In this inspiring episode of Her Spirit 50:50 - What is Possible, ultra runner and SheRaces founder Sophie Power shares her journey from being an unsporty child to becoming a force for change in women's running. 

Sophie opens up about the challenges women face in sports, the importance of mental health through physical activity, and her mission to make running more inclusive. 

She discusses the impact of early experiences on female participation in sports and the crucial need for female representation in decision-making roles within sports organisations. Sophie also highlights the power of women-only events in fostering confidence and empowerment, and how her viral moment breastfeeding at a race sparked a movement for change.

Key Takeaways:

• Sophie Power was not a sporty child and initially struggled with running.
• SheRaces is dedicated to creating inclusive opportunities for women in sports.
• Early experiences play a significant role in shaping girls’ participation in sports.
• Physical activity is essential for mental health and overall well-being.
• Women-only events provide a supportive and empowering environment for female athletes.
• Female representation in sports leadership is critical for achieving gender equality.
• Sophie's viral breastfeeding moment at an ultra race became a catalyst for change.
• Empowering women through choice and inclusivity is at the heart of Sophie’s mission.
• Building inner confidence helps women overcome personal and athletic challenges.
• Training and preparation are key to success in ultra running.

At Her Spirit, we’re building a FREE global community designed exclusively for women’s activity.

Join us to connect with like-minded women, discover events, and find local groups that inspire you to move more.

✨ Find your tribe. Achieve your goals. Thrive together.

👉 Join the movement at https://www.herspirit.co.uk/

It’s time for You

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In this episode of the Her Spirit podcast, we welcome Chris Brindley, an influential leader in sports, business, and community engagement. Chris shares his journey in sports leadership and explores the evolving landscape of the sector. He highlights the transformative impact of technology, the importance of understanding consumer behavior, and the growing role of women in sports and health advocacy.

Chris introduces the concept of three revolutions currently shaping the sports sector—technology, consumer understanding, and world order—and discusses how these shifts can drive meaningful change. He also makes a compelling case for the establishment of a National Participation Agency to increase community engagement and promote physical activity across the UK.

The conversation underscores the significance of data-driven insights and personalized approaches in enhancing sports participation, addressing inequalities, and ensuring that community resources are effectively leveraged to support active lifestyles.

Key Takeaways:

• Chris Brindley emphasizes the power of starting the day with a positive mindset to enhance performance and leadership.
• The three key revolutions impacting the sports sector are technology, consumer understanding, and world order.
• Sport has the potential to change lives, build resilience, and strengthen communities.
• Women play a crucial role in shaping the future of sports and advocating for better health and wellbeing.
• Understanding the unique needs of communities is essential for developing effective and inclusive sports programs.
• Data-driven insights are critical for improving sports participation rates and addressing systemic inequalities.
• A National Participation Agency could transform engagement strategies and create a more active society.
• Unlocking community resources is necessary to provide greater access to physical activity opportunities.
• Personalization in sports programs is key to meeting the diverse needs of individuals and encouraging long-term participation.
• Success in sports participation and leadership requires collaboration, shared responsibility, and innovation.

At Her Spirit, we’re building a FREE global community designed exclusively for women’s activity.

Join us to connect with like-minded women, discover events, and find local groups that inspire you to move more.

✨ Find your tribe. Achieve your goals. Thrive together.

👉 Join the movement at https://www.herspirit.co.uk/

It’s time for You

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In this engaging conversation, Kate shares her inspiring journey from being a NCAA Division One basketball player to becoming a pivotal figure in women's cycling. 

As the director of women's strategy and partnership at Zwift, she discusses the importance of innovation, community building, and investment in women's sports. 

Kate highlights the challenges women face in cycling and sports in general, emphasizing the need for equal opportunities, visibility, and representation. The discussion also touches on the role of data in driving change and the importance of creating a supportive environment for young girls in sports.

