The Immerse Podcast

Rugby league player Kruise Leeming joins the Immerse podcast to discuss how loss, travel, and listening to other people can challenge the assumptions that shape a life. He also reflects on returning to Huddersfield, shifting from personal achievement toward mentoring, and learning to support children without forcing them onto your own path. Rugby player and coach he reflects on how fatherhood, faith, and forgiveness shape the person he wants to be, then explains his coaching venture, Soaker, and his decision to live alcohol-free. The hosts, including Alex and another co-host, draw out practical examples of breaking inherited patterns, building honest relationships, and choosing actions that align with personal goals.

keywords

rugby league, Huddersfield, personal growth, perspective, grief, travel, parenting, mentorship, mindset Cruz rugby, faith and forgiveness, fatherhood, alcohol-free life, coaching, Soaker, generational patterns, personal growth

key topics

Kruise describes how losing his father at age eight and thinking about his dad’s short life sharpened his awareness that time is not guaranteed.

He uses the image of tinted glasses to explain how upbringing and experience shape perception, and why staying open means being willing to revise your views.

A visit to Swaziland and a long drive to Johannesburg showed Cruz how much people can take travel and freedom of movement for granted.

Kruise discusses changing his nutrition after high-protein, low-carb eating left him feeling unwell, and adapting food choices to what works for his body and background.

After a season with Catalans Dragons, Kruise explains how a relationship with coach Jim Lenehan led to a three-year signing with Huddersfield

Chapters

00:00 Nutrition coaching starts with what works for the person

00:29 Fatherhood as Kruise ultimate measure of success

02:27 Three tiers of role models, from family to Jesus

04:08 Kruise returns to the Amherst podcast

05:04 Faith as a guide to life’s gray areas

05:56 How upbringing shapes the lens we see life through

08:23 Why forgiveness must be practiced again and again

09:44 Losing his father made time feel precious

12:36 Travel, roots, and the value of seeing another way of life

13:38 Breaking the cycle of anger passed through families

15:29 A border crossing changes Cruz’s perspective

17:34 The monkey story and questioning inherited habits

18:50 How saying hello changed Kruise view of Halifax

20:18 Gratitude, possessions, and France’s slower pace

22:43 Why Kruise signed a three-year deal with Huddersfield

23:16 Soaker: coaching built around honest, personal support

25:04 Moving from personal ambition to servant leadership

28:15 Connection and contribution over money and trophies

29:44 The five-year letter exercise

31:06 Nearly three years without alcohol and a changing social circle

32:04 Planning with the future in mind while valuing the present

34:08 Helping younger players learn from experience

35:08 Sobriety, identity, and the quiet work of sorting things out

38:41 Written goals help Cruz stay alcohol-free

39:11 Alex on fatherhood and learning through mistakes

40:36 Evolving as children grow and finding the parenting balance

42:32 Choosing connection without making drinking the center

45:46 Living for your children, not only saying you’d die for them

46:30 Why no book can replace the experience of being a dad

In this episode, Alex and Louise explore the transformative power of breathwork, its impact on mental and physical health, and how it can be integrated into daily life for greater well-being. They also discuss upcoming retreats, community building, and the importance of self-awareness and acceptance.

keywords

breathwork, mental health, physical health, self-awareness, retreats, community, nervous system, emotional regulation, holistic health, personal growth

key topics

The physiological sigh and its benefits

Breathwork as a tool for nervous system regulation

The impact of breathwork on emotional trauma and unregulation

Creating safe spaces for vulnerability and healing

Upcoming retreats and community initiatives in the North of England

The role of self-awareness and acceptance in personal growth

Breathwork for stress reduction and sleep improvement

The integration of holistic and medical approaches to longevity

sound bites

"Breath is our only autonomic system we can control"

"You don't have to fix anything, just connect"

"Trust your body's instinctive knowledge"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the episode and guest

