In this powerful episode, we sit down with Darrian — a diversity and inclusivity consultant, athlete, and soon-to-be personal trainer — to talk all things fitness, identity, and representation.
Bullied throughout his youth for his sexuality, Darrian has turned pain into purpose. He’s now on a mission to make the fitness world a safer, more inclusive space for the LGBTQ+ community and anyone who’s ever felt like they didn’t belong. From completing marathons and HYROX races to speaking out as a proud voice for change, Darrian proves that showing up as yourself is the strongest move you can make.
We dive into:
Message of the episode: Fuck the bullies. Be yourself. And the fitness industry needs to do better.
If this episode hits home — share it. If you believe in making fitness a place for everyone — like it. And if you want more conversations like this — subscribe and spread the word.
In this episode, Lydia and Matt dive into a topic that every dedicated gym go-er wrestles with: rest days. Why is something so essential often so hard to embrace?
Whether you're training hard in the gym, pounding the pavement, or juggling workouts around a busy life, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking more is always better. But science—and experience—say otherwise. This conversation explores the psychological barriers that make rest days feel uncomfortable, the internal battles we face when hitting pause, and the real-world benefits that recovery brings to long-term progress.
Expect a grounded, honest discussion that blends evidence-based insight with lived experience—perfect for high-achieving people navigating training, careers, and life.
If this resonates, don’t forget to share, like, and subscribe—it helps us keep bringing you real conversations that fuel your journey.
Episode: How to Prioritise Your Health When Time Is Short and Life Is Full On
Inspired by our recent chat with the unstoppable Xanthi, Matt and Lydia are back with a punchy, tip-packed mini episode for anyone juggling work, family, and training—and still wanting to prioritise their health.
We’re sharing our top strategies for staying consistent, disciplined, and motivated even when life is chaos. No fluff—just real talk, practical tools, and mindset shifts that work in the real world.
If you’ve ever thought, “I just don’t have the time”—this one’s for you.
Perfect for high-performing, busy people who train hard, strive for more, and refuse to let their health take a back seat.
Short, sharp, and seriously useful—don’t miss it. Share it, save it, live it.
This week on Perk and Pace, Lydia and Matt sit down with the unstoppable Xanthi—a proud Greek powerhouse balancing a high-pressure NHS role with a fierce commitment to health, fitness, and personal growth.
We talk all things Hyrox: what it’s really like to train for this intense race as a first-timer, how it feels to toe the start line solo, and why doing hard things—alone—can be the fastest path to confidence. From battling fear to booking solo trips, Xanthi opens up about building self-worth, chasing challenge, and finally owning her space.
If you've ever felt the pull to push past your limits, this one’s for you.
Inspired by Xanthi’s story? Hit subscribe, leave us a review, and check out other episodes of Perk and Pace—your go-to for stories that move you forward.
In this episode of The Perk & Pace Podcast, hosts Lydia and Matt get real about how their relationships with training have evolved—from body image battles and performance pressure to finding strength, purpose, and joy in movement.
Lydia opens up about growing up in the “nothing tastes as good as skinny feels” era, how that mindset shaped her early relationship with exercise, and what it took to shift from training as punishment to training for performance and self-worth. Matt reflects on his time as a competitive athlete, where the focus was all about achievements—and how he's now found freedom in training for love of the process.
We look back at our 20s, 30s, and Producer Ian’s 40s, unpacking the cultural fads, expectations, and mindset shifts that shaped us—and why we now train for longevity, strength, and health over aesthetics or validation.
Whether you're new to training or a seasoned athlete, this one’s for you. Tune in for honest chat, a few laughs, and maybe even a little inspo to rethink why you move.
Listen now, share it with a mate, and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave us a review.
We’d love to hear your own journey with fitness—message us on socials or tag us in your story!
#PerkAndPace #FitnessJourney #TrainingThroughTheDecades #BodyImage #StrongNotSkinny #LongevityTraining #HealthOverHype #MindsetShift #FitnessAtEveryAge #StrengthForLife #PodcastRecs #WellnessChat
Did Q1 go exactly to plan? Or are you staring at those untouched goals wondering what went wrong? In this powerful follow-up to our goal-setting episode from the start of the year, Lydia and Matt get real about what worked, what didn’t, and how to reset without the guilt. Whether you're a business leader, a fitness-driven professional, or a growth-minded business owner, this episode is your permission slip to pause, reflect, and pivot.
We talk about the difference between excuses and real-life obstacles, how to spot self-sabotage, and why now is the perfect time to redefine success on your terms. Learn how to build momentum again, ask the right people for help, and actually enjoy the process.
🔥 If you're serious about personal growth, performance, and living with intention — this one’s for you.
