Episode 4

Moving the Needle: A Global Perspective on Physical Activity Promotion

Published on: 22nd July, 2026

In this special episode of The Movement Prescription Podcast, co-host and GP Callum shares the key lessons from his recent Churchill Fellowship, a global journey across New Zealand, Australia, the Netherlands, and Finland to explore how different healthcare systems and governments promote physical activity.

Moving beyond the standard 10-minute GP consultation, Callum speaks with frontline clinicians and health leaders; Andrew Boyd (New Zealand), Tracy Johnson (Australia), Dr. Jason Tujo (Aotearoa New Zealand), and Eero Kentä (Finland); to uncover what actually gets nations moving. We discuss what these countries are doing differently to tackle health inequalities, the power of indigenous and community-led movement traditions, innovative workforce models like Clinical Exercise Physiologists, and why cross-governmental political leadership is essential for creating active societies.

Whether you are a healthcare professional, policymaker, or simply passionate about lifestyle medicine, join us as we share global observations and practical ideas that could help shape the future of physical activity policy and practice back home.

A huge thank you to the Churchill Fellowship for funding and supporting these travels. To find out more about their work funding UK citizens to find global solutions for local problems, visit churchillfellowship.org.

Supported by the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine: bslm.org.uk

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About the Podcast

The Movement Prescription
Welcome to The Movement Prescription, the podcast where movement meets medicine. Hosted by three dynamic GPs, Dr. Callum Leese, Dr. Suzy Scarlett, and Dr. Hussain Al-Zubaidi, this show is your go-to resource for understanding the transformative power of physical activity in healthcare.

Backed by the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine, The Movement Prescription shares the society's bold vision: transforming healthcare and tackling health inequalities through the principles of lifestyle medicine.

Designed for everyone but with health professionals in mind, this podcast aims to educate, inspire, and empower listeners to integrate physical activity into healthcare settings. Whether you're a clinician, a health advocate, or someone passionate about promoting well-being, our episodes offer actionable insights, real-world examples, and expert interviews.

In Season Two, we dive deeper, challenging misconceptions about physical activity and exploring innovative ways to address it across diverse healthcare scenarios, including for disease-specific groups. Join us as we unlock the potential of movement to revolutionize health and bridge the gaps in healthcare for a healthier, more equitable future.

In season 3, a new series of The Movement Prescription brings together Hussain, Suzy and Callum for six engaging conversations on the power of physical activity to transform health and wellbeing. Across a wide range of topics—from multiple sclerosis and diabetes to prehabilitation—they explore how movement can be promoted in real-world clinical and community settings. Joined by inspiring guests, including consultant orthopaedic surgeon and BMJ columnist Ms Scarlett McNally, this series blends evidence, experience and practical insight to champion movement as medicine.

Tune in, and let’s get moving, together.