. Verena Raschke-Cheema, a highly accomplished academic and clinician specializing in nutritional science and holistic health. Dr. Verena shares her unique journey and insights into merging academic expertise with holistic practices.
 
Key Discussion Points:
Merging Disciplines: Dr. Verena discusses the pivotal experiences that led her to merge academic expertise with holistic practices like neuro-training kinesiology. She explains how these disciplines complement each other in her practice.
‘Doctor Verena’s Kitchen’: Dr. Verena shares the inspiration behind her new cookbook, ‘Doctor Verena’s Kitchen: Eating for Ultimate Health Made Easy.’ She explains how the recipes align with her holistic, root-cause approach to health, offering options for gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free, paleo, low FODMAP, and histamine diets.
Balancing Multiple Roles: As a clinician, academic, author, and mother, Dr. Verena offers insights into managing stress and maintaining harmony across these various aspects of her life.
Career Redirection: Reflecting on her journey, Dr. Verena pinpoints a particular instance that redirected the course of her career towards holistic health and nutrition.
Defining Success: Dr. Verena shares how she personally defines success in her approach to health and how this definition has evolved over the course of her career.
About Dr. Verena Raschke-Cheema: Dr. Verena Raschke-Cheema is a highly accomplished academic and clinician specializing in nutritional science, neuro-training kinesiology, and holistic health. With a deep understanding of Ayurvedic medicine and experiences across various cultures and continents, Dr. Verena shares her profound knowledge of gut health, the Nutrition Transition, and the path to radiant health with clients worldwide.
 
Follow Dr. Verena Raschke-Cheema:
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn
YouTube
Conclusion: Join us in this enlightening conversation with Dr. Verena Raschke-Cheema as we explore her journey, insights, and approach to blending academic expertise with holistic health.