In the finale of the first series of the Highway to Well Inspirational People podcast, I had a captivating conversation with Jason Curtis, the founder and race director of the Deadly Dozen. Jason shared his remarkable journey from a sport-loving youth, through his time as a physical training instructor in the British Army, to establishing the Deadly Dozen fitness events. Despite early struggles, such as having no clients and financial difficulties, his dedication and resilience led to creating a global fitness brand. The Deadly Dozen combines accessible equipment and fundamental movements to provide functional fitness for all. Jason also emphasised the importance of strength training, and how it's essential for everyone, especially women, to maintain health as they age. His story is not only of professional success but also shows the power of community and purpose in fitness.

I first met Jonathan Shaw when I was struggling with persistent back pain. He was recommended to me as someone with a unique approach to healing. What struck me about Jonathan's method was how different it was from anything I had experienced before. Traditional treatments like physiotherapy hadn't worked for me, but Jonathan's focus on stress, belief systems, and movement was enlightening.

Jonathan, who started his career as a magician, has developed a system that targets the root causes of pain rather than just the symptoms. This approach not only eradicated my back pain but also gave me a new perspective on my health and body. 

During our sessions, Jonathan talked about the role of stress and belief systems in causing physical pain and ailments. He believes that understanding these factors can prevent many issues, including those related to menopause and autoimmune conditions.

It was fascinating to hear him discuss how menopause symptoms could be linked to belief systems rather than being an inevitable part of aging. His view is that traditional medicine often misguides us, keeping us in a cycle of managing symptoms without resolving the actual issues.

Jonathan's practice, located in Essex, is a place where many find relief and understanding in areas they've been struggling with for years. His dedication to teaching others how to maintain their health and wellness is truly inspiring, and I'm grateful to have experienced his methods firsthand.

In this special Mother's Day episode we dive into an emotional yet uplifting conversation with me, Sally Parkinson and Sarah Baldock from the Little Bean Podcast about how our Mums have shaped our lives.  We reflect on the inspiring legacies left by our Mums, sharing cherished memories and the meaningful impact they've had on our personal and professional lives. Through stories of childhood, lessons learned, and values instilled, we celebrate the strength, love, and influence of our mothers. Both of us open up about losing our Mums but highlight how their spirits live on in us. 

This episode is a beautiful tribute to motherhood, full of love, laughter, and heartfelt gratitude, emphasising the importance of capturing and treasuring the moments we have with our Mums.

In this podcast episode, I am delighted to welcome this brilliant couple,  Personal Trainer at CHF Gym  Hollie Redman and Jade Gooding, Yoga & Pilates instructor,  to discuss their fitness journeys, inspirations, and the challenges they've faced. Hollie shares the history of CHF gym, a family business started by her parents when she was 14, and her eventual involvement despite initial reluctance. Jade shares her transition from performing arts to fitness, starting pilates and yoga during the lockdown, and the evolution of her business to include online content and retreats. The conversation explores how both women keep their classes innovative, the importance of personal connections with clients, and balancing work with personal life. Hollie and Jade also discuss the critical moments and lessons learned throughout their careers, emphasising resilience and authenticity. The episode concludes with a look towards the future and the continuous evolution of their work and lives.

In this podcast episode, Tanya Croall, a self-employed physiotherapist with a background in the NHS and the Army, discusses her journey and holistic approach to health. Tanya runs Copford Physio and PhysioNatal in Colchester, focusing on women's health during pregnancy and beyond. The conversation navigates through her personal experiences and beliefs, emphasising the importance of nutrition, holistic health, and the interconnection of mind, body, and emotions. She describes her transition from traditional physiotherapy to incorporating somatic experiencing for trauma awareness and highlights the essential role of intuition in both her professional practice and personal life. Tanya also shares inspiring stories about her mother's resilience and the lessons learned from her journey, aiming to encourage others to take ownership of their health and trust their gut feelings.