👉 Like, subscribe, and drop us a comment with the goals you're resetting or your biggest lesson from Q1. We’re building a community of high-achievers who keep it real — and you’re invited.
#GoalSetting #QuarterlyReset #HighPerformanceHabits #UKPodcasts #BusinessGrowth #MindsetMatters #perkandpace #FitnessAndFocus #PeakPerformance #PodcastForAchievers
In this powerful and refreshingly real episode of the Perk & Pace Podcast, Lydia & Matt with down with Giwa - Gymshark ambassador, fitness influencer and content creator with a massive following - to talk about what truly matters.
From the outside, Giwa's life looks like the dream: brand deals, a loyal fanbase, and viral content. But behind the fitness and filters, she opens up about choosing purpose over popularity, and how her faith in God has grounded her through it all.
We get into:
Why clout doesn’t equal clarity
How Giwa’s faith gives her direction in a noisy world
What finding true purpose looks like — even in the influencer space
Her evolving relationship with social media
Big plans for the future (and how she’s keeping it meaningful)
Whether you’re chasing influence or chasing intention, this episode will make you rethink what success really looks like.
Subscribe now for more unfiltered, purpose-driven convos every week.
Your future self will thank you.
#PurposeOverPopularity #FaithAndFitness #GiwaOnTheMic #Gymshark #FaithJourney #InfluencerLife #PodcastDrop #FitnessWithFaith #SocialMediaRealTalk #LydiaAndMattPod #NewEpisode #ViralPodcast #GodFirst #FindingPurpose #ContentCreatorLife
Perk & Pace is back with Season 2!
In this episode of Perk & Pace, Matt & Lydia take you behind the scenes of their unforgettable weekend in Toulouse, where the highs and lows of their Hyrox races provided both chaos and triumphs. From tough workouts to unexpected moments of hilarity, they share everything that went down, the lessons learned, and the laughs along the way. You don't want to miss this one if you're racing this seasons, it's packed with great tips for your Hyrox race day.
Whether you’re a Hyrox competitor or just a fan of fitness, Matt & Lydia’s Toulouse tales will keep you hooked. Expect funny stories, race day reflections, and a sneak peek into the reality of competing at Hyrox.
🔥 Highlights of this episode include:
Matt & Lydia’s intense race day experience 🏃♂️🏋️♀️
Funny moments and bloopers from their weekend in Toulouse 😂
Valuable tips and lessons learned for your next Hyrox challenge 🎯
Behind-the-scenes chaos and triumphs that you won’t want to miss!
If you're passionate about Hyrox, fitness, or just want to hear about some epic adventures, hit play and join Matt & Lydia for this wild ride!
👉 Don’t forget to subscribe to Perk & Pace for more fitness stories, tips, and adventures straight from Matt & Lydia! 🔔
#Hyrox #HyroxToulouse #FitnessJourney #HyroxUK #MattAndLydia #HyroxRaces #Toulouse2025 #FitnessPodcast #HyroxExperience #UKFitness #FitnessMotivation #HyroxCommunity #RaceDayChaos #TriumphsAndLows #FunnyFitnessStories
In this episode of Perk & Pace, we go behind the scenes at Birmingham’s coolest pizza joint, Otto, with its passionate owners, Chris and George. From humble beginnings to running a thriving business, they share the highs, the lows, and the biggest mistakes they made along the way. Discover the challenges of expanding a restaurant, the joy of building a loyal customer base, and the sense of community that makes Otto more than just a place to eat.
Chris and George also teach Lydia and Matt how to make pizza from scratch – a fun and insightful experience you won’t want to miss! Tune in to hear their stories of passion, perseverance, and pizza-making magic.
If you love pizza, entrepreneurship, or want to learn what it takes to run a successful restaurant, this episode is for you! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave us a review – your support helps us bring more inspiring stories to the table! 🍕🎙️
HIT THE YOUTUBE LINK TO SEE THE FULL PIZZA MAKING EXPERIENCE AND TO FIND OUT WHO WON THE PIZZA CHALLENGE
#OttoPizza #BirminghamEats #RestaurantOwners #PizzaLovers #Entrepreneurship #BusinessStruggles #CommunityVibes #Podcast #LikeAndSubscribe
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In this episode of The perk & pace podcast, hosts Matt and Lydia dive into the powerful connection between physical fitness and mental resilience. They explore how developing strength, endurance, and discipline in the gym translates to greater mental fortitude in both personal and professional life. Through insightful discussions and real-life stories, they share how fitness has not only boosted their mental health but also enhanced their ability to navigate challenges in business and everyday life.
