Weight Loss Warrior Podcast

EP70 - Wanting to be a healthy, happy mum - Claire's Weight Loss Success Story

When Claire said she had been worried about being an embarrassment to her son, I could hear the worry in her voice at the prospect of it being true if she hadn't of decided to change her life.

My special guest today found herself rationalising her declining health and weight gain after having a beautiful baby just before lockdown. Take-aways became a regular habit, needing clothes 2 sizes bigger and worsening Asthma meant that Claire had started on a path that was leading her to life of low self confidence and poor health.

Like many of my guests, Claire reached a point where she was concerned for her future and fed up with being overweight. It was impacting her self esteem and ability to do the normal daily activities a young mum would need to be doing. 

After phoning her mum for support. Claire discovered Slimming World and attended her first session. 

"Being in the group just felt like a nice, big, warm hug." Claire told me, smiling into the microphone as she remembered that first day. From there she went on to lose an incredible 3 stone and reclaimed her heath and self confidence.

Claire shares other areas in which her life has improved including a new found love for fitness. I hear about "Clubbercise" which includes glow sticks, amazing music and dancing your way to a healthier body. 

Another major success in Claire's journey has been her decision to help others and become a Slimming World Consultant. In our conversation I hear about the process of Claire taking this step, encouraged by her Consultant Jane because she felt Claire would be a great leader to help others. 

You can read more about Claire's journey and see everything she is up to on her Instagram. Click here to follow her account - @claires_losingit.

I'd like to thank Claire for being part of the show and officially becoming a Weight Loss Warrior!

 

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EP69 - Weight Loss Warriror Birthday Special - Part 2 - The story of the WLW Podcast

As part of the celebration for WLW turning 1, in this episode special host Claire is back to help me tell the story of the podcast, from it's initial seed of an idea and through the first 12 months.

I share how I originally felt the urge to start a podcast despite never trying anything like this before, and the steps I took to get started. As some of you may know, I've been extremely fortunate in meeting some amazing people along this journey and I feel grateful for each and every person who has helped and supported the journey.

You will also hear how I struggled at certain stages and even came close to stopping WLW all together. I am very glad I didn't give up and things are now the strongest they have ever been.

I also talk about the next steps for the podcast and my plans for the next 12 months. I am currently in the stages of studying to be a fully accredited coach and am already working with a small number of clients. My aim is to focus on this alongside the podcast to bring as much help and success to the WLW Tribe as possible.

Thanks again to Claire for being an awesome host, and thanks to you for being part of the first amazing year.

 

 

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EP68 - Celebrating 1 Year of the WLW Podcast - My Journey

Today is a big day and one I am proud to celebrate. It's exactly 1 year since the podcast went live and I thought to mark the occasion I would share my own story.

Since becoming a teenager I have struggled with being overweight and still battle elements that so many of my guests have shared in previous episodes. I wanted you all to know that I too face similar challenges and that I have my own story to tell.

I won't lie, I feel a little self absorbed and egocentric being the guest of my own show. The idea of this platform is that people share their success, and I ask the questions. However I am asked from time to time how people can learn more about me so decided to battle my imposter syndrome, face the fear and do it anyway!

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this amazing journey during the first year. You can read a more detailed reflection on the WLW Website by clicking here

This episode was also recorded and shared on Youtube so feel free to watch the full episode by clicking here

I'd also like to take the opportunity to encourage each of you to join us and become part of the growing WLW Tribe community on Facebook

There are some amazing people who share their story and support each other. I truly believe this journey is easier when you are surrounded by people encouraging you and who most importantly understand the challenges you face.

Thanks again and let's see where we can take the podcast in year 2!

 

Carl

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EP67: How losing 3 stone and discovering fitness allowed Sophie to reinvent herself

** Join our Tribe! We have a free community on Facebook called Weight Loss Warrior Tribe. It's a place to get additional support, make friends and meet others on a similar journey to transform into the best version themselves. Click here and become part of the conversation today **

Today I welcome Sophie Steele to the show to talk about her success and transformation in pretty much area of her life. It's a powerful message to anyone who feels stuck or that change for the better is impossible. 

