The Abnormal Show

What does it really take to build a world number one?

In this episode, I sit down with Andrei Vasilevski and Anton Dubrov, the coaching masterminds behind Aryna Sabalenka, to reveal the truth about what it takes to reach, and stay at, the top of the tennis world.

From the emotional highs of Grand Slam victories to the unseen struggles behind the scenes, they share how trust, discipline, and daily 0.1% improvements turn potential into greatness.

Whether you’re chasing excellence yourself or just curious about the mindset behind champions, this is a masterclass in discipline, teamwork, and belief.

🎙️ Abnormal is the podcast for normal people doing abnormal things.

Subscribe for more stories from the world’s best performers, athletes, and thinkers.

From burnout to Bangkok, this is the story of Gabe Heck, one of the fastest-rising athletes in the Hyrox world. Known as the Beast of Bangkok, Gabe went from a corporate job in Singapore to living his dream as a full-time coach and elite athlete in Asia.

In this episode of Abnormal, Gabe shares how he rebuilt his life after injury, discovered the power of endurance sport, and created a business doing what he loves. From his training philosophy to his mindset around failure and growth, this conversation is packed with lessons for anyone looking to chase their passion, reinvent themselves, or find meaning through challenge.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Gabe Heck: The Beast of Bangkok

01:20 Gabe's Journey in Hyrox

04:47 Life in Bangkok: The Unexpected Move

10:09 Transitioning to Full-Time Coaching

14:31 The Decision to Pursue Coaching and Racing

16:41 Building a Brand Through Racing

20:14 Balancing Competition and Coaching

22:41 The Pain of Hyrox: A Unique Challenge

25:53 Understanding Variables in Hyrox Racing

27:29 Optimizing Training for Hyrox

30:39 Building an Aerobic Base: The Long Game

32:01 The Role of Genetics in Athletic Performance

34:58 Age and Experience in Hyrox Competitions

39:04 Balancing Strength and Endurance Training

41:12 Mental Health and Overtraining in Sports

45:58 Finding Personal Motivation in Athletic Endeavors

50:50 The Joy of Coaching and Client Success

56:07 Lessons Learned from Personal Struggles

01:01:06 Creating Urgency and Taking Action in Life

Follow Gabe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabeheck/

Ben Cullen, aka Benny Cee, is a DJ, producer, entrepreneur, and MC whose energy seems limitless. But his journey hasn’t been easy. From arriving in Hong Kong with nothing, struggling to pay rent, and even eating bananas for dinner because he couldn’t afford food, to now DJing in Ibiza, MCing for global Hyrox events, and running successful businesses, Ben’s story is one of resilience, positivity, and relentless drive.In this episode of Abnormal, Ben shares the highs and lows of building a brand, the “back against the wall” mentality that shaped him, what it really takes to balance multiple careers, and why he believes in going all in on your dreams. Whether you’re chasing a business, a creative career, or just looking for motivation to push through tough times, this episode will inspire you to keep moving forward.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Benny Cee: The Unstoppable Force

02:22 Current Endeavors: Balancing Business and Music

04:03 Vision for the Future: Dreams and Aspirations

06:39 The Hyrox Experience: Energy and Engagement

08:34 Unexpected Opportunities: The Journey to Hyrox

10:51 Traveling the World: A Life of Adventure

13:11 Contradictions of Lifestyle: Balancing Routine and Freedom

16:17 Sacrifices and Investments: The Cost of Ambition

18:40 The Role of a Business Coach: Guidance and Growth

24:33 Creative Trap Doors: Merging Music and Fitness

30:39 Navigating Business Ideas and Personal Aspirations

35:15 Building a Personal Brand: The Journey of Benny Cee

40:10 The Creative Process Behind Benny Cee's Music

42:42 Reflections on Struggles and Growth in Hong Kong

49:25 Lessons Learned from Hard Times

52:41 The Back Against the Wall Mentality

58:54 Legacy: Hard Work and Uplifting Others

Follow Benny on IG: https://www.instagram.com/bennyxcee/

Josh Li went from working as a personal trainer in London to building two fast-growing businesses across Asia, the Middle East, and now the U.S. — Nutrition Kitchen and OnePT.