Whether you're looking to build mental toughness, improve your well-being, or gain practical tips for integrating fitness into your routine, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable advice. Matt and Lydia open up about their own experiences, showing how fitness isn’t just about the body—it’s about fortifying the mind.
Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on how physical activity can transform your mental state and help you thrive, no matter the obstacles in your way.
Don’t forget to subscribe to The perk & pace podcast for more stories, strategies, and inspiration to build your mental strength and improve your overall well-being.
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In this episode of Perk and Pace, hosts Matt and Lydia sit down with expert Avital Prais to dive deep into the fascinating world of the menstrual cycle and its impact on training. Whether you’re someone who menstruates or you’re a coach or trainer working with others, this conversation is packed with valuable, evidence-based insights to optimise performance throughout the different phases of the cycle.
Avital breaks down the key stages of the menstrual cycle, from follicular to luteal, explaining how hormones fluctuate and how this can affect your energy levels, mood, and overall training capacity. With practical, actionable tips, Avital gives listeners the tools to harness the power of their cycles, maximise training effectiveness, and better understand the connection between physical and emotional well-being.
Plus, the team tries a coffee that’s a little different from the usual — tune in for a lively, informative chat that’s all about empowering those who menstruate and helping them thrive in both training and life!
Be sure to subscribe and turn notifications on so you never miss an episode!
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In this compelling episode, Matt and Lydia dive deep into the uncomfortable yet essential topic of failure. They open up about their own biggest failures — the moments that bruised their egos and left them questioning their abilities. But they don’t just dwell on the pain of failure; they reveal the transformative lessons they've learned and how those very failures have shaped them into the people they are today.
Why does society have such a strong aversion to failure? Why is it seen as something to avoid at all costs? Matt and Lydia tackle this question head-on, offering a fresh perspective on failure as an opportunity for growth. You’ll hear how reframing failure can actually accelerate your success and how to embrace setbacks with resilience and optimism.
In this episode, you'll gain:
Practical tips on how to fail forward and turn every setback into a stepping stone. Real-life examples of how failure has propelled Matt and Lydia’s lives and business'. Insight into why failing fast is crucial for rapid personal and professional growth. A new mindset for rethinking failure — not as a roadblock but as a powerful tool for success.Whether you’re struggling with a recent failure or want to learn how to embrace challenges head-on, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you push past the fear of failure and turn setbacks into triumphs.
Tune in now and discover how failing fast might just be the key to unlocking your next big breakthrough!
Don't forget to comment your biggest failures or anything you're struggling with. Like, subscribe and turn on notifications too so you never miss an episode.
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#FailForward #EmbraceFailure #PersonalGrowth #BusinessSuccess #MindsetMatters
In this episode of Perk & Pace, hosts Lydia and Matt dive into what true happiness looks like for them and how they’ve navigated the challenges of going against the grain to create their own paths. They share personal lessons they've learned along the way, including how they've overcome societal expectations, dealt with setbacks, and found fulfilment by staying true to their values.
Lydia and Matt also offer practical, actionable tips for listeners who want to choose happiness on their own terms—whether that’s carving out a life that feels authentic, making tough decisions, or aligning your everyday choices with what really matters to you.
Tune in for insights on how to identify your core values, live in alignment with your purpose, and take tangible steps towards creating the kind of happiness that’s not dictated by others but is built from within. This episode is all about empowering you to step off the beaten path and live your best, most fulfilling life.
Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and turn notifications on so you never miss an episode. Tell us in the comments what your magic ball wishes would be and click the links below to get involved in the podcast community.
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In this episode of the Perk and Pace Podcast, hosts Matt & Lydia kick off the new year with a refreshing take on health habits that last—no matter the season. With the festive period just behind us, they dive into how to enjoy the holidays without derailing your fitness and wellness goals. Forget the pressure of “New Year, New Me”—Matt and Lydia explain why that mindset can be a trap and how to set goals you can actually stick to, anytime.
They break down:
Whether you're looking to crush your goals or simply want to feel empowered through the year ahead, this episode is packed with insight and strategies for navigating your health journey without stress or guilt.
Don't forget to drop your goals and new habits in the comments section and follow the instagrams and youtube below
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Get ready for the ultimate holiday treat as Matt, Lydia, and 2 special guests unwrap some festive fun in this Christmas Special! In this episode, your hosts dive into a lively Q&A session, answering your listener-submitted questions with their signature honesty and wit. But that's not all — things get really interesting as they take on the all important Mince Pie Blind Taste Test, and let’s just say... the results are shocking! Which mine pie will emerge victorious as the master, and which will fall victim to a festive food fail? 🎅🏼🥧
Whether you’re tuning in for the hilarious banter, the unfiltered opinions, or just the sheer unpredictability of listener submitted questions, this episode is packed with all the Christmas cheer you can handle.
