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

From the rugby pitch to the boardroom, Daniel Temm has lived two very different lives. After a career as a professional rugby player, he stepped away from sport and into the unknown, pouring his savings and energy into building a business from scratch. Today, he’s the CEO of Puresport, one of the UK’s fastest-growing wellness brands.This episode is about more than rugby or entrepreneurship. It’s about what it really takes to keep showing up when everything feels stacked against you, and how resilience, adaptability, and purpose can carry you further than talent ever will.

Chapters

00:00 From Rugby to Business: A Journey of Reinvention

08:12 Navigating Business with Friends: Challenges and Agreements

18:48 Building a Strong Company Culture: Lessons from Sport

25:55 Managing Highs and Lows in Business: Leadership Insights

32:52 The Importance of Consistency in Leadership

35:18 Navigating Loneliness as a CEO

36:18 The Transformational Power of Mentorship

40:00 The Journey from Sports to Business

45:00 Finding Freedom in Performance

48:29 Introducing Puresport: A New Approach to Supplements

54:32 Building Community Through Authenticity

01:00:57 Leaving a Lasting Impact: Dan's Vision

01:04:21 Advice for the Abnormal Journey

Check out Puresport: https://puresport.co/en-au

Follow Dan on IG: https://www.instagram.com/danieltemm3/

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

In this episode, Aisyah Rafaee shares her incredible journey as Singapore's first Olympic rower, discussing the challenges of crowdfunding her way to the Olympics, the pressures of competing, and her experiences with mental health and IVF. Aisyah emphasises the importance of resilience, community support, and the lessons learned from her athletic career as she transitions into coaching and navigates the complexities of family planning. Her candid reflections on the emotional toll of IVF and the societal pressures faced by women in sports provide valuable insights for listeners all over the World.Chapters00:00 Aisyah's Journey to the Olympics03:02 The Pressure of Competing06:11 Mental Resilience and Journaling09:05 Transitioning from Athlete to Coach11:52 The Road to Paris 202415:06 Finding Joy in Rowing17:56 Lessons Learned Through Rowing21:06 Core Values and Life After Sports30:01 Cultural Transition: A Move to America33:00 Navigating the IVF Journey41:51 Mental Resilience in the Face of Challenges53:50 Support Systems and Community57:59 Embracing Vulnerability and Personal GrowthCheck out Aisyah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariesyah/?hl=en

Olympic medalist and NHS doctor Philip Doyle joins the Abnormal podcast to share the unbelievable story of how he balanced saving lives with chasing Olympic glory.

Starting rowing in university, Philip went on to represent Ireland at two Olympic Games—while also working gruelling 114-hour hospital weeks, sneaking in rowing sessions at 2AM during night shifts. In this raw and powerful conversation, he opens up about pressure, burnout, building mental resilience, and the mindset needed to push beyond limits.

From working in emergency medicine to standing on an Olympic podium, Philip breaks down the habits, mindset, and philosophy that kept him going when most people would quit. He also shares his “four-legged stool” framework for balance, and the unusual motivation that fuels his training (hint: it involves Ben & Jerry’s).

If you're interested in high performance, elite sport, overcoming excuses, or simply want to hear one of the most inspiring stories of discipline and consistency, this episode is for you.

Timestamps
0:00 – Intro2:00 – Balancing medicine & Olympic training10:00 – Removing barriers & getting things done17:00 – When life crumbles & what to do about it34:00 – Mental toughness & the “monkey on your back”45:00 – Behind the scenes of winning an Olympic medal58:00 – Life after the Olympics & moving the goalposts1:04:00 – Advice for anyone chasing an “abnormal” goal

Andrew Glaze is a full-time firefighter, ultramarathon runner, and one of the most consistent endurance athletes on the planet, with a streak of running 100+ miles per week for over 280 consecutive weeks.In this raw, powerful conversation, Andrew shares how running helped him overcome trauma, cope with PTSD, and find peace through pain. We talk about the mindset it takes to run for hours on end, balancing family with extremes, and how movement became his therapy.Whether you’re a runner, a first responder, or just someone looking for a reason to keep going, this one will stick with you.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Andrew Glaze's Journey

03:00 The 281-Week Streak: Consistency and Mindset

05:46 Overcoming Obstacles: Injury and Recovery Strategies

09:07 The Impact of COVID-19 on Running and Mental Health

12:12 Recovery Protocols: What Works for Andrew

15:06 Personal Philosophy on Training and Time Management

18:03 Running as a Lifesaver: Andrew's Transformation

21:10 Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Runners

23:59 The Turning Point: From Struggles to Strength

30:04 The Power of Movement: Exercise as Medicine

33:35 Mental Health and Ultra Running: Finding Peace in Pain

40:08 The Journey of Self-Discovery: Lessons from Life and Running

50:00 Building Resilience: Overcoming Mental Barriers

57:07 Spreading Positivity: The Ripple Effect of Kindness

FREE Goal Setting Framework: https://www.petelaverick.com/product-page/the-abnormal-discipline-code-your-no-bs-blueprint-to-crushing-goals