Sophie found herself in the position of having no self confidence, turning to alcohol to cope with social events and with a poor level of health. A spiral of circumstances had left Sophie feeling like she didn't even recognise the person she had become and knew that change had to happen.

Despite failed attempts to lose weight over the years, Sophie explains how something in her mindset shifted and gave her the glimmer of hope she needed in the beginning. From there the momentum began and positive changes started to appear. Sophie explains how with weight loss her confidence increased and how much better she felt for it. 

Without spoiling the surprise, Sophie is now embarking on a journey that she admits wouldn't have been possible or even something she would have considered before her transformation, but is excited to begin helping others who are currently in the situation she found herself in a few years ago. 

Sophie has documented her full story from day 1 on her Instagram and she shares a real account of daily life without sugar coating it. Click here to follow her. It's refeshing and inspiring to see her honesty and progress throughout her journey. She also has TikTok and you can following her by clicking here

 

A special thanks to Sophie and I wish her all the best in her future adventures!! 

 

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EP66 - Catching up with previous Weight Loss Warrior Emma Luckman

Please note that this was originally recorded as a Video Podcast Episode, and you may notice a small difference in sound quality. 

FULL VIDEO EPISODE AVAILABLE HERE ON YOUTUBE:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZ_sBCIjMNs

 

Back in April, I made a promise to pop round and visit Episode 50's special guest Emma who lives in my hometown of Braintree, Essex. Well, true to our word, we met for a cuppa and a chat to find out everything Emma has been doing over the last few months. 

It was amazing to hear about Emma becoming a brand ambassador for TWO different businesses, along with a new focus of becoming a Personal Trainer in the future. 

We shared many laughs, but on reflection I realised just how much important and helpful advice Emma shared during our conversation. 

Check out Emma's original episode sharing her full weight loss journey: 

https://www.weightlosswarriorpodcast.com/podcast/episode/21429bde/how-weight-loss-surgery-helped-emma-go-from-existing-to-living

 

A special thanks to Emma for the invite and cup of tea, as well as her continued support and cheerleading of the WLW podcast!

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EP65: How opting for a Fitness and Sobriety Lifestyle changed Jake's life

Today I welcome Jake, a charming gentleman from just outside Newcastle to share his story of transformation.

Jake and I first spoke at the start of the year and he explained to me he was on mission to lose weight and get healthy. We agreed there and then that when he was happy with the changes made and his progress, he would be a guest on the show. 

Well, he did exactly that and recently contacted me to share his amazing progress and achievement. I could sense his level of pride in reaching his objective and I couldn't wait to make him an official Weight Loss Warrior.

During the episode we discuss the changes that Jake made, combining different elements from previous failed attempts at maintaining a healthier lifestyle. The key difference here has been that Jake was setting his sights on a long term and sustainable way of living, realising that fad diets and being too restrictive wouldn't last. 

Something I loved speaking about was the decision Jake made more recently to stop drinking alcohol. He shares his apprehension of doing this and why he felt it was important as part of his journey. I found that his experience is extremely common among many of us and am sure it will resinate with many listeners. 

Jake offered to answer any questions and would love you to follow his journey on Instagram. His account name is @jake_f_s_l

Also, you can find Jake and many other Weight Loss Warriors who have appeared on the podcast in our WLW Tribe community on Facebook. It's a free group created to help each other, get advice and meet likeminded people. Click here to become part of the conversation now

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EP 64: How to reach your goal and maintain it - Jo's story

For many, the act of losing weight is actually the biggest challenge but instead knowing how to stay at the weight that makes you feel happiest and healthy.

My special guest today is Jo from Lakenheath and she has not only lost more than 3.5 Stone, but maintained her goal for 2 years. 

I hear how Jo had found herself feeling disheartened and unhappy with her weight after many months of not paying close enough attention to her health. Like so many of us, life circumstances that occur created a lifestyle that didn't serve Jo and resulted in a significant weight gain.

Once her mind was made up to make some important changes in her life, Jo set about losing weight and reached her goal in August 2021. We discuss how Jo has been able to find a balanced life and set mini goals to allow herself to keep focused on the weight she feels best at without the constant feeling of being on a diet and the tricks she uses to stay in control.

