Ten Minutes With... Fiona Belton

Find Fiona Belton: Linkedin

Rhea Mercado chats with Fiona Belton, an accredited exercise physiologist in Adelaide with 37 years in the industry who moved from clinical work into management for about 20 years and later pivoted back to clinical practice. Fiona is now running her own business focused on work injury, income protection, and life insurance.

Fiona and Rhea recount meeting in person after their rejected ESSA Conference workshop submission and went on to run the workshop supported by Return to Work SA. Fiona describes starting her career working for physiotherapists in the work injury space and seeing exercise physiology scope evolve over decades. Both argue exercise physiology are often introduced too late on claims and should be early intervention for physical and psychological injuries, emphasizing EPs’ role beyond exercise prescription in behaviour change, routines, sleep, energy, and trauma-informed care. They close by suggesting a future episode to dive into treatment programs.

00:00 Friday Banter Intro

00:18 Meet Fiona

01:33 Rejected Conference Rebellion

03:04 Early Career Origins

05:44 Landing in Work Injury

07:03 Exercise Physiology in Workers Comp

08:42 Mic Drop Scope Beyond Exercise

10:42 Behaviour Change and Human Complexity

11:45 Wrap Up and Round Two

 

"Ten Minutes With" is brought to you by The Intelligent Rebellion and is a Threesticks Production. 

Copyright (c) Threesticks Pty Ltd & Rhea Mercado (R)

The team who produce the The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast, and Ten Minutes With Podcast acknowledge the traditional owners and ongoing custodians of the land on which the podcast is recorded. We are located on the land of the Dharug people. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and to the Elders past, present and emerging

The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast, and Ten Minutes With Podcast is a Threesticks Production. Hosted and Produced by Rhea Mercado. Our Emperor of Sound, Original Music Man and Executive Producer is Wills. Copyright 2026 Threesticks Pty Ltd & Rhea Mercado®.

THE BIG PRINT - DISCLAIMER

The contents of this program / podcast is made available for entertainment purposes. The views and information expressed by the Guests of the program represents the view and opinions of the Guest and does not necessarily represent the view or opinions of Rhea Mercado® and/or Threesticks Pty Ltd. The information presented in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for any other professional rehabilitation advice, injury management advice, rehabilitation advice, medical advice, legal advice, financial advice, diagnosis, or treatment nor a substitute for guidelines, legislations, frameworks, processes or procedures. We encourage you always seek advice which meets your personal and/or professional circumstances and specific needs.

Rhea Mercado® and Threesticks Pty Ltd hereby disclaims any and all liability to any part for any direct, indirect, implied, punitive, special, incidental or other consequential damages arising directly or indirectly from any use of the content, which is provided as is and without warranties.