In this episode, Josh opens up about the risks he took, the lessons learned from building companies with almost no starting capital, and the brutal reality of entrepreneurship when your back is against the wall. From surviving the war-driven food price surge of 2022 to managing over 90 trainers worldwide, Josh shares the sacrifices, grit, and vision it takes to grow an international business without outside funding.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Josh Li and His Journey

02:53 The Birth of Nutrition Kitchen

05:52 The Evolution of OnePT

09:01 Facing Challenges and Learning from Setbacks

11:56 Navigating Business Growth and Capital Decisions

15:11 Customer Experience and Product Improvement

17:53 Building a Strong Team and Identifying Talent

20:56 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

23:59 Future Aspirations and Business Vision

31:33 Pushing Boundaries and Long-Term Goals

32:25 Entering the US Market: Strategies for Success

35:17 Finding the Right Trainers: Quality Over Experience

37:44 Maintaining Standards Across Global Expansion

40:23 Encouraging Employee Growth and Independence

41:18 Navigating the Challenges of Entrepreneurship

43:13 Growth Targets: The Road to 20+ Gyms

46:02 The Hectic Life of a Founder

49:03 The Importance of Routine and Self-Care

50:28 The Role of Mentorship in Business Growth

54:04 Surrounding Yourself with Like-Minded Individuals

58:52 Legacy: Building a Positive Company Culture

01:00:17 Taking Action: The Key to Abnormal Achievements

Check out OnePT: https://onepersonaltraininghk.com/

Check out Nutrition Kitchen: https://nutritionkitchenhk.com/

Marc Hofmann’s story is one of passion, persistence, and creating meaning through hospitality. Arriving in Hong Kong a decade ago with little experience, Marc started as an intern at Black Sheep Restaurants — cutting bread and learning the ropes. Ten years later, he’s the Managing Director and co-creator of Jean-Pierre, one of Hong Kong’s most exciting new restaurants.In this episode, Marc shares the journey from intern to restaurateur, the sacrifices behind the glamour of dining, and the deeply personal story of naming Jean-Pierre after his father. We talk about French and Hong Kong dining cultures, the pressures of running restaurants in one of the most competitive markets in the world, and what it really takes to build a team and a concept that lasts.This is a conversation about food, culture, resilience, and why hospitality is as much about people and stories as it is about plates and menus.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Black Sheep Restaurants and Mark Hofmann03:04 Mark's Journey with Black Sheep Restaurants06:13 The Birth of Jean-Pierre08:54 The Personal Touch Behind Jean-Pierre11:50 Creating the Atmosphere and Culture at Jean-Pierre15:02 Business Insights and Early Success of Jean-Pierre17:57 Challenges and Sacrifices in the Restaurant Industry21:12 Feedback and Growth in Hospitality31:20 Navigating Feedback in the Restaurant Industry33:03 Cultural Influences on Dining Experiences37:00 The Importance of Family and Heritage in Culinary Arts39:07 Building a Restaurant with Heart and Team Spirit43:11 Lessons Learned from Challenges in the Hospitality Sector46:56 Embracing Creativity and Innovation in Restaurant Concepts51:03 The Value of Consistency in Dining Experiences55:08 Reflections on Legacy and Personal Growth57:10 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Nic White has lived the highs and lows of professional rugby. The Wallabies scrum-half with over 70 Test caps has played all over the world, won trophies in Europe, and helped Australia to famous victories — including beating the British & Irish Lions and breaking South Africa’s 62-year Ellis Park hoodoo.In this episode, Nic opens up about announcing his retirement only to be called back days later, the pressure of representing Australia during tough times, and the lessons he’s learned from both success and failure. He shares candid stories about the realities of professional sport, the importance of family, the transition athletes face after retirement, and what resilience really looks like on and off the field.Whether you’re a rugby fan or just someone chasing your own “abnormal” goals, this conversation is packed with honesty, inspiration, and life lessons.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Nic White

00:58 Reflections on Retirement

03:58 The Emotional Farewell

09:18 The Pressure of Performance

14:28 Navigating Team Dynamics

18:20 The Low Points of 2023

21:54 Finding Balance in Life

27:01 Future Plans Beyond Rugby

32:21 The Excitement of Coaching

34:20 The Reality of Parenting and Coaching

36:41 Transitioning from Player to Coach

39:52 Team Dynamics and Personal Growth

42:37 Traits of Top Performers

45:54 The Difference Between Great and World-Class Players

49:47 Lessons from a High-Performance Career

52:39 Mindset Shifts in Performance

56:08 Feedback and Communication in High-Pressure Environments

01:02:01 Balancing Process and Results

01:05:53 Advice for Achieving Abnormal Goals

From the rugby pitch to the boardroom, Daniel Temm has lived two very different lives. After a career as a professional rugby player, he stepped away from sport and into the unknown, pouring his savings and energy into building a business from scratch. Today, he’s the CEO of Puresport, one of the UK’s fastest-growing wellness brands.This episode is about more than rugby or entrepreneurship. It’s about what it really takes to keep showing up when everything feels stacked against you, and how resilience, adaptability, and purpose can carry you further than talent ever will.

