Hervien's Podcast

In this captivating episode, we sit down with mountaineer, solo hiker and the author of "Wild Wanderer: Soloing Colorado's 200 Highest Peaks" - Laura M Clark - as shetakes us on a journey through Colorado’s rugged peaks and her own path of self-discovery.

Laura opens up about the transformative power of hiking, especially during life’s toughest moments, and what drives her to conquer the state’s legendary 14ers and 13ers.

With a passion for empowering women and young girls in the outdoors, Laura shares the lessons she's learned from hiking alone, the importance of preparation and safety, andhow writing about her experiences helps others navigate their own trails.

From breathtaking views to unexpected challenges, this episode is packed with inspiring stories and practical tips!

~~~~~Podcast Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Listeners are encouraged to consult with professionals before attempting any physical activities, as the host and guests are not liable for any injuries or damages that may occur. Always prioritize safety and follow local regulations when engaging in any activities. Thank you for listening!

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Jennifer Thompson, an 11-time IPF World Powerlifting Champion, as she opens up about her incredible journey into the world of powerlifting. Jen shares how she balances her intense training regimen with family life, offering a candid look at the challenges—and rewards—of being a top-level athlete while maintaining a personal life.

Jen also shares her training technique and highlights the vital role of the community within powerlifting, discussing how support from like-minded individuals has been keyto her success.

Jen discusses her upcoming projects, including a game-changing training app and educational initiatives designed to empower others in their fitness journeys. Throughout the conversation, Jen stresses the importance of enjoying the process, embracing one's strengths, and constantly pushing beyond one's self-imposed limits.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to get inspired, whether you're a powerlifting enthusiast or simply someone striving to pursue your passion with determinationand purpose!

Chapters 

00:29 Introduction and Background

01:48 Jen's Pick of Powerlifting Movement

02:37 Jen's Journey into Powerlifting

05:48 Balancing Family and Training

08:30 Incorporating Strength Training for Jen's kids

09:43 Jen's Training Techniques and Warm-Up Routines

12:41 Jen's Approach for the Best 3 Lifts

13:53 Adapting Training Over the Years

17:01 Jen's "secret" Training Method that She Always Sticks To

18:16 The Evolution of Powerlifting Sport

19:21 Future Projects and Community Engagement29:12 Jen's Training App

Follow

IG: @jenthompson132 | @hervthatlifts

Greece trip with Jennifer Thompson (Oct 2025): https://trovatrip.com/trip//europe/greece/greece-with-jennifer-thompson-oct-2025

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Podcast Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Listeners are encouraged to consult withprofessionals before attempting any physical activities, as the hosts and guests are not liable for any injuries or damages that may occur. Always prioritize safety and follow local regulations when engaging in any activities. Thank you for listening!

Summary:

Daniella Means ⁠is a powerhouse athlete whose journey defies simple labels. The Hong Kong-born, multicultural dynamo (with a Malaysian mother and American father) has lived a life of relentless athletic pursuit—from childhood ballet to gymnastics, then rugby, strongman, powerlifting, and finally, IFBB pro bodybuilding. Her achievements in the fitness world underscore hercommitment to excellence, both as a competitor and a leader in the health and fitness industry.

In this raw conversation, Daniella pulls back the curtain on her competitive bodybuilding's "brutal" realities: 90-minute daily StairMaster sessions, practising posing, etc... Daniella also shares pivotal moments, like surviving a hammer attack weeks before a powerlifting meet, and offers hard-won advice for newcomers: "Do a photoshoot first—can you commit to six months of prep?"  

Daniella is now a co-owner of ⁠Hybrid LA ⁠gym and she launches a YouTube channel "⁠Relentless⁠" with her husband.

Chapters:

00:00 Intro of episode

01:33 Background of Daniella

02:13 Journey into Sports and Fitness

09:36 Transition to Bodybuilding and Achievements

14:46 Understanding Bodybuilding Categories

17:33 Judging Criteria in Bodybuilding

20:12 Posing Techniques

26:21 The Selfish Nature of the Sport

31:04 Dieting for Competition

31:54 Transitioning Back to Normal Life

36:22 Advice for Aspiring Bodybuilders

42:13 Current Projects, Youtube Channel and Online Coaching

Follow:

Instagram: ⁠@DaniellaMeans⁠ | @hervthatlifts

Youtube: @Relentless | @hervthatlifts

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Podcast Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Listeners are encouraged to consult with professionals before attempting any physical activities, as the hosts and guests are not liable for any injuries or damages that may occur. Always prioritize safety and follow local regulations when engaging in any activities. Thank you for listening!

Summary:

Edie Hu, a fearless open-water swimmer who has conquered some of he world's most challenging waters, recounts her transition from competitive pool swimming to embracing open water after moving to Hong Kong. Initially hesitant, she gradually took on longer distances, completing notable swims like the 15-kilometer Maui Channel swim and becoming the first female to finish Hong Kong’s Cold Half.

In this episode, I sat down with Edie to talk candidly about what it is like to be an open-water swimmer. Edie also emphasizes the importance of community support and encourages others to push past their limits and explore open water swimming. Edie recently completed the Rottnest Channel swim in Perth and the Cook Strait swim in New Zealand, part of the Ocean Seven challenge. She continues to challenge herself and prove that age is no barrier to adventures!

Whether you are an athlete or simply someone seeking motivation, Edie's story will leave you in awe of the human spirit and the power of chasing our dreams. une in for a wave of inspiration!

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction

02:00 - Edie's background and open water experiences

07:07 - Training and preparation

11:06 - Nutrition and body image

14:41 - Mental challenges and focusing while long distance swimming

18:25 - Funny and embarrassing moments

23:10 - Community and support

28:22 - Overcoming fear and advice for new swimmers

31 :00 - Age is no barrier

32:40 - How to support Edie and join her swims

Takeaways:

- Edie transitioned from pool swimming to open water swimming after moving to Hong Kong, finding a new passion in the open water community.

- Her first significant open water swim was the 15-kilometer Maui Channel swim with her brother, which marked the beginning of her long-distance swimming adventures.

- Edie became the first female to complete the Cold Half, a 15-kilometer swim in cold water temperatures (15-18°C), and later completed a double Cold Half.

- Initially, Edie avoided structured training but later joined Swim Lab in Hong Kong, incorporating pool training and cold water swims to prepare for long-distance events.

- Open water swimming requires mental focus and presence, with Edie using her swims as a form of meditation, though her mind occasionally wanders to daily tasks.

- Edie highlights the importance of community in open water swimming, with friends and fellow swimmers providing crucial support during long swims.

- Edie encourages new open water swimmers to push past their fears, especially of the unknown in the ocean, and to explore beyond the confines of pools or shark nets.

- Edie emphasizes that age is not a limit to achieving long-distance swimming goals, with many swimmers in their 50s and 60s completing major swims.

Follow:

@Edieswimshongkong

SOUTHSIDE SWIMMING HONG KONG (Open Water Swimmer’s Group Of Hong Kong)

@hervthatlifts

