My guest on today's episode is my driven and diverse Dad.

I wanted to chat to him, because I think he's had an interesting life, being a post-war baby and coming from an under-privileged background, living in a council flat, to travelling all over the world for work, running his own business and managing to retire at 51.

We talk about his childhood in London and his interest in all things practical. The lovely thing about this, of course, is that I now have a permanent record of his life to keep, so all the information isn't lost, like with his Dad and family, as he talks about.

Enjoy! Please do complete this petition, if you think it's as important as I do. Thank you https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/560007

This episode's podcast guest is the naturally neon and slightly nutty Nikki Pistak.

I  really wanted to talk to Nikki, because she was the very first spin instructors that I ever had and so inadvertently influenced me to become one. After I had my two big babies all at once in 2010 and became a  sort of floppy and quite frankly weak huskbag of a human with no muscles, what a lovely image! I thought it would be a good idea to get back to the gym, to hopefully get some strength back and gain some me time. Whilst there, I heard Nikki taking a class and the rest unfurled  perfectly.

Nikki has an incredible amount of energy, and is such a bubbly and fun character that you can't help but feel inspired by her.

We spoke about her growing up in Canada, why she came to the UK, her family life and her fitness businesses.

We also talked about middle age, hormones, the effect that exercise has on her and her clients and how we all need to just get out there and start to move, whatever that looks like for you.

I know you're gonna feel her bounce delightfully into your ears as you listen to her story and if you're feeling a bit on the low side, this one will really motivate and perk you up. So, take some time, go for a  walk and enjoy the show!

https://www.facebook.com/The-Zumba-Zone-with-Nikki-336875476434100/ http://www.bootcamptring.com/

This episode is with the amazing Amelia Marriette. Amelia sent me her non-fiction book to read called Walking into Alchemy - The Transformative Power of nature and I have to say, I've not been able to put it down since. Amongst her many roles, Amelia has worked for the MOD, been a museum curator, scholar of Shakespeare, playrite, lecturer, blogger, radio presenter and of course author. Amelia talks us through her story about her journey from frustration, depression and being broke to one of moving to finding love, living in Austria and walking in nature. She describes her book as a love story, a nature story and a book about art, culture and the wider world. It is also well and truly about the benefits of walking as a way to improve mental health and wellbeing, so as you can imagine, I couldn't wait to talk to her, as it really is a beautiful and inspiring book. So go for a walk, take some time for you and listen to the chapters on Amelia's life. 

https://www.ameliamarriette.com/ https://twitter.com/Writing_Austria  https://instagram.com/ameliamarriette?igshid=fy11dkz5d0mp www.ameliamarriette.com/my-book

https://steppingout.teemill.com/ - Outdoor clothing store

In this episode I chat with Tricity Vogue (aka Heather Tyrell).  I mainly know Tricity as my ukulele teacher, however there are many other strings to her instrument and she is a self-proclaimed vixen of cheeky jazz. Time Out describes her shows as "Cabaret to run down side streets for, just get there early” Her website describes her shows as 'Charming, offbeat musical cabaret from a vintage songstress with a repertoire of surprising tunes and a colourful history of romantic misadventure.  Performer Tricity Vogue has cut a swathe through the UK cabaret scene with hit Edinburgh Fringe shows from 2010 to 2014, and a host of London cabaret productions under her belt. She was nominated for a London Cabaret Award in 2012 and 2013, her solo show "Calamitous Liaisons", incidentally having the same name as an album of hers, had a sell out West End run in October 2013, and her 2014 Edinburgh Fringe show "Songs For Swinging Ukuleles" was selected as Edinburgh Discovery for Chelsea Theatre's Not Television Festival in August 2014.   Tricity regularly appears on variety bills across the UK and Europe, teaches ukulele lessons, (that's to me) and provides sparkling musical entertainment at weddings, parties and events, both solo and with her All Girl Swing Band. "Tricity Vogue presents her own blend of slink and sass - Think Peggy Lee after a few too many cocktails".  She is also a writer, musical creator and script editor and an all-round very lovely, accommodating and friendly person. The no-show side of Tricity sees her living in the Leicestershire countryside with her husband and new puppy, Lulu, where she takes advantage of the many walks it has to offer and we talk about her love of walking in both London and where she lives. We could have covered a lot more in our chat, as she is a kaleidoscope of talent, stories and anecdotes, but I hope you enjoy this snapshot of her life. So get your shoes on, go for a walk and listen to the fascinating tales of Tricity Vogue,  show girl, as well as lover of nature and the quirks of life. https://Tricityvogue.com  https://www.instagram.com/tricityvogue/  https://www.facebook.com/tricityvogue  https://www.youtube.com/tricityvogue  https://twitter.com/tricityvogue  https://open.spotify.com/search/tricity%20vogue heelsofglory.com/ - Tricity's musical https://heathertyrrellwriter.wordpress.com/about/ https://tricityvogue.bandcamp.com/ - buy Tricity's music here   Protection and development of pathways across Britain: https://slowways.uk/

