Evolve Pod

With the easing of lockdown restrictions abound, I bring you a very interesting, open, honest and frank chat with Sharron Moffattt. Having had severe bouts of depression throughout her life, Sharron opens up about mental health and wellbeing, how sport and exercise has kept her on a great path, not only inspiring others but also herself. Sharron is a MHFA Mental Health first aid instructor and gives a really useful insight into what we should all be looking out for in our friends, families and colleagues as the UK and the wider world starts to open up a little more.

Really loved recording this one, thanks Sharron!

Listen, learn, grow.

Episode 21 brings a very open and insightful chat into addiction, in particular gambling. I talk with Patrick (patch) Foster about how he fell into gambling after losing his pro cricket contract. Is it a coincidence that the addict inside of him grabbed this opportunity when Patch was at his most vulnerable? Patch's addiction drove him to some very dark places and at its worst, suicide was the only option.

Patch now works in the gambling awareness realm working alongside the industry giants and young professional sports people and schools to educate and raise awareness on all things addiction.

A very powerful story shared by Patch that we can all learn from.

Listen, learn and grow.

Imagine taking on one of the worlds toughest endurance swims, only to be pulled from the water, dazed and confused, 300m from your finish point after over 18 hours cold water channel swimming.

In this episode, I talk to Lucy about her experience with channel swimming, what made her have another crack at the channel and obliterate her near miss only weeks before. We even bring up the practise of sitting in a wheelie bin filled with ice water in mid winter!

A very cool conversation with Lucy, a day by day teacher who has achieved something absolutely incredible.

Episode 19 brings you Alastair Duns, former professional yachtsman diagnosed not once, but twice with testicular cancer.

Now a leading ambassador for Movember, a mens mental health charity making a difference in prostate and testicular cancer, as well as mental health and suicide prevention.

We discuss how Alastair former career on the high seas equipped him with the necessary mindset and resilience to literally weather the storm, not once, but twice through a testicular cancer diagnosis and treatment.

I find conversations like this so good for allowing us all to look at how we deal with our own storms and create a better outlook when things are tough.

We also had a brilliant little chat around all things triathlon and endurance events; always got time for that!

Another great episode, thanks Alastair,

Listen, learn, grow.

Episode 18 brings a truly inspiring story of Harrison Ward, who struggled for nearly 10 years with depression and extreme alcohol addiction. We take a great look into the addiction and what that meant for him with some hugely interesting themes.

We also find out how he broke his anchor with alcohol and literally turned his life around. There's something very cool about Harrison, linking together his love of food, physical exercise and the great outdoors, quite literally nourishing his soul as often as possible. Lots of life experiences that we can all learn from in this episode.

You can follow Harrison on @Fellfoodie (insta) @Fell Foodie (FB) and fellfoodie.co.uk

Listen, learn, grow.

Episode 17 brings a very cool chat with Tom Crossland, who is running 1900 miles over 3 months around the borders of England and Wales to raise vital funds for the survivors of people trafficking, through the TRIBE Freedom Foundation.

This is an amazing insight into what drives Tom to even contemplate such an enormous challenge, while he maintains that it is all about finding the challenge that makes YOU feel alive and feel human. Ultra endurance events help Tom go deep within himself and learn more about who he is. This journey has not been an easy one, living, working and running with Cerebral Palsy makes this incredible challenge even more brilliant! Have a listen and if you want to donate, you can follow the link here https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/runtorefuge

Tom is also looking for support and gardens to camp in and support runners on the route of his epic challenge, so if you fancy it, give him a shout, he'd love our support!

Listen, learn and grow

You can follow Tom on FB and insta @runtorefuge

Episode 16 bring you a chat with Ben Richardson. I have always carried an interest in martial arts and what they can bring to your life. Having dabbled in and out of the arts over the years I wanted to bring you this episode with Ben, a master of the arts! Ben is a multi talented martial artist, 5th Dan black belt in shotokan Karate as well as black belts in multiple other styles and systems.

Ben opens up about his inner battles, his resilience and highs and lows of life and running his own business and how opening himself up to change has empowered him to be on a path to find the very best version of himself.

Loved this episode; listen, learn and grow.

Warning - this episode includes some themes and content which some listeners might find upsetting.

This Evolve Pod Special brings you the launch of the Snowdon 6 Ways Challenge Part 2, in memory of That Bloke Mick, on behalf of Beyond Six.

This year I am running the S6WC to help raise funds to kick start the incredible work and plans of the Beyond Six team. Through tragedy they are creating something amazing and I want to do anything I can to help.

Beyond Six CIC was founded after the tragic loss of one of their team mates Mick, the Beacon of the North, who tragically took his own life. In his memory, Beyond Six CIC was formed to help raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention by encouraging people to get outdoors and in turn also promote their physical health. The outdoors is such a huge resource to help people and this team of amazing people are harnessing the outdoors as a force for good. Have a listen, learn and grow. Please don't hesitate to get behind the team by donating below.

To donate, please visithttps://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/s6wc

Follow progress on @beyondsix_ @snowdon6wayschallenge on insta

Episode 14 brings you Peter Gillott. We can all learn from Peter's experience both before and after his love affair with running, cycling and triathlon began. Peter started his incredible relationship with sport at the age of 58, having not prioritised his wellbeing for nearly 30 years. 17 years on, he has completed some iconic events, including the London and Chicago marathons, the Ironman world championships in Kona (x 2), representing Team GB in triathlon, as well as cycling across America for his 70th birthday! We reflect on Peter's life, on what he has achieved and what he has yet to com. Age is just a number, at 74 there's a lot of life in this athlete yet!

The whole world suffered in 2020 in ways we could never have imagined. With a young family, lockdown and a busy work life, James suddenly faced a health crisis that changed his path of life in an instant.

I really loved talking to my old mate James in this episode. We chat about mindset, motivation, coping strategy and building resilience through adversity. 2020 was a crap year, but if we all look hard enough, there's plenty of positivity to look back on.

Listen, learn and grow.