Takeaways

• Kate's journey from basketball to cycling showcases her relentless drive.
• Innovation is crucial for the growth of women's sports.
• Zwift Academy has created a global community for women cyclists.
• Investment in women's sports leads to greater visibility and opportunities.
• Data is essential in proving the viability of women's sports.
• Creating safe spaces for women in cycling encourages participation.
• Representation in sports media is vital for inspiring future generations.
• Brands that align with women's values can tap into a powerful consumer base.
• Encouraging young girls to stay in sports is essential for their development.
• The cycling community is evolving to be more inclusive and supportive.

At Her Spirit, we’re building a FREE global community designed exclusively for women’s activity.

Join us to connect with like-minded women, discover events, and find local groups that inspire you to move more.

✨ Find your tribe. Achieve your goals. Thrive together.

👉 Join the movement at https://www.herspirit.co.uk/

It’s time for You

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In this engaging episode, we sit down with Professor Greg Whyte, a renowned sports scientist and advocate for women’s health, as he dives deep into the importance of improving women’s health and increasing their participation in sports. 

Professor Whyte sheds light on how women’s health positively impacts society, discusses the role of media in shaping health narratives, and emphasises the need for personalised approaches to fitness and wellbeing.

Throughout the conversation, Professor Whyte highlights the significant disparities in women’s health research, the power of community in promoting physical activity, and why investing in women’s health is crucial for societal advancement. 

He also provides practical tips for women looking to become more active, with a focus on enjoyment and building social connections through physical activity.

Takeaways from this episode:

• Improving women’s health benefits everyone in society.
• The media plays a crucial role in health awareness and education.
• There is a significant disparity in health research focused on women.
• Personalized medicine is the future of healthcare.
• Community support is vital for promoting physical activity.
• Investment in women’s health is essential for societal improvement.
• Physical activity should be prioritized in schools.
• Cultural attitudes towards physical activity need to change.
• Safety concerns impact women’s participation in physical activities.
• Enjoyment and social connections enhance the experience of being active.

Tune in for an insightful discussion on the future of women's health and fitness, and discover how we can all contribute to creating a healthier, more active society.

At Her Spirit, we’re building a FREE global community designed exclusively for women’s activity.

Join us to connect with like-minded women, discover events, and find local groups that inspire you to move more.

✨ Find your tribe. Achieve your goals. Thrive together.

👉 Join the movement at https://www.herspirit.co.uk/

It’s time for You

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In this enlightening conversation, Helen shares her journey of raising awareness about menopause and the importance of supporting women in the workplace. The discussion explores the challenges women face during menopause, the need for better education and support systems, and the impact of menopause on the gender pay gap.

Helen highlights the role of community, infrastructure, and holistic health approaches in empowering women and improving their quality of life.The conversation also delves into the impact of alcohol on health and the need to design healthier communities for all.

✅ Menopause awareness is crucial—education and support can transform women’s experiences.
✅ The gender pay gap increases for women over 40, how menopause symptoms can play a role in this.
✅ Community design impacts women's health and well-being—we need better infrastructure.
✅ Men as allies in menopause conversations to create real change.
✅ Normalising menopause discussions is essential to breaking stigmas.
✅ Loneliness is a growing public health concern, particularly for women.
✅ Holistic health approaches can help manage menopause symptoms.
✅ Obesity epidemic needs to be addressed as a key public health issue.

More about Helen

Helen is on a mission to raise awareness of menopause and help empower women with the knowledge they need to embrace this new chapter and thrive. Helen is particularly passionate about supporting women in the workplace and helping employers understand the benefits of having a positive menopause action plan that supports women in the workplace. Businesses that embrace this will see a benefit to their bottom line through better productivity, engagement and retention.

Helen has held Chief Marketing Officer roles in a range of sectors with Boots, the BBC, DFS and Countrywide. She has also worked in broadcast and telecoms regulation at Ofcom and in the mobile technology sector with Motorola. She’s currently a non-executive director of AIB. 

My Menopause Center Questionnaire  https://www.mymenopausecentre.com/menopause-questionnaire/

At Her Spirit, we’re building a FREE global community designed exclusively for women’s activity.