In this podcast episode, we welcome Paul Inskip, a talented photographer turned  business coach.. Paul's journey began in the world of music production before transitioning to photography, where his business acumen and creative skills flourished. During the lockdown, Paul became a business coach, sharing his knowledge with fellow photographers and helping them thrive. Inspired by the book 'Miracle Morning', Paul dramatically changed his lifestyle, embracing fitness and ultimately becoming a Hyrox competition enthusiast. He is currently undertaking the ambitious challenge of completing a Hyrox every day for 100 days to raise money for the Chestnut Tree House charity, demonstrating his dedication to both personal growth and community support.

In this episode, I chat with Rosie, a dedicated mum of three, personal trainer, and successful bodybuilder. Rosie shares her incredible journey from feeling unhappy and unfit after childbirth to transforming herself through strength training and rigorous competition prep. We discuss her motivations, the physical and mental challenges of prepping for bodybuilding competitions, and the importance of strength training for women, especially as they age. Rosie also shares practical tips on nutrition, maintaining a balanced lifestyle, and how her transformation has positively impacted her family. Whether you're looking to get inspired or gain insights into the world of bodybuilding, Rosie's story is a testament to the power of determination and consistency.

In this episode, we spotlight Shelagh Steven, an expert horsewoman and business owner with a profound dedication to her sport, horses, and clients. Shelagh’s journey, marked by resilience, began on a farm with a love for horses from a young age. Transitioning from veterinary nursing to horse training and teaching, she shares her experiences and challenges, from travelling to major competitions to overcoming significant hurdles like laminitis in her pony. Shelagh’s commitment and innovative teaching methods, including 'Disco Dressage' for children, highlight her inspiring determination and the joy she finds in her equestrian life.

In this engaging episode of the Highway to Well podcast, host Sally Parkinson catches up with Tara Perlaki, a trained kinesiologist and founder of the Slow Revolution. 

Sally begins by recounting her initial encounter with Tara in 2013 when she was just starting her mother's dementia journey and was fortunate to be one of Tara's case studies during her kinesiology training. Tara shares her personal journey, detailing the challenging period in her early twenties that led her to seek alternative therapies. She talks about how a tarot reading session pointed her to a kinesiologist named Jill, which marked the beginning of a transformative six-year journey that helped her address chronic anxiety and relationship issues through a holistic approach that encompassed the mind, body, emotions, and energy. This experience inspired Tara to train as a kinesiologist herself and ultimately led to the creation of the Slow Revolution. This new venture focuses on fostering emotional and energetic well-being, particularly for women in the fast-paced modern world. Tara explains the concept behind the Slow Revolution, emphasizing the importance of slowing down, tuning into oneself, and creating intentional spaces for relaxation and self-care. She discusses how these practices can significantly impact one's personal and professional life by reducing stress and improving overall well-being. 

The podcast also touches on the practical aspects of Tara's work, including her one-to-one kinesiology sessions, somatic counselling, and plans for yin and meditation retreats. Sally and Tara reflect on their past retreats together, highlighting the profound benefits of taking time to reset and connect with oneself. Tara emphasises the value of curiosity and openness in personal growth and how the Slow Revolution aims to help women reconnect with their bodies and emotions in a nurturing and empowering way. 

Toward the end of the episode, Tara shares her excitement about her future campervan adventures, which align perfectly with the principles of the Slow Revolution by allowing her to immerse herself in nature and further slow down. This enriching conversation offers listeners valuable insights into the importance of slowing down and taking care of one's emotional and energetic well-being.

Welcome to Highway to Well, the podcast that’s all about celebrating inspirational people and their incredible stories. I’m your host, Sally Parkinson, and I’ll be chatting with individuals who have motivated me throughout my journey—whether they’re fitness gurus, alternative healers, or self-employed pioneers.

In each episode, we’ll dive into real-life challenges like imposter syndrome, building confidence, and navigating the pressures of everyday life. Together, we’ll uncover what makes life interesting, how to maintain a work/life balance, and the importance of looking after our health today for a brighter tomorrow.

Expect laughs, heartfelt moments, and practical tips, with at least one golden nugget of wisdom in every episode to inspire and empower you. So, grab a cuppa, get comfy, and join me on this journey. Highway to Well—your road to a healthier, happier life starts here.