02:33 The physiological sigh and lung expansion

06:30 Controlling the autonomic nervous system through breath

12:51 The importance of connection over fixing

32:19 Trusting your body's innate wisdom

36:32 The global need for breath awareness and mental health

44:43 Creating safe spaces for vulnerability

54:16 Breathwork in schools and children’s emotional regulation

01:04:33 Retreats in Marrakesh and future plans

01:06:59 The power of community and collaboration

In this episode, Dan Lanigan shares his inspiring journey from a challenging youth to becoming an Iron Man athlete and mental health advocate. Discover how mindset, support, and resilience can transform lives and inspire positive change.

keywords

mental health, resilience, Iron Man, triathlon, mindset, recovery, motivation, coaching, charity, self-improvement

key topics

Dan Lanigan's early life and challenges

Transition from boxing and football to triathlon

The role of mindset and visualization in success

The impact of support systems and relationships

The importance of mental health awareness and giving back

The benefits of sauna and recovery in training

The significance of community and social connection

Lessons learned from adversity and grief

The journey to becoming an Iron Man and coaching others

The importance of purpose and passion in life

sound bites

"It's about acting as if I am already there."

"Sharks don't swim backwards, they die."

"Everyone's got something worth living for."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and breathing ritual

00:29 Dan Lanigan's background and early days

02:15 From football and boxing to challenges in youth

04:14 Transition from boxing to life struggles

07:33 Facing serious environment and decisions

09:26 Turning point and moving to Yorkshire

11:21 Discovering Iron Man and setting new goals

13:20 The power of visualization and self-belief

16:07 The importance of mindset and resilience

20:22 Balancing grief, training, and purpose

23:19 The significance of community and giving back

27:37 Involvement with Andy's Man Club and mental health

37:38 Dealing with personal loss and mental health awareness

44:46 The social and health benefits of saunas

01:00:03 Saunas as recovery and mental health tools

01:03:25 Unlocking potential through diet, recovery, and mindset

01:04:24 Future goals and ongoing impact

01:05:22 Parting message and encouragement

In this episode, Emiliano Castroni shares his journey from childhood trauma and family struggles to building a successful coffee business and becoming a dedicated father. We explore themes of resilience, mental health, and the power of love and support in overcoming life's challenges.

keywords

personal growth, mental health, family, coffee business, resilience, fatherhood, overcoming trauma, support systems, emotional healing

key topics

Emiliano's childhood and family struggles

The influence of heritage and culture on his journey

The role of coffee in social connection and community

His approach to fatherhood and breaking cycles

The importance of mental health and vulnerability

takeaways

Love and support are crucial in overcoming childhood trauma.

Building a business can be a form of healing and legacy.

Authenticity and vulnerability foster deeper connections.

Support systems and community are vital for mental health.

Turning pain into power is possible through resilience and purpose.

sound bites

"Love and support are crucial in overcoming childhood trauma."

"Turning pain into power is possible through resilience and purpose."

"Support systems and community are vital for mental health."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Emiliano's background

02:01 The influence of family and heritage

06:57 The role of coffee in social connection

11:52 Childhood trauma and its impact

20:03 Emiliano's journey to building Castrone Coffee

29:51 Parenthood and breaking cycles

44:46 The importance of vulnerability and support

01:00:04 Forgiveness and emotional healing

01:15:06 Future goals and legacy

01:19:56 Final thoughts and advice for listeners

In this episode, Leia Guest shares her journey from multiple jobs to running a successful coffee trailer in Halifax, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, community, and continuous learning. Discover insights on entrepreneurship, self-awareness, and living a purpose-driven life.

keywords

entrepreneurship, coffee business, self-awareness, community, personal growth, small business, mental health, authenticity, reinvention, purpose

key topics

Leia Guest's journey through 29 jobs to entrepreneurship

The importance of authenticity and community in business

Living with purpose and continuous self-improvement

The role of mental health and therapy in personal growth

Balancing stability and risk in entrepreneurship

The influence of cultural and personal background on success

The significance of emotional intelligence and self-awareness

Lessons learned from building a coffee trailer and community

sound bites

"Manners and a smile will never fade."