Join us to connect with like-minded women, discover events, and find local groups that inspire you to move more.

✨ Find your tribe. Achieve your goals. Thrive together.

👉 Join the movement at https://www.herspirit.co.uk/

It’s time for You

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In this enlightening conversation, Gareth Presch discusses the critical importance of women's health and the systemic inequalities that persist in healthcare. He emphasises the need for collaboration, cultural change, and increased funding for women's health initiatives. 

The discussion covers the root causes of health disparities, including societal norms, economic barriers, and leadership gaps. Gareth advocates for a shift towards preventative health measures and encourages women to take action and trust their capabilities. 

The conversation concludes with a call for community involvement and the importance of making physical activity accessible and enjoyable for all.

Takeaways

• Openness and honesty are vital for collaboration.
• Women's health advocacy is crucial for future generations.
• Cultural norms significantly impact women's health access.
• Investment in women's health is disproportionately low.
• Leadership roles in health are lacking female representation.
• Community collaboration can drive health improvements.
• Preventative health measures can enhance economic productivity.
• Physical activity should be made enjoyable and accessible.
• Education and awareness are key to addressing health disparities.
• Change takes time and requires sustained effort.

At Her Spirit, we’re building a FREE global community designed exclusively for women’s activity.

Join us to connect with like-minded women, discover events, and find local groups that inspire you to move more.

✨ Find your tribe. Achieve your goals. Thrive together.

👉 Join the movement at https://www.herspirit.co.uk/

It’s time for You.

Join us at herspirit.co.uk | Instagram | Facebook | Get the Her Spirit App

At Her Spirit, we’re building a FREE global community designed exclusively for women’s activity.

Join us to connect with like-minded women, discover events, and find local groups that inspire you to move more.

✨ Find your tribe. Achieve your goals. Thrive together.

👉 Join the movement at https://www.herspirit.co.uk/

It’s time for You

Join us at herspirit.co.uk | Instagram | Facebook | Get the Her Spirit App

At Her Spirit, we’re building a FREE global community designed exclusively for women’s activity.

Join us to connect with like-minded women, discover events, and find local groups that inspire you to move more.

✨ Find your tribe. Achieve your goals. Thrive together.

👉 Join the movement at https://www.herspirit.co.uk/

It’s time for You

Join us at herspirit.co.uk | Instagram | Facebook | Get the Her Spirit App

In this powerful episode of the 50:50 What is Possible podcast powered by Activ.AI, we sit down with Steph Hilbourne - CEO of Women In Sport.

Breaking Barriers: Women, Sport & Equality with Steph Hilborne OBE

Episode Summary:
In this powerful conversation, Her Spirit Co-Founders Holly Woodford and Melanie Berry speak with Steph Hilborne OBE, CEO of Women in Sport, about the challenges and progress in advocating for gender equality in sport. They explore how far we've come—from women being excluded from Olympic events to fighting for equal representation in boardrooms—and what still needs to change.

The discussion covers:
✅ The shift from inclusion to equality in sport
✅ The role of men in gender equality and the power of allyship
✅ Why women’s representation in leadership is declining
✅ The impact of stereotypes on women’s health and physical activity
✅ How early sports experiences shape women’s lifelong relationship with movement
✅ The role of media, policy changes, and investment in driving real change

Steph shares why women need to claim their space, their rights, and their voice in sport and beyond. She also gives her take on what she’d change if she were Prime Minister for a day—spoiler alert: it includes a swimming pool at No.10!

About Our Guest – Steph Hilborne OBE

Steph Hilborne is a trailblazing leader and passionate advocate for gender equality in sport. As CEO of Women in Sport, she’s working to break down barriers and ensure all women and girls can access the life-changing benefits of sport and physical activity. With a background in conservation leadership, Steph brings a strategic, transformative approach to advocacy and policy change.

Produced with thanks by Al Booth https://albooth.co.uk

At Her Spirit, we’re building a FREE global community designed exclusively for women’s activity.

