Joining me on the podcast this week and the last episode of the year is the well known-figure, entrepreneur and good friend of mine - Ollie Proudlock. This episode is a special one, where we discuss Proudlock’s personal journey after having lost 3 family members to heart related conditions, leading him to share his ambitions for 2025.
10 years ago, Proudlock ran his first marathon with his father supporting him from the side line. Unfortunately his father tragically passed away 6 years ago from a heart related condition, so next years marathon, his second in London, will be to honour his legacy and continue his work to raise awareness and funds for those affected by heart conditions. His father may be gone, but his memory lives on with Proudlock, with the challenges he continues to face head on and achieve.
Family is at the centre of all he does, he opens up about fatherhood and how this has changed his outlook on life, as well as being immensely supported by one of the strongest woman in his life - his wife Emma.
Proudlock has been in the public eye and has seen and experienced it all, it’s fascinating to hear what his biggest learning has been through the years of TV and building his business Serge Denimes and how these important lessons have shaped him to be the man he is today.
Link to Ollie's fundraising page here: https://2025tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/ollie-and-elliot
Joining me on the podcast is TV personality, online fitness and nutrition coach, David Birtwistle.
Several years ago David came up to me and said something that left a mark, and is why I hold him in such high regard.
In this episode we discuss what defines masculinity, and if it’s something that must be adaptable. We chat about understanding gratification within the process and not just the outcome, and how we should look at failure is the first step to succeeding.
David’s attention for years was very much focused on strength, now his passion for running makes him a very versatile athlete. His ambitions of running his first sub 3 hour marathon are edging closer, but is the desire to achieve this going to distract him from enjoying the process, in this conversation you’ll find out.
Joining me on the podcast tomorrow are two members from one of the fastest growing Run clubs in the UK - Ant and George, introduced to me through my ambassadorship with Samsung and the Samsung Health App. 4 Friends came together with little to no background in running, they have created a movement that has gone on to inspire 1000s of people from around the world to join them, and working with the most recognised brands in this space.
Pana Run Club is about breaking barriers and giving opportunities to people when at a times, it feels like there is little.
In a time where the world is becoming more divided, they create connections, it’s not a run club dedicated or defined by a person's colour, but by the love for the community and sport they succeed and suffer from together.
In this episode we talked about turning lifes harships into energy for growth, to overcoming challenges like a lack of funding within society and shifting cultural norms.
This story is one of resilience and vision.
To find out more about Samsung Health: https://www.samsung.com/uk/apps/samsung-health/?cid=UK_PPC_1559134832_ID~GLB00061BW_CN~Health+HQ+AI+Generic_BS~mx_PR~mxmulti_SB~mocross_PH~on_KS~ba_MK~gb_OB~conv_FS~hobl_FF~-&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA3ZC6BhBaEiwAeqfvyv_tl-cQUHFhVU6iKaZXrHfik6ufJ4x7YqKbI1kEVp4_3D8dOpI7FRoCIzoQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
And Pana Run Club: https://www.instagram.com/panarunclub/
Joining me on the podcast today is qualified run coach, PT, James Stirling AKA the London fitness guy. James was an early adapter on the online fitness scene, he strives to create a community with a deep connection, that doesn’t feel intimated and scared of the health and fitness space. The fitness industry can feel pretty overwhelming at times, and James is someone that takes all that away.
James has achieved huge success in the industry, he’s found his formula and reveals this in our conversation today. He is a great believer that you can do anything you can put your mind to, we chat about the difference between laziness and physically being strained to do something, and the importance of regulating yourself when enduring the stresses of everyday life, and he discusses how breathwork and meditation can be instrumental to achieving this. For someone who is seen to be at the top of his fitness level, we talk through his previous health scares during the London marathon, when he suffered a terrifying panic attack, and how he has dealt with this, especially with the anticipation of his next challenge of running 6 half marathons in 6 different countries, a huge milestone for him. We discuss in this episode his interpretation of success, and whether success means you are happy… in this episode we find out.
Imagine running to spread a message and find a cure for a condition that you suffer with and may not even benefit from in your lifetime, but knowing what you’ve done will improve if not save future generations lives.
Joining me on the podcast are two remarkable brothers Jordan and Cian Adams who are doing just that.
Having lost their mother to dementia, they both find themselves diagnosed with the same condition. What is most powerful about this episode is how they have overcome the fear they both face to utilise the time that they have. Their story is one of bravery, determination, resilience, and inspiration.
We all will face something in life we have no control over, but both brothers are testament that we can dictate how we wish to respond to it.
With over quarter of a million now raised for charity, the momentum has not slowed down, if anything it’s only just starting to build.
If you find yourself in a situation where you find yourself saying I can’t, think of brothers and remind yourself of what you can.
Joining me on the podcast is one of the most recognised faces in fitness, peloton instructor & high performance coach Ben Alldis.
This episode really signifies how taking risks into the unknown can change your life forever. Do you find yourself in a position that doesn’t fulfil you, taking that first step can be difficult, Bens story highlights what taking that step can look like.
