Meet Torwen

Meet our new co-host, Torwen Eerkens. This interview-style episode lets you get to know her before we dive back into the usual content next week.

Languages & Life Abroad

Torwen is completely Dutch. She speaks Dutch at home and was born in the Netherlands, where her whole family lives. She also completed French immersion from Years 8–10, even doing a school exchange in France along the way.

From Law & Business to Dietetics

The original plan was law and business. While working in Longreach during a gap year, she met a dietitian, learned about the field, and changed direction. COVID reshaped her travel plans, so she worked instead and leaned into dietetics.

Living with Coeliac

After choosing dietetics, Torwen was diagnosed with coeliac disease. Her own consult felt like “handouts and goodbye,” which shaped how she now supports coeliac clients. Long-term gut health and potential nutrient deficiencies sit at the centre of her approach.

Placements & Takeaways

Paediatrics stood out as a highlight during placement. Hospital work, however, didn’t feel like the right fit. Aidan relates with a story from his hospital placement that also influenced his career choices.

How She Joined Ideal Nutrition

Instagram kicked things off. While at uni, Torwen ran a nutrition account and friends forwarded a story about an internship for The Runners Blueprint. She reached out, got involved, and her action-first approach stood out. A contact from a local run club later vouched for her and that link traced back to a placement in Roma with their partner. After the internship, a gastro role opened up. Torwen heard the search was still ongoing, set up a coffee, made her case, and pitched herself into the team.

Work at Ideal

Torwen sees a diverse mix of clients for various reasons, including gastro, athletic performance, women’s health, and weight loss. She balances client work with creative social media, which keeps things interesting. The team culture feels supportive and inspiring.

Training Right Now

Triathlon is her thing, with cycling as the favourite. A 160 km ride is on this weekend. She lifts three to four times per week and, after a shoulder dislocation, aims to put on more muscle.

Future Goals For The Podcast

The goal for the podcast moving forward is simple: practical, evidence-based nutrition that goes deeper than basics without turning into heavy science. Free content should genuinely help listeners, while also supporting the business behind the scenes. Cutting through misinformation matters, and clarity will always come first.