Today, we’re kicking off Season 5 with a subject that’s often overlooked in dietetic training but affects 1 in 8 women – polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Together we’ll unpack what PCOS actually is, explore the lived experience many women struggle with, and look at where diet and lifestyle fit in based on the latest evidence. By the end of this episode you’ll have practical ways to start building your knowledge right away, know where to find credible resources, and get fresh ideas on...

Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s often misunderstood—critical thinking. While many student dietitians associate it with academic writing or exam preparation, critical thinking goes far beyond the classroom. It’s a core skill that underpins every decision we make as future healthcare professionals—from delivering evidence-based advice to navigating complex patient scenarios with clarity and confidence. Joining me today is the brilliant Aisling Pigott, a Registered Dietitian based in Car...

Before we dive into today’s episode, some exciting news from our podcast family: The Dietitian Café has been shortlisted for Nutrition Resource of the Year at the 2025 CN Awards! If any of our episodes have ever left you feeling more confident, connected or inspired, we’d be so grateful if you could show your support by casting a vote. You can find the link in our show notes. Now onto today’s topic—one that is both urgent and deeply meaningful. In this episode, we’re exploring the vital...

Are you a qualified nutritionist considering a move into dietetics? Or maybe you’re currently studying for your undergraduate dietetics degree and wondering if a postgraduate route could be the right fit. In this episode, we’ll be talking about what it’s really like to transition into postgraduate study, the skills and experiences you gain, and how to navigate the highs and challenges along the way. Joining me are three wonderful guests - Beth Bainbridge, Ellie Stobie, and Emily Charlton - al...

Today, we’re exploring one of the most pivotal - and sometimes daunting - parts of the student dietitian journey: clinical placements. Transitioning from lecture halls to busy hospital wards can be a big leap, and we know it’s something that can bring a mix of nerves and excitement. That’s why in this episode, we’re diving into practical, honest advice to help you make the most of this formative stage in your training. Joining me today is the incredible Long Li. Long is not only an experience...

Today, we’re diving into an incredibly important topic: embracing neurodiversity within dietetic practice. With neurodivergent conditions like ADHD and autism gaining increased recognition, it’s vital for dietitians to develop inclusive approaches to meet the needs of these patients effectively. In this episode, we’ll explore how neurodivergent conditions can shape dietary behaviours, discuss communication strategies, and consider how we can better support neurodiverse service users to create...

As the new semester begins, the demands of coursework, exams, and placements can feel overwhelming. That’s why today, we’re delving into the fascinating science of how nutrition impacts cognitive function. We’ll also uncover practical dietary strategies to help you stay sharp, focused, and resilient, even during the busiest times. Joining me for this episode is Dr. Emily Leeming, a microbiome scientist at King’s College London, registered dietitian, former chef, TEDx speaker, and author...

As a student dietitian, you're equipped with the knowledge to advise on nutrition, but how do you truly connect with your patients? In this episode of The Dietitian Café RD2B podcast, we delve into the transformative power of Motivational Interviewing (MI) with Dr. Alistair Duff, a qualified clinical psychologist, Head of Paediatric Psychology Services at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, and Honorary Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Leeds. With extensive experience i...

In today’s episode, we’re diving into an exciting area that many student dietitians may not have considered - nutrition writing. From blogs and magazine articles to academic journals and content strategy, we’ll be exploring how you can turn your passion for nutrition into impactful, written content that educates and inspires, while also building your professional brand. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, this episode will guide you through the essentials of bec...

As a student dietitian or nutrition student, you might have encountered comments or assumptions about your diet, appearance, or lifestyle simply because of your chosen degree. In this episode, we will explore the stereotypes and pressures faced by nutritionists and dietitians and delve into the unrealistic expectations and stigmatising perceptions when it comes to diet, appearance, and the concept of ‘professional perfection’. Join us for a powerful and thought-provoking episode featuring Pix...