Trauma is something that we all incur, it can affect us in different ways. Ben opens up about navigating the heartbreaking loss of his best friend and his wife's subsequent cancer diagnosis, revealing how these experiences reshaped his approach to life.
Ben has been instrumental in the success of peloton, now a billion dollar business, we hear how that success has changed his life at such a young age, and what that looks like.
With so much influence around the world it’s fascinating to hear what direction in which he wishes to take it.
This episode was inspired by a conversation I had with my coach where for the first time I said I can’t. I have been so open about my struggles in the past with my mental health and I have found myself in that difficult place once again. Recording this was incredibly tough, but something I felt I needed to do. 2024 has been a testing year with many lessons learnt. Although I wish I didn’t feel this way, I know with hard work on myself something special can come from it. Some of my biggest achievements have come from some of my toughest times.
I really hope this episode will contribute to normalising how we feel, and enable more people to find the strength to speak out when in need.
Nothing lasts forever both good and bad, this is just one of those bad moments which I believe in my heart will eventually turn good. This episode is the beginning of me getting myself back into the place I wish to be, happy and in peace.
Joining me on the podcast today is Fatima Painda, her story is one of the most powerful I’ve come across as to why she became a runner.
Fleeing Afghanistan from the regime to live a life of freedom is a reminder of what a gift each day is. Coming from a life so restricted she finds herself invested into a sport that empowers her and offers freedom.
Running isn't about winning for her, every step she takes is a step of hope for her friends and family who remain in her native land. Fatima is a beacon of hope and is a pillar of strength for so many. When you think of resilience, think of Fatima.
Joining me on the podcast today is elite marathon runner, coach, and content creator, Phily Bowden. Phily is joining us fresh off her most recent marathon in Berlin which catapulted her presence in the sport running an impressive time of 2.25, and a PB. Phily is not your typical athlete, with an unconventional journey to get her where she is today. Her openness and honesty is what has drawn so many to be invested in her journey. You can’t help but want her to succeed and achieve her ultimate dream of performing at the highest stage, the olympics.
Running has changed her life and the person she wants to be, from a disruptive childhood, it has given her a purpose, and enabled her to channel her energy into something positive. Like many others, Phily has faced personal challenges, including battling an eating disorder at a young age. In a high-pressure career, the question arises: how can she maintain her well-being and prevent facing such a difficult struggle again, in this conversation she shares how?
Returning to the podcast today after his toughest challenge yet is Jonny Davies. Jonny recently completed RUN THE CAPITALS running all 5 capitals in the UK and Ireland, covering 960km in 12 days.
This conversation so close to the challenge was an incredibly vulnerable and an honest one.
I saw a different side to Jonny I’ve never seen before, with some time to reflect on what he’s done, it really unearthed some profound moments that clearly had a deeper impact on him.
It really highlights how powerful your past can be on your future self, and the decisions that you make.
To donate to Jonny's challenge see the link below.
https://www.justgiving.com/page/jdrunthecapitals?utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=page%2Fjdrunthecapitals&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=pfp-share
Joining me on the podcast today is Maliha Abdul-Hakim, known to most as the Marathon runner.
But there is so much more to her and her story of how she got there. In this episode we hear for the first time the adversity she has had to overcome to even step foot on that start line.
She was subjected to parental abduction as a young child, before being rescued by her mother. She and her five siblings moved with their mother from the Middle East to England for a new beginning, and to support her mothers health condition affecting her sight, which later Maliha too would be diagnosed with the same condition.
Maliha’s outlook on life is an incredible powerful one, her past is what makes her ambitions even stronger, with her heart set on representing the middle east, it’s not a case of if, but when.
Joining me on today’s podcast is transformation coach James Middleton.
James’s no nonsense, and realistic approach as a coach has built him a successful community that continues to grow. His presence in a highly lucrative industry is refreshing for some, and controversial to others.
The world has so many varied opinions on training and nutrition, with so many qualified professionals it’s hard to know who to believe, with so much noise people desire to be heard can come at a cost to the consumer. In this chat James has the stage to debunk some of these views and highlight what he feels will lead to a healthier and more positive approach.
Joining me on the podcast is model & athlete Kori Sampson. Kori is currently in the middle of facing his biggest challenge yet, running the entire circumference of Ibiza, over 250km to cover in only 48 hours.
The meaning behind this challenge is incredibly powerful, now living a new life under sobriety, he’s returning to the island under very different circumstances to his previous trips. He’s on a journey to change his narrative, and inspire others and show them what is possible. It’s a reminder that it is never too late to make changes to yourself to ensure a happier life.
This episode highlights the importance of self belief, discipline, timing, and the difference an environment can make to your development in life.
Joining me on the podcast today is Matt Kaminer, the youngest person to qualify for the Ironman Man World Champs and full time medical student.
Last year, while I was taking on the challenge of running 76 marathons around the uk, Matt joined me in Bristol for one of the runs. I was captivated by his story and how he manages to balance his time despite having so many responsibilities. He had committed himself to one of the most demanding sports while simultaneously pursuing a medical degree at university.
