When you think of hypnosis, cancer treatment probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind, but after this episode, it just might be.

This week on Everyday Epigenetics, Susan sits down with clinical hypnotherapist Garry Coles, who’s spent over 20 years working in the fascinating field of hypno-oncology, helping cancer patients improve outcomes, reduce side effects, and rewire their mindset for healing through the power of the subconscious.

What started as skepticism turned into groundbreaking research, hospital partnerships, and over 2,500 patient journeys supported by Garry’s work. Whether you’re a science nerd or a total newbie to hypnotherapy, this conversation will open your mind to what’s possible when we treat the mind and body as part of the same healing system.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How one hypnotherapy session cured Garry’s lifelong nightmares (and sparked his new career)
• What hypno-oncology really is, and how it helps before, during, and after cancer treatment
  The surprising impact of pre-surgery hypnosis on pain perception, recovery speed, and medication use
• What psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) means, and how emotions literally affect your immune system
• Why “self-fulfilling prophecies” can make or break your healing
• Real stories of patients who went from devastation to empowerment (and even triathlons!)
  
  
  

Learn More about Garry Coles

With over 20 years’ experience as a full-time hypnotherapist, Garry holds an MSc in Clinical Hypnotherapy, for which he carried out research into the effects of presurgical hypnosis on the recovery quality in breast cancer operations. Garry was contracted, for over 19 years, to a major UK NHS hospital for oncology-based hypnotherapeutic work, in addition to practicing from within a local GP surgery. Garry is a regular presenter, worldwide, at conferences as well as presenting his own popular masterclasses and monthly mentoring services.

RESOURCES:

Connect with Garry Coles:

Website: https://hypno-oncology.com/

Website: https://releasehypnotherapy.com/

Email:  Garrycoles@hotmail.com

Visit the website: healthyawakening.co/podcast

Find listening links here: https://healthyawakening.co/links

SHOW NOTES: https://healthyawakening.co/2025/05/09/episode56/

Connect with Susan:

Contact me for your DNA testing or epigenetic coaching!

To schedule a FREE consultation, send an email to susan@healthyawakening.co

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susanrobbinshealthyawakening

Instagram: @susanrobbins_epigeneticcoach

P.S. Want reminders about episodes? Sign up for our newsletter, you can find the link on our podcast page! https://healthyawakening.co/podcast

What if the secret to living past 100 isn’t hidden in your DNA, but in how you think, feel, and connect with others? In this must-listen episode of Everyday Epigenetics: Raw. Real. Relatable., host Susan Robbins and soon-to-be co-host Kate King welcome the groundbreaking Dr. Mario Martinez, a clinical neuropsychologist who’s devoted decades to unlocking the mysteries behind healthy centenarians across the globe. Get ready to rethink aging, longevity, and what it truly means to thrive.

Prepare to have your assumptions turned upside down as Dr. Martinez shares the surprising truth: genetics play only a small role in reaching a vibrant, long life. Most of what matters, he reveals, comes from our beliefs, emotional habits, rituals, and cultural conditioning. From the eight core factors for healthy aging to the mind-body effects of gratitude and self-worth, Dr. Martinez unpacks practical wisdom anyone can apply, at any age.

In this episode:

• The real reason some people live well over 100, and why genes don’t tell the whole story
• How emotions and perceptions shape stress, inflammation, and healthspan
• The difference between routines and rituals (and why meaning matters)
• Myths about aging and anti-aging that might be shortening your life without you knowing it
• Why culture, self-valuation, and curiosity radically impact your biology
• Practical steps to embody longevity and create your own centenarian mindset (it’s never too late!)

Listen in for a fascinating fusion of science, psychology, and real-life tools to help you write your own healthiest story, one inspired habit at a time.

Learn More about Dr. Martinez

Dr. Martinez is a clinical neuropsychologist who specializes in how cultural beliefs affect health and longevity. He proposes, based on multidisciplinary research evidence, that longevity is learned, and the causes of health are inherited. For the past 25 years, he has studied healthy centenarians (100 years or older) worldwide and found that only 20 to 25% can be attributed to genetics - the rest is related to how they live and the cultural beliefs they share. He is the author of the bestselling book The MindBody Code that teaches his theory and practice of biocognitive science for the general public as well as professionals in the life sciences. In addition to longevity, he also lectures on why our immune system is not just a protector. Instead, it responds to the cultural premises we learn to perceive and emote the world: How Meaning-Making Affects Biology.

RESOURCES:

Sign up for Dr. Martinez May 10 webinar! https://www.biocognitiveculture.com/event-details/solitude-loneliness-longevity

Connect with Dr. Martinez

Check out all of Dr. Martinez’s links and articles over on the show notes!

Visit the website: healthyawakening.co/podcast

Find listening links here: https://healthyawakening.co/links

SHOW NOTES: https://healthyawakening.co/2025/05/02/episode55/

Connect with Susan:

Contact me for your DNA testing or epigenetic coaching!

To schedule a FREE consultation, send an email to susan@healthyawakening.co

Faceboook: https://www.facebook.com/susanrobbinshealthyawakening

Instagram: @susanrobbins_epigeneticcoach

P.S. Want reminders about episodes? Sign up for our newsletter, you can find the link on our podcast page! https://healthyawakening.co/podcast

What happens when you stop waiting for the “right time” and start saying yes to the opportunities that light you up, even if they terrify you?

In this episode, I sit down with the powerhouse that is Dana Ayers, author, speaker, decorated veteran, former White House staffer, and someone who has made a career of walking straight into the unknown and discovering just how capable she really is.

From her first internship at the White House, on 9/11, no less, to deployments overseas and even her surprising side gig in a D.C. cover band, Dana shares how following the breadcrumbs (no matter how small) has led to some of the biggest, boldest adventures of her life.

We talk about:

• Why fear is not the enemy, and how it can actually lead you home
• How to build confidence by doing the uncomfortable
• Her hilarious journey from strategic comms to singing onstage
• What it really means to live authentically and chase your dream life
• And how to stop talking yourself out of the very thing you’re meant to do

This episode is part story, part pep talk, and full permission slip to get out of your own way and go after the life you were meant to live.

If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in indecision, overwhelmed by what people might think, or too afraid to take the leap, this conversation is exactly what you need to hear.

Press play and let Dana’s journey remind you just how powerful (and fun!) life can be when you dare to go for it.

Learn More about Dana Ayers

Dana Ayers is an author, speaker, decorated veteran, and long-time national security professional. She’s someone who thrives on inspiring others to push their limits and achieve their goals. Dana has burrowed her way into all sorts of places she had no business being, including herding celebrities in green rooms, working as an armed communicator in Afghanistan, serving as a White House staffer, and advising special forces. She is passionate about sharing insights she's learned for getting out of her comfort zone and going after dreams where she didn’t fit the typical mold.

RESOURCES:

Connect with Dana Ayers

My website is: dcdana.com

Socials:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-ayers-a123aa5

Instagram: http://instagram.com/DanaAyersAuthor

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DanaLAyers

Visit the website: healthyawakening.co/podcast

Find listening links here: https://healthyawakening.co/links

SHOW NOTES: healthyawakening.co/episode54

Connect with Susan:

Contact me for your DNA testing or epigenetic coaching!

To schedule a FREE consultation, send an email to susan@healthyawakening.co

Faceboook: https://www.facebook.com/susanrobbinshealthyawakening

Instagram: @susanrobbins_epigeneticcoach

P.S. Want reminders about episodes? Sign up for our newsletter, you can find the link on our podcast page! https://healthyawakening.co/podcast