The RunThrough Podcast

Join host Ben Sheppard on this moving episode of the RunThrough Podcast as he talks with Poppy May, aka Poppy May Fitness, about her extraordinary journey. As a teenager, Poppy faced a life-changing situation that left her in a wheelchair, but she refused to let it define her.

She opens up about her struggles with mental health, accepting her new reality, and finding purpose through fitness and community. From racing in the London Marathon to inspiring thousands on Instagram, Poppy’s story is a powerful testament to resilience, hope, and determination.

Discover how she turned what could in her words have been her 'anchor' into her 'wings' and learn how to find strength and beauty in life’s toughest moments.

Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/
Poppy May - https://www.instagram.com/poppymayfitness/

The Samaritans - https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/talk-us-phone/

In this heartfelt episode of The RunThrough Podcast, host Ben Sheppard sits down with Amy Lane and Tom Mannion, who recently ran at the RunThrough Swindon Half, to explore the power of community, connection, and healing through running. The conversation dives into the story of Dave’s Run Club (DRC), founded in memory of a beloved family member, friend, and runner, and uncovers how this grassroots movement has united people to support one another both on and off the road.

Running is more than just physical exercise; it’s a way to release stress, reflect, and grow. Through shared experiences, running creates a sense of belonging and strengthens mental well-being. This episode highlights how grassroots movements can inspire real change, how personal stories motivate others, and why fostering mental health awareness is vital in building strong, connected communities. Ultimately, it’s a reminder that running is about more than miles; it’s about connection, discovery, and honoring the people who inspire us to keep going.

Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/
Amy Lane - https://www.instagram.com/wellness_ed/

The Samaritans - https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/talk-us-phone/

In this inspiring episode of the RunThrough Podcast, Johnny Morillo, better known as Johnny Meatless, joins host Ben Sheppard for a conversation full of energy and insight. 🌱

Johnny is a vibrant food content creator, passionate runner, and advocate for a plant-based lifestyle. He opens up about his journey to veganism, his lifelong love for cooking, and how he turned his passion for food into a platform for creativity, health, and community. From growing up around his dad’s food market to discovering the power of plant-based nutrition, Johnny shares how small, gradual changes can lead to a more sustainable and fulfilling lifestyle.

He and Ben chat about how running and fitness complement a vegan diet, the joy of sharing food with others, and the truth behind vegan alternatives and common misconceptions. Johnny offers practical tips for anyone curious about transitioning to a plant-based diet and talks about his unexpected journey into modelling, embracing every new challenge with enthusiasm.

Whether you’re a runner, foodie, or just curious about vegan living, this episode is full of inspiration and motivation to live healthier and happier.

Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/
Johnny Morillo - https://www.instagram.com/johnnymeatless/

In this episode of The RunThrough Podcast, Emily Jane Fairs joins host Ben Sheppard to share her inspiring journey into ultra running. Known for her positivity and authenticity, Emily talks about how a spontaneous decision to start running led her to take on ultra marathons and discover a deeper sense of purpose through the sport.

She opens up about leaving university to pursue social media full-time and how she overcame an eating disorder in her teenage years, an experience that taught her to fuel her body for both performance and enjoyment. Emily reflects on the highs and lows of her first 100K race, a mix of excitement, pain, and fulfilment. She explains why community, connection, and mental strength are essential parts of the ultra-running experience.

From finding confidence through running to setting her sights on future endurance challenges, including a potential 240-mile race, Emily’s story is an empowering reminder that running is as much about personal growth and resilience as it is about the miles themselves.

🎧 Subscribe to The RunThrough Podcast for weekly conversations with inspiring runners, athletes, and creators.

Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/
Emily Jane Fairs - https://www.instagram.com/emilyjanefairs/

In this episode of RunThrough Presents Gone Running, Zara Holland joins Ben Sheppard to share her journey into running, exploring how she stays motivated, builds confidence, and prioritises self-care - learning to say no. 

Zara discusses the importance of balance, finding time for yourself, and learning to appreciate the process of improvement. She reflects on turning 30 as a moment to reset and focus on what truly matters, embracing running as both a physical and mental outlet.

The conversation also touches on her experience at the Great North Run, the importance of family support, how her time on Love Island feels like a different life, and the role the community plays in helping her stay consistent.

This episode is all about mindset, motivation, and discovering joy in the journey. Whether you are new to running or chasing your next goal, Zara’s story is a reminder that progress starts with just one step.

Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/
Zara Holland - https://www.instagram.com/zaraholland/

In this episode of RunThrough Presents Gone Running, Lewis Robling shares his remarkable journey from professional rugby to the world of ultra-running.