"You're not everyone's cup of tea."

"Words are so powerful and it's so cool."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and guest background

5194:26:34 Meet Leia Guest and her business Nowhere to Bean

7583:19:54 The story behind the sauna and building community

11999:59:54 Leia's diverse job history and love for giving things a go

17638:53:14 The importance of change and self-awareness

22555:33:14 The role of curiosity and living in the present

26666:39:54 Balancing stability and excitement in life and work

33388:53:14 The significance of internal purpose and self-trust

38944:26:34 Travel, growth, and embracing change

45277:46:34 Gender roles, cultural influences, and personal identity

50777:46:34 The value of community, connection, and authenticity

62749:59:54 Handling negativity and self-acceptance

73888:53:14 Tools for mental health and emotional intelligence

91277:46:34 Overcoming challenges and personal resilience

100666:39:54 The power of connection and human interaction

112166:39:54 Creating a community space and future aspirations

123916:39:54 The importance of curiosity, learning, and myth

127861:06:34 Closing remarks and where to find Leia

This episode follows Ella Grace Grows, a local runner and marketer whose story moves from childhood pressure and food anxiety to marathon training, entrepreneurship, and landing in a role that actually fits her personality.

It is a conversation about health anxiety, self-image, consistency, and learning how to build a life around what matters most.We discuss Ella’s early school years, how running became the thing she could be good at, and how her relationship with food and exercise shifted over time.

We also get into her career path, her move away from restrictive fitness culture, and why people and purpose matter more to her than labels or job titles.

Key topics

• Ella’s early identity as a high achiever
• Why year 7 felt like a shock
• How running started
• Strength training, aesthetics, and the start of disordered eating
• What her eating disorder looked like in real life
• Orthorexia and the obsession with “healthy” eating
• Health anxiety and emetophobia
• The thyroid scare and a broader perspective on health
• Why she’s careful with online fitness advice
• Career pivots that actually made sense
• Why she left corporate environments
• Where she is now

• If you are struggling with food, exercise, or health anxiety, look at the patterns behind the behaviour, not just the behaviour itself.
• Be cautious of fitness content that promises dramatic results in unrealistic timeframes.
• If you feel yourself spiralling on symptoms, reduce the Googling and give yourself time to wait for proper answers.

Timestamps

00:00 - Catching up, breathwork, and welcoming Ella
02:17 - Introducing Ella Grace Grows and her local connection
04:06 - Who Ella is beyond the online content
05:57 - Why her content feels real and unfiltered
07:25 - Going back to childhood and school pressure
08:15 - Losing out on grammar school and the impact on year 7
12:10 - How running entered her life at 14
13:08 - The mile run leaderboard that changed everything
14:32 - Parkrun, first 5K, and building a running habit
15:29 - Strength training, lockdown, and the start of food issues
16:14 - Being referred into eating disorder support
18:38 - Lunch anxiety and feeling judged around food
20:00 - Calorie tracking and the 1500 calorie ceiling
21:59 - Online advice, dieting culture, and why less is not always better
22:28 - CAMHS, dietitian calls, and family support
24:24 - Why running ended up helping more than stopping movement
25:22 - Advice to younger Ella and trusting her mum more
26:18 - Why quick-fix fitness content is harmful
29:10 - Naming orthorexia and understanding the disorder
31:07 - Why prescriptive nutrition needs careful handling
32:06 - Health anxiety, emetophobia, and panic spirals
33:31 - The caffeine, HIIT, and heart rate scare
35:22 - Thyroid issues, lump discovery, and radioactive treatment
36:50 - Chest lump, biopsy, and waiting for results
38:17 - Messaging another Ella Grace going through cancer treatment
39:42 - Memento mori and learning what actually matters
40:36 - How health anxiety affects friendships too
42:29 - A&E, anxiety, and how thoughts can drive physical symptoms
43:57 - Triathlon dabbling and keeping running as the priority
46:16 - Why endurance challenges are hard for her body type
47:15 - First marathon at Leeds and raising money for family
48:40 - Why sub-four became a target and Chester Marathon at 3:33
49:42 - Knowing when to keep going and when to stop
52:34 - Likely next races and Valencia being on the horizon
54:11 - Choosing marketing over sports science