Ten Minutes With... Fiona Belton
Find Fiona Belton: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/fiona-belton/">Linkedin</a>
Rhea Mercado chats with Fiona Belton, an accredited exercise physiologist in Adelaide with 37 years in the industry who moved from clinical work into management for about 20 years and later pivoted back to clinical practice. Fiona is now running her own business focused on work injury, income protection, and life insurance.
Fiona and Rhea recount meeting in person after their rejected ESSA Conference workshop submission and went on to run the workshop supported by Return to Work SA. Fiona describes starting her career working for physiotherapists in the work injury space and seeing exercise physiology scope evolve over decades. Both argue exercise physiology are often introduced too late on claims and should be early intervention for physical and psychological injuries, emphasizing EPs&rsquo; role beyond exercise prescription in behaviour change, routines, sleep, energy, and trauma-informed care. They close by suggesting a future episode to dive into treatment programs.
00:00 Friday Banter Intro
00:18 Meet Fiona
01:33 Rejected Conference Rebellion
03:04 Early Career Origins
05:44 Landing in Work Injury
07:03 Exercise Physiology in Workers Comp
08:42 Mic Drop Scope Beyond Exercise
10:42 Behaviour Change and Human Complexity
11:45 Wrap Up and Round Two
&nbsp;
"Ten Minutes With" is brought to you by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theintelligentrebellion.com">The Intelligent Rebellion</a> and is a <a href="https://threesticks.com.au/">Threesticks</a> Production.&nbsp;
Copyright (c) Threesticks Pty Ltd &amp; Rhea Mercado (R)
The team who produce the The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast, and Ten Minutes With Podcast acknowledge the traditional owners and ongoing custodians of the land on which the podcast is recorded. We are located on the land of the Dharug people. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and to the Elders past, present and emerging
The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast, and Ten Minutes With Podcast is a Threesticks Production. Hosted and Produced by <a href="http://rheamercado.com/">Rhea Mercado</a>. Our Emperor of Sound, Original Music Man and Executive Producer is Wills. Copyright 2026 Threesticks Pty Ltd &amp; Rhea Mercado&reg;.
THE BIG PRINT - DISCLAIMER
The contents of this program / podcast is made available for entertainment purposes. The views and information expressed by the Guests of the program represents the view and opinions of the Guest and does not necessarily represent the view or opinions of Rhea Mercado&reg; and/or Threesticks Pty Ltd. The information presented in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for any other professional rehabilitation advice, injury management advice, rehabilitation advice, medical advice, legal advice, financial advice, diagnosis, or treatment nor a substitute for guidelines, legislations, frameworks, processes or procedures. We encourage you always seek advice which meets your personal and/or professional circumstances and specific needs.
Rhea Mercado&reg; and Threesticks Pty Ltd hereby disclaims any and all liability to any part for any direct, indirect, implied, punitive, special, incidental or other consequential damages arising directly or indirectly from any use of the content, which is provided as is and without warranties.

Step into the world of The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast, your gateway to a brighter tomorrow! Join us as we embark on a transformative journey, led by Rhea Mercado, a Healthcare Humanist, Speaker, and Author who fearlessly challenges the status quo within corporate corridors, paving the way for diverse voices to shine.

In this podcast series, Rhea engages in enlightening conversations with a circle of trusted friends and esteemed colleagues to drop truth bombs, share heartfelt stories, and profound reflections on their individual paths, all while envisioning a better world. Our candid and thought-provoking discussions are a refreshing departure from the ordinary. They transcend the boundaries of convention, swiftly evolving into dynamic dialogues about life's intricacies, the world of work, maintaining optimal health, navigating ethical dilemmas, embracing failure, and reveling in the sheer beauty of humanity. Subscribe to access premium content and extended episodes.

These conversations are more than just words; they are a testament to personal rebellions, as we collectively challenge established norms and celebrate the values of compassion, boundless optimism, unbridled creativity, and the limitless power of imagination. Join us in the rebellion for a brighter, more inclusive future.

There are profanities, fart jokes and major gaffes and some topics discussed could be triggering to some, so please use your own discretion.

Follow us at:  The Intelligent Rebellion | Instagram | Linkedin

Find Rhea: Rhea Mercado | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Bits & Pieces: The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast is a Threesticks Production | Producer & Host: Rhea Mercado | Emperor of Sound, Original Music, and Executive Producer: Wills. Copyright 2022 Rhea Mercado®.

Rhea Mercado and the team who produce the The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast acknowledge the traditional owners and ongoing custodians of the land on which the podcast is recorded. We are located on the land of the Dharug people. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and to the Elders past, present and emerging.

Disclaimer to cover our butt: 

The content of this program / podcast is made available for entertainment purposes. The views and information expressed by the Guests of the program represents the view and opinions of the Guest and does not necessarily represent the view or opinions of Rhea Mercado® and/or Threesticks Pty Ltd. The information presented in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for any other professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment nor a substitute for guidelines, legislations, frameworks, processes or procedures. We encourage you always seek advise which meets your personal and/or professional circumstances.

Rhea Mercado ® and Threesticks Pty Ltd hereby disclaims any and all liability to any part for any direct, indirect, implied, punitive, special, incidental or other consequential damages arising directly or indirectly from any use of the content, which is provided as is and without warranties.