~~~~~Podcast Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Listeners are encouraged to consult with professionals before attempting any physical activities, including open-water swimming, as the hosts and guests are not liable for any injuries or damages that may occur. Always prioritize safety and follow local regulations when engaging in outdoor activities. Thank you for listening!

Summary:

In this engaging conversation, we sat down with Jude Samuel, one of the most experienced and respected names in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and head coach at Inglorious Grapplers in London. He has been teaching for over 20 years, and his accomplishments include being the first British Black Belt appointed by Mauricio Gomes, a pioneering figure in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Jude shares insights into his multifaceted life beyond martial arts. He discusses his journey into Jiu-Jitsu, his coaching career, resilience in the face of challenges, the role of music in his life, and more. Jude emphasizes the significance of continuous learning and adapting coaching styles to meet the needs of different students, while also reflecting on personal growth through martial arts and creative pursuits.

Jude further discusses the importance of addressing insecurities within the Jiu-Jitsu community, the evolution of techniques in the discipline, and the significance of continuous learning and personal growth. He emphasizes the need for a supportive culture in training environments and the potential for Jiu-Jitsu academies to reach a broader client base by improving facilities and community engagement.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Jude Samuel

06:40 The Journey into Jiu-Jitsu

11:55 The Art of Coaching

13:38 Giving Up?

14:00 Resilience in Martial Arts

19:10 Deficit Training and Coaching Style

20:35 The Role of Music in Life

23:50 Hardest Lesson Learned

25:29 Insecurities in the Martial-arts Community

33:15 Evolution or Old-school Techniques in Jiu-Jitsu?

38:40 Advice for White Belt Jude

41:58 Connect with Jude & Inglorious Grapplers

43:00 Words for Martial-arts Academies

Takeaways:

Follow:

IG @judesamuel_ / @ingloriousgrapplers

IG @hervthatlifts

*****

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DISCLAIMER: Please note that this podcast and related content are solely for general information and entertainment purposes only. The use of this podcast information is at the user's own risk. Please seek professional advice if necessary.