Today I spoke to the splendid Steve Garrill, lover of walking and best selling author of The North West Way – a route stretching 200 miles from Preston to Carlisle.  

He talks me through his life as a teacher and D of E expedition leader and his survival and recovery from a near fatal accident. 

His life is one of inspiration and he will surely inspire YOU to get your shoes on and go for a walk, so go on, do that then and hear all about his story and of course how he feels when he walks.  

http://www.dalesway.org/route.html

https://plackittandbooth.co.uk/product/north-west-way-signed/

https://www.facebook.com/northwestway

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ifootpath

Factfulness: Ten Reasons We're Wrong About The World - And Why Things Are Better Than You Think

The Irrational Ape: Why Flawed Logic Puts us all at Risk and How Critical Thinking Can Save the World

Bill Bryson Series of books

Ikigai

Duke of Edinburgh regional offices

Today, I talk through what gear you need to get going on the trails for walking with a brisk pace and therefore going ultra light. I'll take a bottom to top approach, starting with footwear and working up to your head, describing what I or any other sport walker wears for training and ultra events. If you're thinking 'Woah! What? That all sounds seriously pro' don't worry, it's not advice just for people who want to compete or complete mega distances, it's for anyone who would like to walk for fitness and enjoyment without cumbersome gear slowing you down....the events may naturally come later. So, if you're ready to hit the trails in perhaps a different way to heavy hiking or Sunday strolling, this episode will help you prepare for walking faster, for longer and more efficiently. Enjoy! SPORT WALK VIDEO GEAR SWAPS https://youtu.be/lbv3OWtInao ENERGY BALL RECIPE: https://www.wellplated.com/energy-balls/ https://ultrachallenge.com https://thresholdseries.com

Karen is a friend of mine and a person-centred counsellor in her practice; Olive Tree Counselling. She has been a real key worker this year, in providing therapy for people in this time of uncertainty. She wrote this poem and posted it onto her Facebook page. It's straight from the heart and reflects how many of us feel right now about 2020. https://www.facebook.com/OliveTreeCounsellingKSchumann/ https://olivetreecounselling.com/

Today, I spoke to the King of Sport Walk, Roger Burlinson who started the community, SPORT WALK, both on Facebook and YouTube, with ace videos on all things Sport Walking. His passion for walking is palpable and he talks to me about how he got into sport walking, events, how to get into sport walking, his day job of being a producer, director and film maker of lifestyle sports and how walking affects him mentally and physically.  

Here is the YouTube channel and other social media handles

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg3Ug6KhpfwHdkou5L_Pf2A

https://www.facebook.com/sportwalk

https://www.instagram.com/sportwalkuk/

https://twitter.com/sportwalkuk

Hope everyone is okay!? It's been a completely bonkers year. Have a great holiday time folks. See you next year. Mwah xx

We all know how important it is for kids to exercise, especially in this era of tech addiction. I asked children of different ages, to talk about how far they walk to school, where they walk and how it makes them feel and this was the result. They talk about walking with their family and why it's good for us and they also tell us who they'd like to walk with either fictional or real. I'm sure you'll agree, they have it all sewn up and I love it! 10 IDEAS ON HOW TO ENCOURAGE YOUR KIDS TO WALK: https://kidsofthewild.co.uk/2018/01/24/fun-easy-walks-with-kids/ WALKING TREASURE & SPY TRAILS:https://kidsofthewild.co.uk/2018/01/24/fun-easy-walks-with-kids/