Copyright 2026 Threesticks Pty Ltd & Rhea Mercado®

Step into the world of <a href="https://www.theintelligentrebellion.com">The Intelligent Rebellion</a> Podcast, your gateway to a brighter tomorrow! Join us as we embark on a transformative journey, led by <a href="https://www.rheamercado.com.au">Rhea Mercado</a>, a Healthcare Humanist, Speaker, and Author who fearlessly challenges the status quo within corporate corridors, paving the way for diverse voices to shine.
In this podcast series, Rhea engages in enlightening conversations with a circle of trusted friends and esteemed colleagues to drop truth bombs, share heartfelt stories, and profound reflections on their individual paths, all while envisioning a better world. Our candid and thought-provoking discussions are a refreshing departure from the ordinary. They transcend the boundaries of convention, swiftly evolving into dynamic dialogues about life's intricacies, the world of work, maintaining optimal health, navigating ethical dilemmas, embracing failure, and reveling in the sheer beauty of humanity. <a href="https://rheamercado.substack.com/">Subscribe</a> to access premium content and extended episodes.
These conversations are more than just words; they are a testament to personal rebellions, as we collectively challenge established norms and celebrate the values of compassion, boundless optimism, unbridled creativity, and the limitless power of imagination. Join us in the rebellion for a brighter, more inclusive future.
There are profanities, fart jokes and major gaffes and some topics discussed could be triggering to some, so please use your own discretion.
Follow us at:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theintelligentrebellion.com/">The Intelligent Rebellion</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/intelligent.rebellion/">Instagram</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="linkedin.com/company/the-intelligent-rebellion">Linkedin</a>
Find Rhea:&nbsp;<a href="https://bio.site/rheamercado">Rhea Mercado</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rheamercs/">LinkedIn</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/rheamercs">Instagram</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/rheamercs">Facebook</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/rheamercs">Twitter</a>
Bits &amp; Pieces: The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast is a&nbsp;<a href="http://www.threesticks.com.au/">Threesticks</a>&nbsp;Production | Producer &amp; Host:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.rheamercado.com/">Rhea Mercado</a>&nbsp;| Emperor of Sound, Original Music, and Executive Producer: Wills. Copyright 2022 Rhea Mercado&reg;.
Rhea Mercado and the team who produce the The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast acknowledge the traditional owners and ongoing custodians of the land on which the podcast is recorded. We are located on the land of the Dharug people. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and to the Elders past, present and emerging.
Disclaimer to cover our butt:&nbsp;
The content of this program / podcast is made available for entertainment purposes. The views and information expressed by the Guests of the program represents the view and opinions of the Guest and does not necessarily represent the view or opinions of Rhea Mercado&reg; and/or Threesticks Pty Ltd. The information presented in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for any other professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment nor a substitute for guidelines, legislations, frameworks, processes or procedures. We encourage you always seek advise which meets your personal and/or professional circumstances.
Rhea Mercado &reg; and Threesticks Pty Ltd hereby disclaims any and all liability to any part for any direct, indirect, implied, punitive, special, incidental or other consequential damages arising directly or indirectly from any use of the content, which is provided as is and without warranties.
Copyright 2026 Threesticks Pty Ltd &amp; Rhea Mercado&reg;

Exploring businesses which celebrate compassion, optimism, imagination and humanity.

The Intelligent Rebellion

Welcome to The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast a platform dedicated to amplifying voices and fostering a shared vision for a brighter future. Hosted by Rhea Mercado, Healthcare Humanist and Speaker  leading The Intelligent Rebellion. Our mission is to challenge traditional hierarchies and cultivate inclusive spaces where professionals can boldly express their ideas and contribute to a better world.

The Intelligent Rebellion is not just a think tank; it's a vibrant community driven by the desire to inspire, explore, connect, and encourage individuals to speak up and shape a more promising future.

To fulfill our mission, we rely on the rich diversity of minds like yours. Your stories, experiences, thoughts, and ideas are invaluable to us. Together, we form a resilient community founded on collective knowledge. If you're passionate about rehumanizing, uniting, and rejuvenating our industries, we extend a warm invitation for you to become a part of The Intelligent Rebellion movement. Join The Intelligent Rebellion.