In this episode, Matthew Gay shares his transformative journey from personal struggles to becoming a fitness coach and the founder of Fit Church. He emphasizes the importance of integrating faith with health and fitness, advocating for a holistic approach to well-being that honors God. Matthew discusses his challenges in promoting health within church communities and the need for church leadership to set an example. He also shares his future goals including establishing a physical Fit Church that embodies Christian values!

Please give us a positive rating and follow our show!

DISCLAIMER: Please note that this podcast is solely for general information and entertainment purposes only. The use of the podcast information is at the user's own risk. Please seek professional advice if required.

guest IG: @fitchurchunited

Meet Ramona Pascual, Hong Kong's groundbreaking first female ex-UFC fighter who's re-defining what's possible in the octagon. Born to Filipino-Chinese parents, Ramona's journey to international MMA sensation is a masterclass in overcoming self-doubt and finding your true calling. After her fighting career, Ramona transitioned to become a fitness entrepreneur to help burnt-out millennials drop weight and improve their health without going through fad diets or endless workouts!

Ramona's story isn't just about physical combat, it's about finding the courage to rewrite your narrative. 

Join us as we explore how this groundbreaking athlete transformed from a girl bound by convention into an inspiring warrior.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ramona Pascual's Journey

04:38 Transitioning from Corporate to Combat Sports

10:39 The Roller Coaster of Fight Preparation

16:22 Mental Strategies for Fight Night

22:09 Post-Fight Reflections and Moving Forward

23:06 The Weight of Loss: Reflections on Defeat

27:26 Navigating the Noise: Social Media and Self-Confidence

32:06 Overcoming Self-Doubt: The Journey of a Fighter

39:11 Building a Business: From Fighter to Entrepreneur

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Takeaways:

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Lindsey Doyle doesn't just understand fighter nutrition - she's lived it! A veteran of over 150 fights across kickboxing, boxing, MMA, and BJJ, she turned her passion into purpose by spending her career optimizing female fighters' nutrition for peak performance.

Lindsey is also a personal trainer, strength coach with a Masters in Exercise and Nutrition Science.

Join us along where we chatted about:

Follow Lindsey on IG: @femalefightnutrionist 

Stephanie Poelman is the owner and coach of Pherform in Hong Kong. She is also voted as one of the recognised young individuals under the list of Prestige, 40 under 40. 

Pherform, a strength-focused women's gym, was founded in 2016 with the intention of providing a welcoming and inclusive space for women to pursue their fitness goals. The gym's mission is to make an impact on women's lives through Pherform's Female-Specific Training Program, which centers on the transformative power of strength training.

Utlizing her experience in the fitness industry the last 10 years along with her background in HR, Stephanie has successfully managed and operated over 9 multi-disciplinary fitness facilities around the world. She's been instrumental in the growth and development of Pherform and is excited to continue the growth and strength of the community.

Join me along to explore these interesting topics with Stephanie!

00:32 - Introduction
03:55 - Stephanie's learning experience from opening women-only gyms in Kuwait
12:40 - The importance of strengthening your body and longevity
14:40 - What is so special about Pherform? Building a Community and Culture at Pherform
24:05 - The important aspects of building a successful gym
29:15 - The role of Stephanie's human resources experience in building a gym
35:27 - Future goals and plans for Pherform
41:57 - Connect with Stephanie and Pherform

Follow Stephanie on IG: @stephpoelman

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Podcast available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and other major podcast platforms.

Follow on Instagram: @hervthatlifts
Inquiries/business/collaboration: [email protected]

*DISCLAIMER: Hervien's Podcast and contents posted by the host are presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user's own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist or other qualified professional, diagnosis or treatment.

Join Chef Nathan Green, who honed his skills under some of the most influential Michelin-starred British chefs before landing at Rex Wine & Grill in Hong Kong. He trains Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (brown belt) at Espada, Hong Kong.
In this compelling episode, Nate takes us through:

Don't miss this candid conversation as Nate shares his inspiring journey and lessons learned along the way.
Thank you Nate for opening up and sharing your story with us!
Follow Nate: @chef_smokeybandit

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If you enjoy our show, please kindly show your support.
And don't forget to click FOLLOW, give us a positive review and share it with your loved ones!
Podcast available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and other major podcast platforms.
Follow on Instagram: @hervthatlifts
Inquiries/business/collaboration: [email protected]
*DISCLAIMER: Hervien's Podcast and contents posted by the host are presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user's own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist or other qualified professional, diagnosis or treatment.