58:29 - Why transformation culture can go too far
60:51 - Landing at OTA and building confidence in a new niche
62:19 - Quitting at the right time and pivoting without guilt
63:16 - How she joined UMA and what made it feel right
65:08 - Building side projects with Connor and staying in fitness
66:32 - Loving the new role and being closer to home

In this episode, we sit down with Gabe Moore to unpack the real story behind building a business while juggling pressure, identity, and long-term ambition.

=Gabe opens up about leaving barbering after nearly 10 years, why he made the leap into supplement brand building, and how a failed first version of the product forced a pivot that changed everything.

He explains how his Reload brand evolved from mushroom coffee into a high-dosage electrolyte formula, why customer feedback mattered, and what it takes to keep going when traction is slow.

We also get into the mindset behind going “all in,” the reality of burnout, the importance of structure, and why having the right people around you can make or break a business. Gabe shares candid thoughts on trust, delegation, social media, small-town mentality, mental health, and what freedom really means when you’re trying to build something meaningful.

Key topics:

• Leaving barbering after nearly a decade
• Starting and rebuilding a supplement brand
• Why feedback and iteration matter
• The pressure of going all in
• Burnout, balance, and daily structure
• Small-town mentality and personal growth
• Building trust in business partnerships
• Why social media and personal branding matter

If you’re building a business, navigating a pivot, or trying to turn pressure into progress, this one is packed with honest lessons and practical perspective.

In this episode, Grace Ramsden shares her incredible journey from professional rugby to fitness influencer, highlighting her mindset shifts, lessons from failures, and upcoming ultra endurance challenges. Discover how she navigates setbacks, refines her training, and stays motivated through honesty and resilience.

keywords

fitness journey, mindset, failure, endurance, rugby, ultra marathon, motivation, self-belief, training, social media influence

key topics

Grace Ramsden’s transition from rugby to fitness

Lessons learned from multiple Hyrox competitions

The importance of mindset and failure in growth

Nutrition mistakes and lessons from ultra marathons

Balancing life, family, and high-performance training

The role of honesty and authenticity in social media

Strategies for overcoming mental and physical burnout

The significance of purpose and setting short-term goals

sound bites

"You can't always stand on that pedestal"

"It's about being able to repeatedly fail to succeed"

"Get the first five minutes out of the way"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and guest background

00:05 Grace’s journey from rugby to online fitness

01:00:24 Supporting others and staying authentic

Crazy Auntie Anne on sobriety, self-acceptance, and turning kitchen videos into a DJ career Crazy Auntie Anne shares the story behind her rise from college lecturer to viral creator, full-time DJ, and family-run business owner.

This conversation covers the mindset shifts that helped her rebuild after addiction, why authenticity matters more than perfection, and how taking bold leaps led to Tomorrowland, brand work, and a growing music career.

We discuss sobriety, faith, manifestation, and the practical side of building a creative career from scratch. Anne also explains how her family is now part of the business, and why helping even one person is the real measure of success.

Key topics

• Crazy Auntie Anne’s origin story
• Why not caring what people think changed everything
• Sobriety, addiction, and rock bottom
• People-pleasing versus being yourself
• Faith, higher power, and spiritual growth
• How TikTok became a real career
• Family business and redemption
• From pots and pans to real DJ sets
• Why music matters
• What’s next
• 
  