The big question for many is whether it's possible to achieve both goals at the same time. He is determined that it is. Matt has since earned his professional license and now represents South Africa at a professional level, while also getting closer to his other dream of becoming a qualified doctor.
This episode is special because we witness a young adult showcasing and fulfilling his biggest dreams. Now, we get to join him on his journey, be a part of it, and one day celebrate his successes.
Joining me on the podcast today is extreme adventurer, motivational speaker and world record holder Ash Dykes. I had the privilege to sit down with Ash just a couple of weeks before he embarks on his next world record first in the Amazon, arguably his most dangerous challenge yet, exploring a territory no human is believed to have been before. This really is a challenge where every decision could be the difference between life and death.
Ash’s story is one of hardships, determination, and resilience. There have been moments when it seemed like the world was against him, but his unwavering belief in his work drives him forward until he achieves his dreams.
One of the most important lessons we can take from this episode is realising how crucial the decisions we make during our most vulnerable moments are, and how those choices can shape both who we are and the final outcome.
This episode is a special one for me, as I am joined by my business partners, Ben Parker and Dom Maskell, both forbes 30 under 30, and founders of one of the fastest growing businesses in the UK - Runna.
I was introduced to them both as I started training with Ben as my running coach. It is crazy how an unexpected journey into running would introduce to someone and it change our lives forever.
What does it take to build a multi million pound company in only three years? Today you will find out. I have seen both of them grow in their retrospective roles within the company leading the way, and as people. Too often in business, we see and hear about the successes and the financials, but never really hear the true story of what it takes to get there, but this episode provides just that. For any aspiring business men or women out there, this episode will give a deeper insight into the process of starting a business, and how to grow it successfully.
Runna has quickly become one of the most recognised products worldwide, selling running plans in over 180 countries. Today, we explore the reasons behind the company's success, what helps you push through the tougher times, and what the future holds for both the company and its users. This episode underscores the unpredictability of life and serves as a testament that if you stay persistent, opportunities - both big and small - will come your way. The key is to seize them when they arise and make the most of them.
Joining me on the podcast today, is James Warnock, someone you might recognise that has blown up on socials in the last year. A few years ago, James received devastating news that his dad passed away, and like many, found it difficult to express his feelings. After starting his social media on the side of his corporate job, James took the plunge to go full time after growing his audience by opening up and expressing his grief and connecting to so many others struggling too. In this episode, we talk about how James deals with his grief, and how running and removing himself from certain relationships has facilitated his grieving process. This is an incredibly touching conversation, that discusses grief, therapy and much more. I hope it helps and impacts you as much as it did me, James is an incredibly strong and open to talk about such difficult topics, and I’m so glad he felt open enough to come on this podcast to do so.
Joining me on the podcast today is Jake Williamson, hybrid athlete, world record holder, former semi professional footballer, and member of the LGBTQ+ community.
Jake is one of the biggest names in Hyrox, breaking records and brining so much positivity to the sport. His journey is a special one, from holding back who he really was in the football world, to finally coming out and accepting himself, to then be shut out by people around him for his sexuality. Jake has since advocated for people to speak out, you have one shot at life so we must embrace every second. Jake was so open and honest in this episode, is was refreshing to see how he approaches life, and how he has turned his struggles into a positive not only for himself but a much larger scale through his audience online as well as being an Ambassador for the LGBTQ+ charity, Stonewall.
There is so much can be learnt from this episode as well as inspiration for anyone who listens to take a step on that path to begin a journey of happiness.
Joining me on the podcast today is one of the most kind and funny, down to earth people I’ve recently met - the hilariously clever Tom Gilbey aka The Wine guy.
You are probably wondering why on earth my next guest’s career is drinking wine and if you are watching this, why I’m sitting here in a tuxedo… but if you watched anything on socials about the London marathon, I’m very sure you would have heard about the brilliant Tom. Tom blasted on everyone’s screens after he ran the London marathon for Sobell House Hospice, but what was different about Tom’s marathon was that with every mile he blind tasted a wine. What I love about Tom is his attitude to life, life is about balance, and why can’t he run a marathon and drink wine all the way through it? Tom vouches for not taking life too seriously and it really is so refreshing to see what he has achieved by doing exactly that. In this episode we discuss his rise on socials alongside why being the wine guy doesn’t mean you can’t be a runner…I also make him do a particularly different type of wine tasting than he is used to! This really was one of the funniest episodes we’ve had, and I hope you enjoy it!
Joining me on the podcast this week is world record holder - Imogen Boddy. This year she completed her biggest challenge yet and became the fastest female in history to run the three peaks. Having only taken up running three years ago, her legacy is already remarkable one at the young age of 24, after also becoming the youngest female to run John O’Groats to Land’s End. Even the sky is no limit for her, her determination and grit will enable her to achieve anything she sets her mind on. In this episode we hear about the driving forces that push Imo to do these challenge’s, what her ambitions are and what her greatest learnings have been since taking up running. Age can often be a reason for not trying something, Imo is a testament to so many that it’s never too early to start something.
