Siobhan Haughey just won gold at the National Games — but her story started long before the headlines.

In this conversation, recorded just after the Paris Olympics, Siobhan opens up about the real life behind being Hong Kong’s most decorated athlete. She talks about the mental toll of elite sport, what it feels like to carry a city’s expectations, and how she stays grounded while constantly chasing progress.

We also talk about her path from the University of Michigan to Olympic medals, her views on psychology and pressure, and what life might look like after swimming.

This is a rare, honest look at what it takes to perform at the highest level — and how to stay human while doing it.

Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AeqJQTJVTfiOeo0tn09Aa?si=c140875205b349fa

Follow Abnormal on IG: / abnormalpod

In this episode, Pakhung, a world champion in rope skipping, shares his journey from a passionate athlete to a social media influencer and entrepreneur. He discusses the evolution of rope skipping as a sport, the impact of social media on its popularity, and the importance of teamwork and community in maintaining motivation. Pakhung also opens up about the pressures of competition, the significance of mental health, and his personal definition of success. He emphasizes the value of failure as a learning experience and offers advice for aspiring athletes and entrepreneurs.

Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AeqJQTJVTfiOeo0tn09Aa?si=f467cc42b56a48cf

Follow Abnormal on IG: https://www.instagram.com/abnormalpod/

Follow Pakhung on IG: https://www.instagram.com/pakhungjai/

Ant Haynes is one of Hong Kong’s most respected CrossFit athletes, a multiple-time CrossFit Games competitor, former Hong Kong rugby player, and co-owner of Coastal Fitness. But behind the medals and highlight reels lies a powerful story about sacrifice, burnout, and rediscovering balance.

In this episode, Ant opens up about his journey from professional rugby to CrossFit, how he built one of Asia’s top training communities, and the moment he realised that success was costing him the relationships that mattered most.

Chapters

00:00 The Cost of Athletic Pursuits

03:01 Navigating Life Changes: From Hong Kong to Dubai

05:54 The Journey from Rugby to CrossFit

09:01 Transitioning to Coaching and Business

12:00 The Evolution of CrossFit and Personal Training

15:00 The Challenges of Competing at a High Level

17:50 Programming for Longevity in Fitness

21:00 The Reality of Competition Preparation

29:47 The Pain of Preparation

31:55 Lessons from Competition

33:29 Training Adaptations and Resilience

36:52 The Evolution of CrossFit Training

39:32 CrossFit vs Other Sports

44:20 The Mental Game of Training

49:32 Shifting Priorities

55:39 Redefining Success

59:30 Legacy and Impact

01:01:18 Courage Over Comfort

🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

👉 Subscribe for more conversations with people doing Abnormal things.

Follow Ant: https://www.instagram.com/anthayneshk/

Re-release: A listener favourite from the Abnormal archives

Hyrox has exploded across the world — but how did it reach Asia?

In this conversation, Gary Wan, the man responsible for bringing Hyrox to Asia, joins us to share the story behind one of the fastest-growing fitness movements on the planet.

Gary talks about how he discovered Hyrox, the early struggles of launching it in a new region, and the cultural differences that shaped its growth. From athlete psychology to building community, this episode is a blueprint for anyone who’s ever tried to take an idea global.

Whether you’re a Hyrox competitor, a business founder, or just someone who loves pushing your limits, Gary’s story will fire you up.

🎧 This is a special re-release of one of our most popular early episodes — because some stories deserve to be heard twice.

What does it really take to build a world number one?

In this episode, I sit down with Andrei Vasilevski and Anton Dubrov, the coaching masterminds behind Aryna Sabalenka, to reveal the truth about what it takes to reach, and stay at, the top of the tennis world.

From the emotional highs of Grand Slam victories to the unseen struggles behind the scenes, they share how trust, discipline, and daily 0.1% improvements turn potential into greatness.

Whether you’re chasing excellence yourself or just curious about the mindset behind champions, this is a masterclass in discipline, teamwork, and belief.

🎙️ Abnormal is the podcast for normal people doing abnormal things.

Subscribe for more stories from the world’s best performers, athletes, and thinkers.