In this episode, we explore the importance of professionalism within healthcare. I’m delighted to be joined by Fiona Campbell from the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to talk all about what us students should be doing to ensure we stay professional, as well as covering who the HCPC are and what they do. We will talk about appropriate social media use, how to conduct ourselves in and out of university and how to prepare for life as a qualified Health Professional. Fiona is a qualifi...

In today's episode, Tracey is joined by registered Occupational Psychologist Nicki Bass who has specific expertise in resilience and leadership development. Having spent 18 years as an officer in the British Army, she combines theoretical knowledge with lived experience as a leader in the most high-pressured environments. She is a TEDx speaker and host of The Everyday Adventure Podcast and is passionate about inspiring others to live more adventurously in their everyday lives.

In this episode, I’m delighted to be joined by Great Ormond Street Hospital Paediatric Dietitian Natalie Yerlett, to talk all about dietetics in paediatrics. Paediatrics can often seem scary to many, especially to those with no experience with children or young people but today we will be putting the spotlight on this area with the aim of removing some of the mystery from it. We’ll be discussing how advice within paediatrics can differ from adults as well as asking Natalie about the experienc...

Today we're delighted to be joined by Dietitian, Emily Stuart and Nutritionist Fleur Key, both of whom work in the food industry, to talk all about the differences between these two careers as well as how nutritionists prepare for an industry role and what transferable skills allow dietitians to work in this field. Fleur Key studied Human Nutrition at the University of Greenwich, before obtaining a post graduate diploma in Public Health, from Christ Church University Canterbury, and starting ...

In this episode, we will explore the benefits of joining the British Dietetic Association, how it can support students and prospects once qualified, and in particular all about the specialist groups that are available to join. So today, we're delighted to be joined by 3 guests: Kyle Kennedy BDA student representative, Gillian Farren Vice-Chairperson of the board of directors of the BDA and Emma Brighton BDA Membership Manager to give us more information on how the BDA can support your learnin...

In this episode, we will explore the trend of Veganuary and the rise in Vegan diets. We’ll also discuss how to support patients following a vegan diet and if the vegan diet can help improve health of certain patient groups. So today, we're delighted to be joined by Registered Dietitian, Andrea Rymer, from The Vegan Society to talk all about the vegan diet and the benefits to such alternative diets. Andrea is a Registered Dietitian who forms part of the nutrition team at The Vegan Society. An...

Azmina Govindji, Founder of Azmina Nutrition, is an award-winning dietitian, consultant nutritionist, international speaker and best-selling author of 20 books. Her latest peer-reviewed book, Vegan Savvy: The Expert’s Guide to Nutrition on a Plant-based Diet is supported by The British Dietetic Association and The Vegan Society. Azmina is a media spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association as well as Public Health England’s Better Health Campaign to combat obesity. Her television appear...

For this third episode, we’re finding out more about MDT working, including how dietitians work alongside speech and language therapists and the challenges and benefits of MDT working. With this in mind, we're delighted to welcome Dietitian Fran Allsop and Speech and Language Therapist Jacqui Learoyd, who have a lot of experience both in their individual roles but also together during their time at HMP Berwyn in Wrexham. Fran is a registered dietitian, currently working as a clinical lead in...

Have you ever fancied getting involved with your university nutrition and dietetics society? …or are you looking to start one? In this episode we put the focus on societies and explore the benefits to joining as a student dietitian. We also chat about how to start a nutrition/dietetics society if there’s not one in place, as well as chatting about creative ideas for your meetings and how to support students best.Joining us in today's episode are Leanne Ayrton and Bells Hann.Leanne is a mature...

Welcome to Season 3 with our new host Tracey D'Allestro. We’ve got a brilliant season lined up for you, so settle in and join me as we hear from brilliant, inspiring guests. For this first episode of the new season, we’re kicking off with an insight into critical care, and so I’m delighted to be joined by an expert in the field, Registered Dietitian Danni Bear, to tell us student dietitians more about working within Critical Care. Danni is a consultant dietitian in critical care at Guy’s and ...