Make Smart Sexy artwork

Make Smart Sexy

39 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 months ago -

Being Smart is the new sexy. Intelligence is always in style. The Make Smart Sexy show portrays an enlightening and light-hearted look on wellness; social, physical, emotional and mental in bite-sized manner. Passionate and Curious Coach Karen engages everyday humans and experts in their field to share their knowledge and experience whether it is positive psychology, spirituality, wellness, movement, nutrition, behavior change, coaching techniques, neuroscience, brain, stress or other countless topics that any human can relate, the insights you get here will empower you and make you smarter for life.

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Episodes

MSS 07: Lifestyle Medicine - the new paradigm in Primary Healthcare with Guest Dr. Foong

February 17, 2024 11:00 - 50 minutes - 34.5 MB

"Lifestyle Medicine - the new paradigm in Primary Healthcare"  In this episode, my guest Dr. Foong Tsin Uin and I talk about Primary Healthcare  particularly Lifestyle Medicine -  a rapidly growing field of medicine that uses evidence-based lifestyle interventions to prevent, treat and manage chronic diseases.  If you ask people what Primary Healthcare is, most shrug or respond "direct healthcare?" To be honest, not many people know what it is let alone understood it. Are Singaporeans gett...

MSS 06: Why Females with Autism are Diagnosed Very Late with Guest Anna Marie

December 15, 2023 14:00 - 36 minutes - 24.9 MB

Anna Marie is back for another episode! I am a living example and I owe it to Anna Marie. She got me to embark upon a self-discovery quest for answers and I became obsessed and read every book by Dr. Tony Attwood who is a world-renowned clinical psychologist on autism.  In this episode. we covered: autism in boys versus girls setbacks in late diagnosis of autism for any child What are the principles of ABA? Anna Marie shared that the basic principles of ABA consist of environmental var...

S3 MSS 05: Exploring the World of Ultramarathon, Digital Nomading and Entrepreneurship with Elizabeth Koh

December 15, 2023 12:00 - 41 minutes - 28.3 MB

Elizabeth is an avid traveler and an outdoor sports enthusiast who describe herself as an Explorer of the World. It is really an epic introduction for a 21 year old young lady who is not only intune with nature but also with people from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities. We explore her journey as an Ultramarathoner, her passion in such an arduous sport; her insightful tips of starting such a sport and much more! She recently became  a Certified Personal Trainer with the National Council...

S3 MSS 04: Wellness Coaching Demo with Simon Matthews

November 14, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 41.3 MB

Simon is a Psychologist and Fellow of the Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine. He is Board Certified in Health Coaching and Lifestyle Medicine. He’s the CEO of Wellcoaches® Australia and Wellcoaches® Singapore founded on the Wellcoaches School of Health Coaching. He is an Adjunct Lecturer at Avondale College University Lifestyle Medicine & Health Research Centre and is on teaching faculty with Wellcoaches USA. Simon is also Director of Coaching for First in Wellness LLC, whose missio...

S3 MSS 04: Wellness Coaching Demo with Simon Matthews

November 14, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 41.3 MB

Simon is a Psychologist and Fellow of the Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine. He is Board Certified in Health Coaching and Lifestyle Medicine. He’s the CEO of Wellcoaches® Australia and Wellcoaches® Singapore founded on the Wellcoaches School of Health Coaching. He is an Adjunct Lecturer at Avondale College University Lifestyle Medicine & Health Research Centre and is on teaching faculty with Wellcoaches USA. Simon is also Director of Coaching for First in Wellness LLC, whose missio...

S3 MSS 03: How to Improve Your Overall Wellbeing with Dr. Maleena

November 07, 2021 08:00 - 41 minutes - 28.7 MB

Wellbeing is not just the absence of disease or illness. It is a complex combination of a person’s physical, emotional, social and mental health factors. On today’s show, Dr. Maleena, a strong wellbeing advocate shared her nuggets of wisdom on ways of improving one’s betterment of wellness.  I am excited to talk more about this with Dr. Maleena Suppiah Cavert. Dr. Maleena is currently a Chief Wellbeing Officer with the National University Health System of Singapore. She helms undergraduate,...

S3 MSS 02: What Is Positive Psychology And Its Interventions?

June 24, 2021 06:00 - 35 minutes - 24.7 MB

What is Positive Psychology? How is it different from Traditional Psychology? According to Wikipedia, Positive Psychology is the scientific study of what makes life most worth living, focusing on both individual and societal well-being.  Positive Psychology has been described in many ways and with many words, but the commonly accepted definition of the field is this: “Positive psychology is the scientific study of what makes life most worth living” (Peterson, 2008). To push this brief de...