From burnout to Bangkok, this is the story of Gabe Heck, one of the fastest-rising athletes in the Hyrox world. Known as the Beast of Bangkok, Gabe went from a corporate job in Singapore to living his dream as a full-time coach and elite athlete in Asia.

In this episode of Abnormal, Gabe shares how he rebuilt his life after injury, discovered the power of endurance sport, and created a business doing what he loves. From his training philosophy to his mindset around failure and growth, this conversation is packed with lessons for anyone looking to chase their passion, reinvent themselves, or find meaning through challenge.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Gabe Heck: The Beast of Bangkok

01:20 Gabe's Journey in Hyrox

04:47 Life in Bangkok: The Unexpected Move

10:09 Transitioning to Full-Time Coaching

14:31 The Decision to Pursue Coaching and Racing

16:41 Building a Brand Through Racing

20:14 Balancing Competition and Coaching

22:41 The Pain of Hyrox: A Unique Challenge

25:53 Understanding Variables in Hyrox Racing

27:29 Optimizing Training for Hyrox

30:39 Building an Aerobic Base: The Long Game

32:01 The Role of Genetics in Athletic Performance

34:58 Age and Experience in Hyrox Competitions

39:04 Balancing Strength and Endurance Training

41:12 Mental Health and Overtraining in Sports

45:58 Finding Personal Motivation in Athletic Endeavors

50:50 The Joy of Coaching and Client Success

56:07 Lessons Learned from Personal Struggles

01:01:06 Creating Urgency and Taking Action in Life

Follow Gabe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabeheck/

Ben Cullen, aka Benny Cee, is a DJ, producer, entrepreneur, and MC whose energy seems limitless. But his journey hasn’t been easy. From arriving in Hong Kong with nothing, struggling to pay rent, and even eating bananas for dinner because he couldn’t afford food, to now DJing in Ibiza, MCing for global Hyrox events, and running successful businesses, Ben’s story is one of resilience, positivity, and relentless drive.In this episode of Abnormal, Ben shares the highs and lows of building a brand, the “back against the wall” mentality that shaped him, what it really takes to balance multiple careers, and why he believes in going all in on your dreams. Whether you’re chasing a business, a creative career, or just looking for motivation to push through tough times, this episode will inspire you to keep moving forward.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Benny Cee: The Unstoppable Force

02:22 Current Endeavors: Balancing Business and Music

04:03 Vision for the Future: Dreams and Aspirations

06:39 The Hyrox Experience: Energy and Engagement

08:34 Unexpected Opportunities: The Journey to Hyrox

10:51 Traveling the World: A Life of Adventure

13:11 Contradictions of Lifestyle: Balancing Routine and Freedom

16:17 Sacrifices and Investments: The Cost of Ambition

18:40 The Role of a Business Coach: Guidance and Growth

24:33 Creative Trap Doors: Merging Music and Fitness

30:39 Navigating Business Ideas and Personal Aspirations

35:15 Building a Personal Brand: The Journey of Benny Cee

40:10 The Creative Process Behind Benny Cee's Music

42:42 Reflections on Struggles and Growth in Hong Kong

49:25 Lessons Learned from Hard Times

52:41 The Back Against the Wall Mentality

58:54 Legacy: Hard Work and Uplifting Others

Follow Benny on IG: https://www.instagram.com/bennyxcee/

Josh Li went from working as a personal trainer in London to building two fast-growing businesses across Asia, the Middle East, and now the U.S. — Nutrition Kitchen and OnePT.