Tune in for laughs, surprises, and a whole lot of festive spirit — it’s the perfect holiday listen!
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In this episode of The Perk and Pace Podcast and the 3rd and final instalment in the limited series recorded at the amazing Setl Birmingham location, hosts Lydia and Matt sit down with Laura, the award-winning food blogger behind Bite Your Brum.
Laura shares her journey through the dynamic Birmingham hospitality scene, from navigating the highs and lows of going self-employed to finding the courage to back herself in a competitive industry. The conversation delves into her struggles with social media, offering a candid look at how she manages the pressures of the online world while maintaining a healthy balance.
But that’s not all— they make a shocking discovery about a little-known side effect of taking magnesium, resulting in a big laugh. Tune in for an inspiring, eye-opening, and occasionally surprising episode!
Like & subscribe to the podcast so you never miss and episode.
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In this episode of The Perk and Pace Podcast, hosts Lydia and Matt sit down with Chef Tara Moreton-Archibald of Thirteen Plates, an inspiring chef with a unique journey. Tara discovered her passion for cooking a little later than most, rising to become a head chef and now launching her own freelance chef business.
We delve into her experiences as a woman in a male-dominated industry, the challenges of working in high-pressure kitchens, and her advice for thriving in the demanding world of hospitality. Tara shares her insights on breaking barriers, embracing challenges, and balancing career ambitions with personal well-being.
If you're passionate about food, interested in hospitality, or just love hearing stories of resilience and success, this episode is for you. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring conversations.
#HospitalityIndustry #WomenInLeadership #FreelanceChef #CulinaryArts #ChefStories #PodcastEpisode #CareerInspiration #HospitalityChallenges #BreakingBarriers
What are your thoughts on balancing work and personal growth in high-pressure industries? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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In this powerful episode of The Perk & Pace podcast, hosts Lydia and Matt sit down with Guillaume Piot (G), an inspiring entrepreneur, athlete, and risk-taker who built a successful business from the ground up before selling it and embarking on a journey to become a competitive Ironman and ultra marathon runner.
G shares his incredible story of moving to the UK alone, overcoming adversity, and leveraging mental discipline to thrive both in business and endurance sports. From running ultra marathons in sandals to pushing through personal fears, G delves into the mindset that fuels his success, offering actionable insights for anyone looking to achieve greatness—whether in business or fitness.
Matt & Lydia were invited to record at the exclusive new Setl space in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter. This is the first of a three-part series filmed at the location. Tune in to hear how G’s journey of resilience and risk-taking can inspire you to elevate your own life, career, and fitness goals.
Key Topics:
Don't miss this inspiring conversation on mastering both mind and body for success. Subscribe for more episodes packed with insights on business wins, fitness goals, and the power of discipline.
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Join Lydia & Matt in this exciting episode of the Perk & Pace podcast, where they take you on a global tour of their favourite hospitality spots. From hidden gems and local favourites to iconic destinations, they share their top picks from around the world. Get ready for funny travel stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and a few surprising moments along the way!
In this episode:
Tune in for a fun, lively, and insightful conversation that will inspire your next travel adventure—and maybe even your next favourite café!
Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more lifestyle, wellness, and travel tips.
Links to all the businesses mentioned:
Instagram's:
#Hospitality #TravelTips #HiddenGems #IconicSpots #LifestylePodcast #WellnessPodcast #TravelPodcast #BestCafes #LocalFavourites #CoffeeLovers #Wanderlust #AdventureAwaits #FunnyTravelStories #HospitalityBusiness
No Excuses: Discipline and Hard Work | Andy Low N Slow
In this episode of our fitness and wellbeing podcast, we sit down with Andy Low N Slow, the renowned pitmaster and founder of Low N Slow, to talk about the power of discipline and hard work. Whether you're in the hospitality industry, chasing fitness goals, or working on your personal growth, Andy’s journey is packed with inspiration and actionable advice.
What You’ll Discover in This Episode: How discipline fuels success in fitness, wellbeing, and business. Andy’s approach to balancing a high-pressure career with personal health Why a “no excuses” mindset is the key to achieving your goals Practical tips to stay motivated and overcome challenges
As someone who excels in the demanding world of hospitality while prioritising his health and wellbeing, Andy’s story is proof that hard work pays off. Whether you're passionate about fitness, interested in hospitality insights, or need a motivational boost, this episode has something for you.
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more podcasts on fitness, wellbeing, and hospitality success stories. Hit the bell to stay updated on new episodes!
#FitnessPodcast #HospitalityIndustry #DisciplineAndHardWork #WellbeingJourney #NoExcusesMindset
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@perkandpace_podcast
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