Find us at:  The Intelligent Rebellion | Instagram

Find Rhea: Rhea Mercado | LinkedIn | Instagram

Bits & Pieces: The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast is a Threesticks Production | Producer & Host: Rhea Mercado | Emperor of Sound and Original Music: Wills

Copyright 2023 Rhea Mercado®

Acknowledgement of Country: Rhea Mercado and the team who produce the The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast acknowledge the traditional owners and ongoing custodians of the land on which the podcast is recorded. We are located on the land of the Dharug people. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and to the Elders past, present and emerging.


Disclaimer to cover our butt: 

The content of this program / podcast is made available for entertainment purposes, are opinions and should not been seen as indisputable.  The views and information expressed by the Guests of the program represents the view and opinions of the Guest and does not necessarily represent the view or opinions of Rhea Mercado® and/or Threesticks Pty Ltd. The information presented in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for any other professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment nor a substitute for guidelines, legislations, frameworks, processes or procedures. We encourage you always seek advise which meets your personal and/or professional circumstances.

Rhea Mercado ® and Threesticks Pty Ltd hereby disclaims any and all liability to any part for any direct, indirect, implied, punitive, special, incidental or other consequential damages arising directly or indirectly from any use of the content, which is provided as is and without warranties.

Welcome to <a href="https://www.theintelligentrebellion.com/podcast">The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast</a> a platform dedicated to amplifying voices and fostering a shared vision for a brighter future. Hosted by <a href="https://www.rheamercado.com">Rhea Mercado</a>, Healthcare Humanist and Speaker  leading The Intelligent Rebellion. Our mission is to challenge traditional hierarchies and cultivate inclusive spaces where professionals can boldly express their ideas and contribute to a better world.
The Intelligent Rebellion is not just a think tank; it's a vibrant community driven by the desire to inspire, explore, connect, and encourage individuals to speak up and shape a more promising future.
To fulfill our mission, we rely on the rich diversity of minds like yours. Your stories, experiences, thoughts, and ideas are invaluable to us. Together, we form a resilient community founded on collective knowledge. If you're passionate about rehumanizing, uniting, and rejuvenating our industries, we extend a warm invitation for you to become a part of The Intelligent Rebellion movement. <a href="https://rheamercado.substack.com/">Join The Intelligent Rebellion</a>.
Find us at:  <a href="https://www.theintelligentrebellion.com/">The Intelligent Rebellion</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/intelligent.rebellion/">Instagram</a>
Find Rhea: <a href="https://bio.site/rheamercado">Rhea Mercado</a> | <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rheamercs/">LinkedIn</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rheamercs">Instagram</a>
Bits &amp; Pieces: The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast is a <a href="http://www.threesticks.com.au/">Threesticks</a> Production | Producer &amp; Host: <a href="http://www.rheamercado.com/">Rhea Mercado</a> | Emperor of Sound and Original Music: Wills
Copyright 2023 Rhea Mercado®
Acknowledgement of Country: Rhea Mercado and the team who produce the The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast acknowledge the traditional owners and ongoing custodians of the land on which the podcast is recorded. We are located on the land of the Dharug people. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and to the Elders past, present and emerging.
 Disclaimer to cover our butt: 
The content of this program / podcast is made available for entertainment purposes, are opinions and should not been seen as indisputable.  The views and information expressed by the Guests of the program represents the view and opinions of the Guest and does not necessarily represent the view or opinions of Rhea Mercado® and/or Threesticks Pty Ltd. The information presented in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for any other professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment nor a substitute for guidelines, legislations, frameworks, processes or procedures. We encourage you always seek advise which meets your personal and/or professional circumstances.
Rhea Mercado ® and Threesticks Pty Ltd hereby disclaims any and all liability to any part for any direct, indirect, implied, punitive, special, incidental or other consequential damages arising directly or indirectly from any use of the content, which is provided as is and without warranties.

Ten Minutes With is a fast-paced micro-podcast about personal injury, workers compensation, healthcare and the humans within.