Chapters

00:00 From Rugby to Business: A Journey of Reinvention

08:12 Navigating Business with Friends: Challenges and Agreements

18:48 Building a Strong Company Culture: Lessons from Sport

25:55 Managing Highs and Lows in Business: Leadership Insights

32:52 The Importance of Consistency in Leadership

35:18 Navigating Loneliness as a CEO

36:18 The Transformational Power of Mentorship

40:00 The Journey from Sports to Business

45:00 Finding Freedom in Performance

48:29 Introducing Puresport: A New Approach to Supplements

54:32 Building Community Through Authenticity

01:00:57 Leaving a Lasting Impact: Dan's Vision

01:04:21 Advice for the Abnormal Journey

Check out Puresport: https://puresport.co/en-au

Follow Dan on IG: https://www.instagram.com/danieltemm3/

Follow Abnormal on IG: https://www.instagram.com/abnormalpod/

In this episode, Aisyah Rafaee shares her incredible journey as Singapore's first Olympic rower, discussing the challenges of crowdfunding her way to the Olympics, the pressures of competing, and her experiences with mental health and IVF. Aisyah emphasises the importance of resilience, community support, and the lessons learned from her athletic career as she transitions into coaching and navigates the complexities of family planning. Her candid reflections on the emotional toll of IVF and the societal pressures faced by women in sports provide valuable insights for listeners all over the World.Chapters00:00 Aisyah's Journey to the Olympics03:02 The Pressure of Competing06:11 Mental Resilience and Journaling09:05 Transitioning from Athlete to Coach11:52 The Road to Paris 202415:06 Finding Joy in Rowing17:56 Lessons Learned Through Rowing21:06 Core Values and Life After Sports30:01 Cultural Transition: A Move to America33:00 Navigating the IVF Journey41:51 Mental Resilience in the Face of Challenges53:50 Support Systems and Community57:59 Embracing Vulnerability and Personal GrowthCheck out Aisyah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariesyah/?hl=en

Olympic medalist and NHS doctor Philip Doyle joins the Abnormal podcast to share the unbelievable story of how he balanced saving lives with chasing Olympic glory.

Starting rowing in university, Philip went on to represent Ireland at two Olympic Games—while also working gruelling 114-hour hospital weeks, sneaking in rowing sessions at 2AM during night shifts. In this raw and powerful conversation, he opens up about pressure, burnout, building mental resilience, and the mindset needed to push beyond limits.

From working in emergency medicine to standing on an Olympic podium, Philip breaks down the habits, mindset, and philosophy that kept him going when most people would quit. He also shares his “four-legged stool” framework for balance, and the unusual motivation that fuels his training (hint: it involves Ben & Jerry’s).

If you're interested in high performance, elite sport, overcoming excuses, or simply want to hear one of the most inspiring stories of discipline and consistency, this episode is for you.

Timestamps
0:00 – Intro2:00 – Balancing medicine & Olympic training10:00 – Removing barriers & getting things done17:00 – When life crumbles & what to do about it34:00 – Mental toughness & the “monkey on your back”45:00 – Behind the scenes of winning an Olympic medal58:00 – Life after the Olympics & moving the goalposts1:04:00 – Advice for anyone chasing an “abnormal” goal

Andrew Glaze is a full-time firefighter, ultramarathon runner, and one of the most consistent endurance athletes on the planet, with a streak of running 100+ miles per week for over 280 consecutive weeks.In this raw, powerful conversation, Andrew shares how running helped him overcome trauma, cope with PTSD, and find peace through pain. We talk about the mindset it takes to run for hours on end, balancing family with extremes, and how movement became his therapy.Whether you’re a runner, a first responder, or just someone looking for a reason to keep going, this one will stick with you.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Andrew Glaze's Journey

03:00 The 281-Week Streak: Consistency and Mindset

05:46 Overcoming Obstacles: Injury and Recovery Strategies

09:07 The Impact of COVID-19 on Running and Mental Health

12:12 Recovery Protocols: What Works for Andrew

15:06 Personal Philosophy on Training and Time Management

18:03 Running as a Lifesaver: Andrew's Transformation

21:10 Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Runners

23:59 The Turning Point: From Struggles to Strength

30:04 The Power of Movement: Exercise as Medicine

33:35 Mental Health and Ultra Running: Finding Peace in Pain

40:08 The Journey of Self-Discovery: Lessons from Life and Running

50:00 Building Resilience: Overcoming Mental Barriers

57:07 Spreading Positivity: The Ripple Effect of Kindness

FREE Goal Setting Framework: https://www.petelaverick.com/product-page/the-abnormal-discipline-code-your-no-bs-blueprint-to-crushing-goals