Lewis opens up about the challenges of transitioning out of sport, the mental health struggles he faced, and how running became a tool for both personal exploration and connection. His story also reveals how the idea for Why We Run was born, a charitable ultra-marathon event built on community, resilience, and giving back.

From raising significant funds for charity to finding strength in asking for help, Lewis highlights the life lessons that endurance sports can teach us and the power of being authentic, vulnerable, and true to yourself.

Hosted by Ben Sheppard, this is a powerful conversation about sport, community, and self-discovery that will inspire runners and non-runners alike.

Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/
Lewis Robling - https://www.instagram.com/lewis_robling/

In this episode of RunThrough presents Gone Running, Natasha Mane joins Ben Sheppard. Natasha discusses the importance of passion and desire in achieving fitness goals, while also acknowledging the reality of burnout and emphasising the importance of prioritising self-care to stay focused. She emphasises that investing in yourself physically and mentally is the foundation for long-term success, introducing her concept of a “health bank” to highlight how consistency pays off over time.

Running, she explains, has been a humbling experience that has shaped her growth, teaching lessons in resilience and perseverance. Natasha also reflects on the role of social media in shaping fitness identity and stresses the importance of remaining authentic in a world full of comparisons. For her, embracing challenges has not only fueled personal growth but also strengthened her as a coach.

The conversation concludes with a powerful reminder: consistency leads to measurable progress, authenticity builds confidence, and resilience combined with hard work is the real key to achieving lasting success.

Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/
Natasha Mané - https://www.instagram.com/tashamfit/

In this episode of Gone Running, Ben Sheppard sits down with adventurer Johnny Ward to uncover his remarkable journey from a tough childhood in Ireland to becoming the first person to complete the Explorers Grand Slam. Johnny opens up about his drive for freedom, the lessons he has learned from travel and endurance challenges, and why he believes running has a uniquely transformative power.

Johnny shares how he became the first Irish person to visit every country in the world and why financial and time freedom have been the foundations of his fulfilling life. He reflects on how his childhood struggles pushed him toward adventure and independence, and how he discovered that the beauty of life lies not just in reaching a goal but in the struggle it takes to get there. After completing his travels, Johnny faced depression, which led him to ultra endurance events, experiences he now sees as uniquely powerful in transforming both body and mind.

Through running, Johnny has learned that pain is temporary, but the self love gained through challenges lasts forever. He also speaks about the deep, unbreakable bonds created when people share endurance events, and how these connections can inspire us all to go further than we ever thought possible.

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Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/
Johnny Ward - https://www.instagram.com/onestep4ward/

In this episode of Gone Running, host Ben Sheppard is joined by Emily Barker, who shares her inspiring journey from life at university during the COVID-19 pandemic to becoming a fitness coach and advocate for body positivity. What began as a simple fitness accountability page on Instagram grew into a platform that not only supported her own growth but also connected her with a wider community.

Emily talks candidly about self love, the realities of self doubt, how positivity can be a powerful tool for change and how running has become central to Emily’s life and identity. From the grit of preparing for the New York City Marathon to the emotional rollercoaster of the London Marathon, she opens up about the highs, lows, and everything in between.

Throughout the conversation, Emily emphasises the importance of focusing on health and performance over appearance, dismantling negative body image, and embracing authenticity. Her story is a reminder that confidence is built step by step, and that the journey towards body positivity is one many of us share.

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Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/
Emily Barker - https://www.instagram.com/emxbarker/

In this episode of RunThrough Presents Gone Running, host Ben Sheppard sits down with Rachel Woolford, owner of North Studio, a boutique fitness studio, to hear how she transformed her love for movement into a thriving business. What started as a way to lose weight soon became a powerful tool for mental clarity, shaping her approach to both fitness and entrepreneurship.

Rachel shares why she believes fitness should be enjoyable rather than a chore, and how North Studio was built around creating a community focused, social experience. She opens up about societal pressures around body image, the evolution of fitness culture, and the importance of connection both in exercise and in business.

We also dive into her experience as the winner of The Apprentice, sharing behind the scenes stories and lessons learned from the show. 

 And for anyone wanting to start their own business or side hustle, Rachel offers practical advice, from learning about the power of delegation to taking risks that lead to meaningful rewards.

💡 What you’ll learn in this episode:

- How running can evolve from weight loss to a source of clarity and focus
- Why enjoying fitness leads to lasting motivation
- The role of community and connection in building a business
- Insights from Rachel’s experience winning The Apprentice
- Why risk-taking and delegation are essential for growth

Whether you’re passionate about fitness, curious about entrepreneurship, or need a dose of motivation, Rachel’s story is filled with insights and inspiration.

👉 If you enjoy this conversation, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories from entrepreneurs and change makers!

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Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/
Rachel Woolford - https://www.instagram.com/rachelwoolford/