In this episode, Josh opens up about the risks he took, the lessons learned from building companies with almost no starting capital, and the brutal reality of entrepreneurship when your back is against the wall. From surviving the war-driven food price surge of 2022 to managing over 90 trainers worldwide, Josh shares the sacrifices, grit, and vision it takes to grow an international business without outside funding.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Josh Li and His Journey

02:53 The Birth of Nutrition Kitchen

05:52 The Evolution of OnePT

09:01 Facing Challenges and Learning from Setbacks

11:56 Navigating Business Growth and Capital Decisions

15:11 Customer Experience and Product Improvement

17:53 Building a Strong Team and Identifying Talent

20:56 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

23:59 Future Aspirations and Business Vision

31:33 Pushing Boundaries and Long-Term Goals

32:25 Entering the US Market: Strategies for Success

35:17 Finding the Right Trainers: Quality Over Experience

37:44 Maintaining Standards Across Global Expansion

40:23 Encouraging Employee Growth and Independence

41:18 Navigating the Challenges of Entrepreneurship

43:13 Growth Targets: The Road to 20+ Gyms

46:02 The Hectic Life of a Founder

49:03 The Importance of Routine and Self-Care

50:28 The Role of Mentorship in Business Growth

54:04 Surrounding Yourself with Like-Minded Individuals

58:52 Legacy: Building a Positive Company Culture

01:00:17 Taking Action: The Key to Abnormal Achievements

Check out OnePT: https://onepersonaltraininghk.com/

Check out Nutrition Kitchen: https://nutritionkitchenhk.com/

Marc Hofmann’s story is one of passion, persistence, and creating meaning through hospitality. Arriving in Hong Kong a decade ago with little experience, Marc started as an intern at Black Sheep Restaurants — cutting bread and learning the ropes. Ten years later, he’s the Managing Director and co-creator of Jean-Pierre, one of Hong Kong’s most exciting new restaurants.In this episode, Marc shares the journey from intern to restaurateur, the sacrifices behind the glamour of dining, and the deeply personal story of naming Jean-Pierre after his father. We talk about French and Hong Kong dining cultures, the pressures of running restaurants in one of the most competitive markets in the world, and what it really takes to build a team and a concept that lasts.This is a conversation about food, culture, resilience, and why hospitality is as much about people and stories as it is about plates and menus.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Black Sheep Restaurants and Mark Hofmann03:04 Mark's Journey with Black Sheep Restaurants06:13 The Birth of Jean-Pierre08:54 The Personal Touch Behind Jean-Pierre11:50 Creating the Atmosphere and Culture at Jean-Pierre15:02 Business Insights and Early Success of Jean-Pierre17:57 Challenges and Sacrifices in the Restaurant Industry21:12 Feedback and Growth in Hospitality31:20 Navigating Feedback in the Restaurant Industry33:03 Cultural Influences on Dining Experiences37:00 The Importance of Family and Heritage in Culinary Arts39:07 Building a Restaurant with Heart and Team Spirit43:11 Lessons Learned from Challenges in the Hospitality Sector46:56 Embracing Creativity and Innovation in Restaurant Concepts51:03 The Value of Consistency in Dining Experiences55:08 Reflections on Legacy and Personal Growth57:10 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Nic White has lived the highs and lows of professional rugby. The Wallabies scrum-half with over 70 Test caps has played all over the world, won trophies in Europe, and helped Australia to famous victories — including beating the British & Irish Lions and breaking South Africa’s 62-year Ellis Park hoodoo.In this episode, Nic opens up about announcing his retirement only to be called back days later, the pressure of representing Australia during tough times, and the lessons he’s learned from both success and failure. He shares candid stories about the realities of professional sport, the importance of family, the transition athletes face after retirement, and what resilience really looks like on and off the field.Whether you’re a rugby fan or just someone chasing your own “abnormal” goals, this conversation is packed with honesty, inspiration, and life lessons.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Nic White

00:58 Reflections on Retirement

03:58 The Emotional Farewell

09:18 The Pressure of Performance

14:28 Navigating Team Dynamics

18:20 The Low Points of 2023

21:54 Finding Balance in Life

27:01 Future Plans Beyond Rugby

32:21 The Excitement of Coaching

34:20 The Reality of Parenting and Coaching

36:41 Transitioning from Player to Coach

39:52 Team Dynamics and Personal Growth

42:37 Traits of Top Performers

45:54 The Difference Between Great and World-Class Players

49:47 Lessons from a High-Performance Career

52:39 Mindset Shifts in Performance

56:08 Feedback and Communication in High-Pressure Environments

01:02:01 Balancing Process and Results

01:05:53 Advice for Achieving Abnormal Goals