The Constant Cheerleader

Living in the Present

Hannah Rankin and Ellie Scotney are among Britain's ones to watch when it comes to talent in the ring.

History-making Hannah is not only Scotland's first female boxing World Champion but also a talented musician who, with her quintet, takes concerts into schools and care homes.  

And proper brew loving Ellie, who was due to make her professional debut at the O2 just as the UK went into lockdown, is currently working nine to five as a keyworker - although she'd say she isn't one!

Join them for our season one finale as they give us 30 minutes of mat talk on staying motivated, looking to the future, and getting KO'd by unconventional sparring partners.

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Taking Time

The Book of Mormon, Avenue Q and Hairspray - just some of the shows you may have seen Etisyai Philip in over the years. On stage she wows the world with with her pitch perfect comedy timing, and off it she's passionate about diversity in the arts and encouraging the next generation of theatre industry talent.

Join her for 30 minutes of Mat Talk about taking time for yourself, challenging unconscious bias, and channelling her inner Bond girl on a coffee mug. 

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Play, Fight, Win

Rachel Morgan is one of Britain's top tennis talents. During the pandemic though, the current World No.1 (B1 classification) on the visually impaired tennis circuit has put down her racket to focus on her career as a keyworker, swapping the baseline for the frontline in the fight against CoVid-19

Join her for 30 minutes of Mat Talk on giving your best in difficult situations, treasuring the little moments that make you happy, and unusual coffee mugs.

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Divine Storms

Jordanne Whiley is unique among British tennis players because she's the only one to have achieved a Calendar Grand Slam. During lockdown, with no Roland Garros this week, the wheelchair tennis tour on hold, and the Paralympics delayed by a year to 2021, the eleven-time Grand Slam Champion has spent lots of quality time at home discovering new skills and having lots of proud mummy moments with her son.

Join her for 30 minutes of mat talk on looking out for divine storms, parenting during lockdown and finding out which Madagascar character is her spirit animal.

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Seize The Day

Ella Beaumont has been passionate about sport and fitness since she was young and after scouring the internet for fitness sessions for wheelchair users during lockdown and finding nothing that motivated her she took matters into her own hands and launched Ella's Wheelchair Workout.

Not only is she broadcasting her sessions to thousands on YouTube, merely asking people to have their broomsticks and tights handy to join in, but she's also keeping her wheelchair basketball and rugby teammates in shape over Zoom and delivering online sessions for charities and gyms across the country. So stand aside Joe Wicks there's a new fitness guru in town and she's determined to make staying active at home inclusive.

Join her for 30 minutes of Mat Talk about women in sport, grabbing every opportunity, and binge-watching Australian soaps

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Within the White Lines

Football has been a constant for St Ives Town Ladies player Ruth Fox since she was young, in fact she would even go so far as to say that the sport saved her life.

Now ready to write the next chapter, the central midfielder and campaigner is undertaking a 28 day cycling challenge to raise awareness of mental health in sport, and mental health in general, by visiting places that have played an important role in her recovery.

In our special episode for Mental Health Awareness Week 2020 join her for 30 minutes of Mat Talk about the beautiful game, why kindness matters and unexpected detours.

EPISODE NOTE: As well as the usual chat you expect from us here at The Constant Cheerleader, Ruth and I also talk openly and honestly about our experiences with mental health. If you find you are affected by any of the issues raised in this podcast there is help out there. Among them are some amazing charities such as The Samaritans, who work to make sure there’s always someone there for you. Call them free anytime, day or night, on 116 123

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Pushing the Boundaries

If there's a gap in the market it's almost guaranteed entrepreneur and athlete Chantal Epp will spot it.

In business she's used her love of music and knowledge of the music industry to break down traditional barriers. And as one half of Wheelchair Partner Stunt, she's helped champion inclusivity in cheerleading across the globe.

Join her for 30 minutes of Mat Talk about the importance of perseverance, being open to finding innovation in any situation, and mat-talking your kettle.

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Re-creating the Magic

The art of storytelling runs through the veins of animator and puppeteer Lizzie Cresswell. And during these uncertain times she's been using that skill to bring a smile to people's faces, producing a number of short films, including one re-creating the Disney World experience from her sofa. 

Join her for 30 minutes of Mat Talk about following her dreams, defying expectations, and freezing on stage in front of Kurt Russell.

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Play, Create and Learn

Vicki Hargreaves is the director and choreographer of Commotion Dance but after theatres went dark almost overnight she quickly morphed from that into online educator.

Join her for 30 minutes of Mat Talk about her work, the vital importance of connection during what is quite an isolating time, and her thoughts on the current and future challenges for the theatre industry.

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Mugs of Rebellion, refusing a dishwasher and facing Twitter tumbleweed when sharing David Tennant GIFs

Just a few things that make life interesting for writer, Miranda Dickinson.

In the first ever episode of The Constant Cheerleader we catch up with the six-time Sunday Times bestselling author for thirty minutes of Mat Talk about her life, writing, and of course coffee.

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