Join us to connect with like-minded women, discover events, and find local groups that inspire you to move more.

✨ Find your tribe. Achieve your goals. Thrive together.

👉 Join the movement at https://www.herspirit.co.uk/

It’s time for You.

Join us at herspirit.co.uk | Instagram | Facebook | Get the Her Spirit App

At Her Spirit, we’re building a FREE global community designed exclusively for women’s activity.

Join us to connect with like-minded women, discover events, and find local groups that inspire you to move more.

✨ Find your tribe. Achieve your goals. Thrive together.

👉 Join the movement at https://www.herspirit.co.uk/

It’s time for You

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In this powerful episode of the 50:50 What is Possible podcast powered by Activ.AI, we sit down with Grace McNamara—founder, CEO, and global advocate for health and fitness innovation. With over 20 years of experience, including 12 years at Apple leading health initiatives, Grace is on a mission to tackle the global inactivity crisis and unlock the potential of female consumers in shaping the future of health.

We dive deep into:
🔥 Why women are still being left behind in health and fitness
💰 The funding gap—and why we need to over-index investment in women’s sport and activity
🏋️‍♀️ Why every woman—at every age—needs strength training
🚧 The real barriers stopping women from being active (and how to break them)
⚡ The bold action needed to finally level the playing field

Grace doesn’t hold back as we discuss what’s working, what’s failing, and what needs to change—right now.

🎧 Tune in for a conversation that will challenge the status quo and inspire action.

👉 Listen now and be part of the movement!

Produced with thanks by Al Booth https://albooth.co.uk

At Her Spirit, we’re building a FREE global community designed exclusively for women’s activity.

Join us to connect with like-minded women, discover events, and find local groups that inspire you to move more.

✨ Find your tribe. Achieve your goals. Thrive together.

👉 Join the movement at https://www.herspirit.co.uk/

It’s time for You

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 Louise Minchin and  Annie Emmerson talk to BBC weather presenter Carol Kirkwood.

Carol Kirkwood is a British weather presenter, trained by the Met Office, and employed by the BBC, in particular on BBC Breakfast and Victoria Derbyshire. In 2015, she participated in the 13th series of BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing, finishing in 10th place.

There's often a daredevil side to Carol's work. She can be found trying everything from racing high powered speed boats to a charity tandem ride for Children in Need. Somehow most Children in Need broadcasts find her trying something new, which usually involves dancing or singing live. She's appeared as part of the newsreaders' "Rocky Horror Show", The Weather Girls' "Raining Men", she's danced the Can-can and duetted on "Baby, It's Cold Outside".

In 2006 , she even learned to ice skate for charity - performing live for BBC One's New Year's Eve Special.

Carol talks to Louise and Annie about enjoying being active, from running and walking to cycling. 

At Her Spirit, we’re building a FREE global community designed exclusively for women’s activity.

Join us to connect with like-minded women, discover events, and find local groups that inspire you to move more.

✨ Find your tribe. Achieve your goals. Thrive together.

👉 Join the movement at https://www.herspirit.co.uk/

It’s time for You

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Louise Minchin and  Annie Emmerson talk to The Sleep Scientist, Dr Sophie Bostock.

The Sleep Scientist was launched by Dr Sophie Bostock with the aim of helping more people to sleep well, and thrive. Sophie is a scientist and speaker with a bias for action. 

Sophie has always been intrigued by why what makes us feel good and function well. Sophie's research pointed to sleep an unsung hero of mental and physical resilience. 

In this episode learn how sleep can unlock so much mental and physical positivity in your life and how your very attitude to sleep may need to change.

At Her Spirit, we’re building a FREE global community designed exclusively for women’s activity.

Join us to connect with like-minded women, discover events, and find local groups that inspire you to move more.

✨ Find your tribe. Achieve your goals. Thrive together.

👉 Join the movement at https://www.herspirit.co.uk/

It’s time for You

Join us at herspirit.co.uk | Instagram | Facebook | Get the Her Spirit App