S3 MSS 01: Is Power To Change From Within Or From Empowerment?

June 17, 2021 06:00 - 48 minutes - 33.7 MB

What is CHANGE to you?  Well, according to Cambridge Dictionary, CHANGE is "become different."  Behavioral Change is a tricky subject and is not an easy topic to understand fully. According to Wiki, Behavioral Change is defined as a change of behavior with backed theories and models.  Anna Marie who is a board certified Behavior Analyst shares about her experiences managing a center with autistic children as well as daily lives with her husband and kids. In this episode, Anna Marie, one o...

S3 MSS 01: Is Power To Change From Within Or From Empowerment?

June 17, 2021 06:00 - 48 minutes - 33.7 MB

What is CHANGE to you?  Well, according to Cambridge Dictionary, CHANGE is "become different."  Behavioral Change is a tricky subject and is not an easy topic to understand fully. According to Wiki, Behavioral Change is defined as a change of behavior with backed theories and models.  Anna Marie who is a board certified Behavior Analyst shares about her experiences managing a center with autistic children as well as daily lives with her husband and kids. In this episode, Anna Marie, one o...

S2 MSS 09: Breathing Techniques for optimal brain health 3-1-6 & 4-7-8

February 23, 2021 14:00 - 20 minutes - 13.9 MB

Breathing is easy. Yeah right! If breathing were easy, then why do most people have trouble with breathing? As in they just don't know how to breathe properly. Do you know how to breathe properly? What does it even mean? I am breathing well inhaling through my nose and exhaling through my mouth, correct?  Yes, you are partially right! In this episode, let's explore breathing.  You will discover the HOWs to:  Breathe properly  Deep breathing helps to relieve stress  Use of different type...

S2 MSS 08: Burnt Out with Anna Marie and Bobby

February 08, 2021 09:00 - 38 minutes - 26.2 MB

Turn up your volume, sit back and enjoy crackling up with my favourite guests in this episode!  Please do not take them seriously in this episode especially Bobby. No, I am just kidding!  As usual, Bobby is brilliant, comedic and insightful in his down-to-earth manner. Anna Marie is also clever, authentic and humble in nature.  In this episode, both of them share times when they experienced burnout. Anna Marie shares about her daughter who has been feeling unwell for quite a while now and...

S2 MSS 08: Burnt Out with Anna Marie and Bobby

February 08, 2021 09:00 - 38 minutes - 26.2 MB

Turn up your volume, sit back and enjoy crackling up with my favourite guests in this episode!  Please do not take them seriously in this episode especially Bobby. No, I am just kidding!  As usual, Bobby is brilliant, comedic and insightful in his down-to-earth manner. Anna Marie is also clever, authentic and humble in nature.  In this episode, both of them share times when they experienced burnout. Anna Marie shares about her daughter who has been feeling unwell for quite a while now and...

S2 MSS 07: What you should know about Clifton StrengthsFinder with Coach Jason Ho

January 29, 2021 16:00 - 40 minutes - 28.2 MB

An excellent episode that you will find meaning in learning what your strengths are through Clifton StrengthsFinder.  This episode, you will discover how Coach Jason uses his unique and clever animal analogy to illustrate certain themes out of a total of 34 themes altogether.  Coach Jason works with multi-national corporations, small medium businesses, medium businesses and schools to help tap into their maximum potential.  As a business owner myself, it is imperative to find partners or ...

S2 MSS 07: What you should know about Clifton StrengthsFinder with Coach Jason Ho

January 29, 2021 16:00 - 40 minutes - 28.2 MB

An excellent episode that you will find meaning in learning what your strengths are through Clifton StrengthsFinder.  This episode, you will discover how Coach Jason uses his unique and clever animal analogy to illustrate certain themes out of a total of 34 themes altogether.  Coach Jason works with multi-national corporations, small medium businesses, medium businesses and schools to help tap into their maximum potential.  As a business owner myself, it is imperative to find partners or ...

S2 MSS 06: How To Spot Emotional Abusers?

December 31, 2020 12:00 - 23 minutes - 16.4 MB

Abuse is abuse period.  Abuse is an abuse be it emotionally, mentally or psychologically, and physically. When a person is emotionally abusive, this person was emotionally abused as a child. These are all learned behaviours and it is the same thing with someone that physically abuses someone else. It is the same thing as someone who is a narcissist or a psychopath and again these are learned behaviour in childhood. People who are born with a severe mental illness is very small. Children who...