Timestamps00:00 - Opening in the studio and introducing Crazy Auntie Anne
02:24 - TikTok numbers, kitchen videos, and becoming a DJ
03:20 - Manifestation, Tomorrowland, and ignoring judgment
05:13 - The cream bun theory and why guilt is often social
07:30 - Rock bottom, recovery, and addiction as control
09:27 - Learning to be yourself after years of people-pleasing
11:43 - Building discipline from sobriety and education
14:04 - Why authenticity beats perfection online
15:51 - Recovering from alcohol identity and rebuilding self-worth
18:12 - Gratitude after addiction and seeing life differently
19:40 - Nearly losing everything and valuing family now
21:03 - Charity shop skirt, early sobriety, and small wins
22:02 - TikTok grows into a full-time income
23:24 - Brand deals, tax, and turning the work into a company
24:22 - Hiring her sons and making it a family business
25:53 - Song promotion, music labels, and helping artists break through
27:12 - Why helping one person matters more than money
29:37 - How unexpected success changes your life
31:29 - Earning in a day what teaching paid in a year
33:24 - Leap of faith as action, not wishful thinking
34:51 - Leaving work, taking the home care job, and trusting the path
38:12 - Why experience teaches you not to slow down too early
40:07 - Slumdog Millionaire, timing, and being in the right place
43:06 - Higher power, faith, and a universal core of kindness
44:36 - AA, God language, and why spirituality is not religion
47:26 - The Power of Now and separating self from thoughts
49:15 - Self-talk, self-love, and realizing you are still loved
51:41 - Reframing religion and making peace with the past
55:33 - How the DJ story began with pots and pans
57:25 - Learning real DJ skills and building live sets
59:15 - LA party, Justin Bieber, and surreal career moments
61:12 - House music legends, Tomorrowland, and being part of the scene
62:40 - The feeling of playing to a crowd
64:19 - Being a safe space for people to be themselves
66:18 - What comes next: gigs, festival sets, and a podcast
68:23 - Closing thoughts and why the story mattersNotable quotesCopy“I don’t care what anybody thinks.”Copy“I’m not my thoughts.”Copy“You get back what you put out, but only if it’s genuine.”

In this episode, we explore the importance of adaptive training, periodisation, and mental well-being through personal stories and expert insights. We discuss how to optimize training, recovery, and life balance for sustainable success.

keywords

training, periodisation, endurance, recovery, mental health, fitness, lifestyle, adaptation

key topics

The concept of periodisation in training and life

Balancing stress and recovery for sustainable progress

The importance of mental health and breath work

Adapting training plans to life changes and challenges

The role of nutrition and active recovery in performance

guest name

The Immerse Podcast Hosts

Titles

Mastering Training Periodisation for Long-Term Success

The Art of Adaptive Training and Recovery

sound bites

"You can't always climb the ladder of success."

"Progressive overload is key to improvement."

"Vulnerability is a sign of strength."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction: Embracing Adaptability in Life and Training

369:26:13 Endurance Challenges and Personal Stories of Resilience

694:26:13 The Concept of Periodisation in Training and Life

1011:06:13 Balancing Stress, Recovery, and Sustainability

1336:06:13 The Impact of Nutrition and Active Recovery

18638:52:56 Mental Health, Breath Work, and Emotional Release

23527:46:16 Planning for Peak Performance and Long-Term Goals

28666:39:40 Building a Sanctuary: The Future of Personal Fitness Spaces

35249:59:43 Communication, Relationships, and Life Balance

41472:13:03 Deep Dive into Training Periodisation and Strategies

54777:46:23 Practical Tips for Implementing Periodisation

73499:59:49 The Role of Mindfulness, Breath Work, and Emotional Health

83694:26:29 Preparing for Competitions and Peak Events

91444:26:32 Tapering, Carb Loading, and Final Preparations

96277:46:32 Closing Remarks and Future Plans

resources

The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg - https://www.amazon.com/Power-Habit-What-Life-Business/dp/081298160X

Louise - Breathwork Coach - https://www.instagram.com/louise_breathwork/

Neutonic Focus Pouches - https://neutonic.com/products/focus-pouches

The Immerse Saunas - https://immersesaunas.co.uk

guest links

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/immerse_thebrand/

Website - https://immersesaunas.co.uk