Volleysquash… even the name sounds like someone made it up mid-laugh — and honestly, that's kind of the vibe. This quirky, mash-up game lives in pockets of passionate communities who've kept it alive purely for the fun of it, not the fame. It's a bit unconventional, and completely unbothered by whether it makes sense to anyone else. In this episode, we lean into the charm of something wonderfully niche — a sport that feels like an inside joke you're lucky enough to be let in on, and a reminder that play doesn't have to be polished to be powerful.

In this feel-good episode, we dive into the inspiring story of Sam "Coach" Balto, a teacher who reimagined the daily school run by creating a "bike bus" for kids. What started as a simple idea quickly became a powerful movement—boosting physical activity, building confidence, and bringing an entire community together. It's a story of joy, connection, and how one small shift can spark something much bigger. 🚲✨

Link to news article: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/feb/20/cycling-to-school-almost-became-extinct-until-one-man-revived-the-bike-bus

What pushes someone to run 170 kilometres in just 24 hours? For Natalia Hogan, it wasn't about records or recognition—it was about people.

In this episode, we dive into the extraordinary story of endurance, compassion, and purpose as Natalia takes on an almost unimaginable physical challenge to shine a light on homelessness. With every step, she carried more than fatigue—she carried stories, struggles, and the urgent need for change.

This isn't just a story about running. It's about what happens when one person decides to care deeply—and act boldly.

Get ready to feel inspired, challenged, and reminded of the power we all have to make a difference… one step at a time.

To donate head over to https://www.neddsuncomfortablechallenge.com/runninghome

Sometimes the simplest moments can bring us back to parts of ourselves we didn't realise we'd lost.

In this episode, I share a personal story about rediscovering my love of the water — something I hadn't fully appreciated for a long time. It took a little encouragement from my daughter and a willingness to jump in to remind me just how joyful it can feel.

It's a small story about play, connection, and the unexpected ways our kids can help us see the world with fresh eyes.

When most people think of bravery, they imagine trained rescuers or dramatic movie scenes. But sometimes courage shows up in the most unexpected places.

In this episode, I share the remarkable story of a 13-year-old Australian boy who swam four kilometres through the ocean and then ran two kilometres for help after his family got into trouble on the water.

It's a powerful reminder that courage isn't about age or strength — sometimes it's simply about refusing to give up when the people you love need you most.

Today's story is about an unexpected act of generosity that arrived at just the right moment.

A reminder that goodness doesn't always announce itself — sometimes it simply shows up, leaves a mark, and disappears.

Six minutes of warmth, hope, and a little faith in humanity.

Thank you to ikoliks at Pixabay for music that suits this podcast so well.

In our very first episode, we're starting with a simple, joyful story about a woman in the UK who dances as she walks through her neighbourhood — not for attention, not for social media, just because it feels good.

This isn't about her backstory or how she got there. It's about what she represents: permission. Freedom. The quiet rebellion of choosing joy in public, even when the world tells us to stay small, sensible, and serious.

This episode is an invitation to notice how joy spreads, how playfulness can be contagious, and how sometimes the bravest thing we can do is move through life exactly as we are.

No self-help. No fixing. Just a good story to lift your mood and maybe nudge you to dance a little more through your own day.

Thanks for joining us.

Janis at Play at Life

Music credits to ikoliks at Pixabay