S2 MSS 05: How Two Teenagers Deal With Burnout - With Guests Ethan & Emma

December 18, 2020 14:00 - 44 minutes - 30.8 MB

Today we are exploring Teenage burn out.  What types of burn out do you experience? Before we even go there. Let’s understand what burn out is from Ethan 18 years of age and Emma 16 years of age.  Ethan is back by popular demand.  You will discover: - What is burnout - Identifying symptoms of burnout - What burnout means to a teen - How does one cope with burnout  Tune in now:  http://makesmartsexy.buzzsprout.com Be sure you are subscribed to this podcast to automatically receive your...

S2 MSS 05: How Two Teenagers Deal With Burnout - With Guests Ethan & Emma

December 18, 2020 14:00 - 44 minutes - 30.8 MB

Today we are exploring Teenage burn out.  What types of burn out do you experience? Before we even go there. Let’s understand what burn out is from Ethan 18 years of age and Emma 16 years of age.  Ethan is back by popular demand.  You will discover: - What is burnout - Identifying symptoms of burnout - What burnout means to a teen - How does one cope with burnout  Tune in now:  http://makesmartsexy.buzzsprout.com Be sure you are subscribed to this podcast to automatically receive your...

S2 MSS 04: What Mental Wellbeing Means to a Teenager - With Guest Ethan

December 10, 2020 10:00 - 45 minutes - 31.3 MB

What is the difference between feeling good and good mental health? In this episode on mental wellbeing, an 18 year old teenager and I are conversing what mental wellbeing means to him and how to recognize emotions as emotions such as depression and as an illness.  We are both not experts for sure but I hope this episode will help you recognize emotions and see mental health as brain health instead.  You will discover: - The importance of keeping up on your mental hygiene - A distinction...

S2 MSS 04: What Mental Wellbeing Means to a Teenager - With Guest Ethan

December 10, 2020 10:00 - 45 minutes - 31.3 MB

What is the difference between feeling good and good mental health? In this episode on mental wellbeing, an 18 year old teenager and I are conversing what mental wellbeing means to him and how to recognize emotions as emotions such as depression and as an illness.  We are both not experts for sure but I hope this episode will help you recognize emotions and see mental health as brain health instead.  You will discover: - The importance of keeping up on your mental hygiene - A distinction...

S2 MSS 03: Stretching Is A Big No Before Running

December 03, 2020 11:00 - 5 minutes - 3.66 MB

In today's episode, I am continuing from episode 1 "Why Stretching is bad?"  What type of stretches are a big NO before a run?  3 questions to ask yourself really. 1. Should you stretch before exercising? 2. Should you stretch after exercising? 3. Can you stretch anytime? Be sure to check out Coach Karen's Move Smart 27-Day program at: www.coachanywhere.fitness to purchase a workout program that will train mobility, flexibility, cardio and functional strength.  Be sure you are subscr...

S2 MSS 03: Stretching Is A Big No Before Running

December 03, 2020 11:00 - 5 minutes - 3.66 MB

In today's episode, I am continuing from episode 1 "Why Stretching is bad?"  What type of stretches are a big NO before a run?  3 questions to ask yourself really. 1. Should you stretch before exercising? 2. Should you stretch after exercising? 3. Can you stretch anytime? Be sure to check out Coach Karen's Move Smart 27-Day program at: www.coachanywhere.fitness to purchase a workout program that will train mobility, flexibility, cardio and functional strength.  Be sure you are subscr...

S2 MSS 02: What is Health & Wellness Coaching & How Lifestyle Medicine Coaching can transform your life- With Guest Simon Matthews

October 09, 2020 16:00 - 42 minutes - 29.2 MB

The origination of the term 'Coaching' started in the later part of the 1880s. This term has been mostly associated with the sports profession through its varied forms. The first thought which rushes to our mind when we think about coaching is about sports coaching. So if you are looking for a coach; not a sports coach but a health and wellness coach in particular, you will hopefully get some insights about coaching.  Today’s guest, Simon Matthews, the CEO of Wellcoaches Australia and a P...