In this episode of Abnormal, I welcome back elite athlete James Kelly to discuss the evolving world of Hyrox, the potential for it to become an Olympic sport, and the intricacies of training for both Hyrox and marathons. We delve into the importance of understanding training loads, the significance of zone 2 training, and the 80-20 rule in fitness. JK shares insights on coaching beginners, the balance between motivation and accountability, and reflects on his recent experiences at the World Championships.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Hyrox and Elite Training

05:53 Training Loads and Marathon Preparation

11:47 Understanding Zone Two Training

21:04 The 80-20 Rule in Training

26:52 Blueprint for Training a Beginner for Hyrox

33:35 Balancing Running and Strength Training

40:14 Understanding Motivation and Consistency

51:32 Reflections on the World Championships

58:30 Post-Competition Recovery and Future Goals

In this episode of Abnormal, I sit down with Wales and British & Irish Lions winger Alex Cuthbert, one of rugby’s most explosive and experienced players.From the high-pressure moments of Lions tours to the personal challenges of injury, criticism, and mental health, Alex opens up like never before.We explore what it takes to stay at the top, how he rebuilt confidence after hitting rock bottom, and why he still plays with passion and perspective today.This is a raw, powerful insight into the real life behind elite performance, not just for rugby fans, but for anyone chasing growth through adversity.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Abnormal and Alex Cuthbert

02:36 Memories of the British and Irish Lions Tour

09:22 The Off-Field Experience of a Lions Tour

15:16 The Pressure of Selection and Being Dropped

22:40 Lessons Learned from Setbacks

25:38 Post-Lions Career and Managing Expectations

29:57 Overcoming Confidence Issues and Social Media Impact

32:03 Transforming Mindset: From Negativity to Positivity

34:01 The Role of Mental Coaching in Sports

36:51 Experiencing the Pressure of Professional Sports

40:17 Overcoming Adversity: Injuries and Comebacks

45:44 Navigating Life After Rugby: A New Chapter

47:39 Building a Media Career: Insights and Experiences

51:27 The Future of Media and Sports in Wales

55:16 Creating a Positive Media Environment

57:32 Legacy: How Do You Want to Be Remembered?

58:56 Advice for Pursuing Abnormal Paths

In this episode of Abnormal, I sit down with Swiss endurance swimmer and ocean activist Noam Yaron, who’s attempting the longest open-water swim in a wetsuit — a grueling 180km journey from Calvi to Monaco.

We dive into his 5 day non-stop swim, hallucinations, swimming while asleep, and encounters with sharks, jellyfish, and whales — all in the name of marine preservation.

Noam shares why he believes sport can spark global change, how he handles failure, and why the fight to protect the Mediterranean Sea matters to all of us.This is more than a story about endurance, it’s a lesson in resilience, purpose, and how one “normal guy” is doing something abnormally bold to change the world.

🌊 Support Noam’s mission and become a co-owner of the swim at: calvi-monaco.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Noam Yaron and His Mission

10:49 The Challenge of the 180km Swim

21:55 Innovative Techniques for Endurance Swimming

30:06 Changing the Rules of Open Water Swimming

33:30 Environmental Awareness Through Sports

36:14 Triathlon for Biodiversity

38:11 Mental Challenges in Extreme Sports

39:04 Team Dynamics in Open Water Swimming

41:21 Connection with Marine Life

45:28 Raising Awareness for Ocean Conservation

47:21 Collaborative Philanthropy for Environmental Causes

50:57 Building a Community for Change

52:19 Sustainable Practices for Ocean Health

57:25 Individual Impact vs. Corporate Responsibility

01:01:24 Finding Balance in Environmental Advocacy

01:09:36 Trusting Yourself in Unconventional Paths

In this episode of Abnormal, I interview Cherie Walker, head coach of Cirque du Soleil, who shares insights into the unique challenges and rewards of coaching elite performers. We discuss the rigorous training processes, the importance of character development, and the cultural dynamics within a diverse team of artists.

Chapters00:00 The Art of Performance Selection02:54 Training the Unseen Skills06:06 Behind the Curtain: Coaching Dynamics08:52 The Role of Trust in Performance12:02 Cultural Dynamics in a Diverse Team15:12 Building Trust and Communication18:01 Navigating Challenges with Elite Athletes20:51 Influence Beyond the Stage25:24 The Social Side of Performance29:11 Pushing Boundaries in Performance30:08 Understanding Risk in Performance Acts31:11 Stability vs. Risk in Shows32:29 The Journey of Skill Acquisition35:03 The Importance of Early Training36:22 The Collective Effort of Performance37:04 Maintaining Group Culture38:20 The Rewards of Coaching39:36 Life on the Road41:27 Longevity in Performance Careers44:40 Advice for Pursuing Abnormal Goals