S2 MSS 02: What is Health & Wellness Coaching & How Lifestyle Medicine Coaching can transform your life- With Guest Simon Matthews

October 09, 2020 16:00 - 42 minutes - 29.2 MB

The origination of the term 'Coaching' started in the later part of the 1880s. This term has been mostly associated with the sports profession through its varied forms. The first thought which rushes to our mind when we think about coaching is about sports coaching. So if you are looking for a coach; not a sports coach but a health and wellness coach in particular, you will hopefully get some insights about coaching.  Today’s guest, Simon Matthews, the CEO of Wellcoaches Australia and a P...

S2 MSS 01: Why Stretching Is Bad

October 08, 2020 16:00 - 5 minutes - 3.7 MB

Why do we think that stretching could solve our problems?  Very rarely does someone get better by doing a certain stretch.  Don’t get me wrong.  I am NOT against stretching. In fact, stretching can be good for us when it is done correctly and mindfully.  We are just trying to stretch a certain area that feels tight and thinking that if we stretch enough then that tight muscle will loosen up. Right? Well, it isn’t true!  Static stretching before exercise can cause damage to the tissue. Y...

S2 MSS 01: Why Stretching Is Bad

October 08, 2020 16:00 - 5 minutes - 3.7 MB

Why do we think that stretching could solve our problems?  Very rarely does someone get better by doing a certain stretch.  Don’t get me wrong.  I am NOT against stretching. In fact, stretching can be good for us when it is done correctly and mindfully.  We are just trying to stretch a certain area that feels tight and thinking that if we stretch enough then that tight muscle will loosen up. Right? Well, it isn’t true!  Static stretching before exercise can cause damage to the tissue. Y...

MSS 09: Uncovering Awkward Social Cues & Autism Spectrum Disorder With Guest Anna Marie

June 27, 2020 06:00 - 54 minutes - 37.7 MB

Social cues are the signals people send through body language and expressions. When kids miss social cues, they can misunderstand people and situations. In this episode, my guest Anna Marie who is a Board Certified Applied Behaviour Analyst and I discuss autism spectrum disorder and high functioning type such as Asperger in children and adults. Anna Marie and her team in Staten Island, New York, United States work with children who have autism. Anna Marie talks about applied behaviour th...

MSS 08: Building Successful Habits & Unlocking Limiting Belief in Times of Crisis With Guest Bobby Cappuccio

May 20, 2020 13:00 - 58 minutes - 40.2 MB

We are in the thick of a complicated and uncharted time of human history. Aside from the devastating effects of the virus, many individuals are finding themselves distressed, not exercising and losing a sense of control. In this episode my guest Bobby Cappuccio and I discuss the power of habits; how to build good ones and break bad ones most especially in this pandemic times. Bobby shares how he copes during this unprecedented time, his morning routine and rituals for maintaining his sanit...

MSS 08: Building Successful Habits & Unlocking Limiting Belief in Times of Crisis With Guest Bobby Cappuccio

May 20, 2020 13:00 - 58 minutes - 40.2 MB

We are in the thick of a complicated and uncharted time of human history. Aside from the devastating effects of the virus, many individuals are finding themselves distressed, not exercising and losing a sense of control. In this episode my guest Bobby Cappuccio and I discuss the power of habits; how to build good ones and break bad ones most especially in this pandemic times. Bobby shares how he copes during this unprecedented time, his morning routine and rituals for maintaining his sanit...

MSS 07: Excuses That Prevent You From Exercising

May 16, 2020 13:00 - 13 minutes - 9.48 MB

In this episode, I touch on a sensitive topic. It is something that we are all guilty of in some way or another. Some of us procrastinate and some of us plow through it. Is exercising a chore or venture? In this episode, I address 5 common excuses that prevent individuals from exercising and hear if any excuse resonate with you. 1. "I don't have time to exercise." 2. "I have so much to do. Exercise can wait." 3. "I have negative past experiences. My classmates laughed at me when I did ju...

MSS 07: Excuses That Prevent You From Exercising

May 16, 2020 13:00 - 13 minutes - 9.48 MB

In this episode, I touch on a sensitive topic. It is something that we are all guilty of in some way or another. Some of us procrastinate and some of us plow through it. Is exercising a chore or venture? In this episode, I address 5 common excuses that prevent individuals from exercising and hear if any excuse resonate with you. 1. "I don't have time to exercise." 2. "I have so much to do. Exercise can wait." 3. "I have negative past experiences. My classmates laughed at me when I did ju...

MSS 06: God Said Stop

May 12, 2020 13:00 - 14 minutes - 9.87 MB

In this episode, I talk about faith and how God uses distance to get us closer with Him.  I chanced upon Pastor Steven Furtick’s sermon dated April 20th 2020 titled “God uses distance.” He said God uses distance to get us deeper into our faith. Pastor Steven Furtick is the founder and lead pastor of Elevation church based in charlotte, north Carolina. He came to new creation church where I worship in Singapore on July 8th 2018. I love his dynamic preaching. He is such an anointed Pastor.  ...

MSS 06: God Said Stop

May 12, 2020 13:00 - 14 minutes - 9.87 MB

In this episode, I talk about faith and how God uses distance to get us closer with Him.  I chanced upon Pastor Steven Furtick’s sermon dated April 20th 2020 titled “God uses distance.” He said God uses distance to get us deeper into our faith. Pastor Steven Furtick is the founder and lead pastor of Elevation church based in charlotte, north Carolina. He came to new creation church where I worship in Singapore on July 8th 2018. I love his dynamic preaching. He is such an anointed Pastor.  ...

MSS 05: Coping With Anxiety As A Christian

May 08, 2020 13:00 - 12 minutes - 8.84 MB

In this episode I talk about anxiety and its cousins as well as the faith posture of Christians.  I touch on biblical characters who had encountered anxiety and how they were chosen to face their fears for God’s purpose and kingdom.   Jesus was the most significant one who suffered extreme anxiety which was doctored as a medical condition called Hematohidrosis. His death was real.  In this episode you will discover how to help people around you who are anxious and ways to help overcome th...

MSS 05: Coping With Anxiety As A Christian

May 08, 2020 13:00 - 12 minutes - 8.84 MB

In this episode I talk about anxiety and its cousins as well as the faith posture of Christians.  I touch on biblical characters who had encountered anxiety and how they were chosen to face their fears for God’s purpose and kingdom.   Jesus was the most significant one who suffered extreme anxiety which was doctored as a medical condition called Hematohidrosis. His death was real.  In this episode you will discover how to help people around you who are anxious and ways to help overcome th...

MSS 04: The Most Important Part Of You

May 06, 2020 13:00 - 13 minutes - 9.32 MB

In this episode I pry open the brain to discover what lies inside this most powerful organ that's ever created.   The brain is arguably the most important organ in the human body. It controls and coordinates actions and reactions, allows us to think and feel, and enables us to have memories and feelings—all the things that make us human. The brain contains about 100 billion microscopic cells called neurons & communicate in trillions of connections called synapses.      In this episode you...

MSS 04: The Most Important Part Of You

May 06, 2020 13:00 - 13 minutes - 9.32 MB

In this episode I pry open the brain to discover what lies inside this most powerful organ that's ever created.   The brain is arguably the most important organ in the human body. It controls and coordinates actions and reactions, allows us to think and feel, and enables us to have memories and feelings—all the things that make us human. The brain contains about 100 billion microscopic cells called neurons & communicate in trillions of connections called synapses.      In this episode you...

MSS 03: Health Coaching Is Effective. Should You Try It?

May 05, 2020 00:00 - 6 minutes - 4.2 MB

In this episode I explore health coaching and its effectiveness so should you try it?     What is a health and wellness coach? What is the scope of a health and wellness coach?  What are the differences between a life coach and a health and wellness coach?     You will hear an example which I distinctly spelled out the differences between a coach and an expert.    In this episode you will discover that empowerment is the key word used in coaching. A coach empowers and guides you to find th...

MSS 02: What Are Your Values and Strengths?

April 30, 2020 17:00 - 7 minutes - 5.26 MB

In this episode I discuss about values and strengths. How are you coping in this pandemic time? I share six ways that your strengths will help you.  What are your strengths and values? it is high time you find out.  Do check out viacharacter.org  How do you view your character strengths and values in this extended circuit breaker period (we call it in Singapore) or lock down period in where you are? Research shows that character strengths play an important role in your physical health...

MSS 01: Mindset Transformation with Dr Darren Chua

April 29, 2020 17:00 - 17 minutes - 12.3 MB

In this first and special episode I interview my dear brother-in-Christ Dr Darren Chua who has personally inspired me in every aspect of his life.  Dr darren Chua is the CEO of mindset transformation clinic. He is a child of God, an inspirational speaker and a published author of his latest book "Prisoner of Hope." Also, he is a para-athlete who represents Singapore in Table Tennis. (Do check out episode four which I talk about the brain and the best brain activity)  In this episode, he s...