Jo is actually fairly new to Instagram, creating her account to offer support to others and show them her journey to provide help. You can click here to follow her - @jojo_myjourney

Also - Make sure you join our Facebook community Weight Loss Warrior Tribe!

 

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EP63: How Jonathan lost 21 stone and saved his life

At his heaviest, Jonathan Hodgson from Barnsley weighed 40 Stone. He joins me today having lost an incredible 21 stone to share his incredible journey.

What's special about this story is that it started by accident. Jonathan had written and deleted messages to a personal trainer multiple times, not able to find the courage to take that first step. Eventually, fate took control and a message reached his now coach and friend by complete accident.

I hear how Jonathan created a persona of being the "big lad" and used this to make himself and those around him more comfortable, but on the inside he was living a life of embarassment, low confidence and a loss of hope for something better in his life.

Being completely honest and when looking back at his situation, Jonathan admits that had he not have taken action when he did, he might not be here today. 

Luckily, and due to the twist of fate in sending a message to Pete at @barnsleybarbell - a journey that would quite literally save Jonathan's life from food addiction started. 

We talk about how it can be hard as a man to admit that you need help regarding weight loss and Jonathan and his coach are taking amazing steps to bring more awareness to this and encourage more men who want to lose weight to get started. 

On September 22 2023, they are hosting a live event in which Jonathan will share his story in full detail, along with a special Q&A and his coach sharing an important insight to how it's not too late to change your life. 

If you are interested in this event, click here to get full details.

The WLW podcast is all about inviting real people to share their journey of self discovery and success. I love how Jonathan himself is a more "traditional" type of person, and so it was interesting to hear how his views about topics such as depression and mindset have changed during his journey. 

A special thanks to the "barnsley bomber" (Look out Tyson Fury) for sharing his special story and becoming our latest Weight Loss Warrior! 

 

Remember, you can join our Facebook Community and be part of the latest conversations with past guests and people on a journey to lose weight. Click here to become part of the Weight Loss Warrior Tribe

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EP62: How Johdi lost over 75lbs and started saying YES to new experiences

My special guest today is Johdi from a beautiful part of the UK, Ribble Valley near Burnley. 

Johdi has lost an amazing 5.5 Stone (77lbs) during her weight loss journey and joins me to share how much happier she is for making the decision to transform her life.

I know it can sound dramatic when we talk about "life changing" weight loss, but when you hear all the positive changes that come as a result of losing weight, you start to realise just how much better your quality of life can become.

For Johdi, she explains how she now has the confidence to try new experiences and I love how she almost laughed in disbelief of herself when talking about going for a 10k run.

I think when we find ourselves in a difficult situation and feel unhappy, it's so easy to begin to believe there is nothing better waiting for us and we should just accept our fate and struggle through life. 

When listening to this episode, you will hear how Johdi refused to accept that as her reality and how important it was to her to make positive changes to become a fitter and healthier mum for her son.

Make sure you check Johdi's Intagram and follow her. Her account has a lot of really delicious meal ideas and you can see photos of her latest Magazine feature!

Thanks Johdi for being our latest Weight Loss Warrior! 

Also don't forget you can join our Facebook community "Weight Loss Warrior Tribe" where Johdi, other Weight Loss Warriors and a growing community of amazing people on their own weight loss journey come together to support each other.

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EP61: How Sarah lost 19 stone (266 lbs) and her journey to maintain a healthy weight

My special guest today has proved that weight loss plans can work, if you follow their plan.

Having experienced success during her journey of losing 19 stone with Slimming World, Weight Watchers and Calorie Counting I have the pleasure of hearing how and why Sarah switched it up along with the pros and cons of each.

After I finished our interview, I stopped and let it sink in just what an incredible achievement this was. I will be the first to admit that losing even a few pounds after a holiday can require determination and discipline, so to turn up for yourself week after week, month after month to lose 19 stone is simply incredible. 

Sarah shares the emotion of being able to buy clothes in high street shop for the first time and some other amazing changes she has experienced as part of becoming slimmer. We talk about confidence, health and how now Sarah feels she can live her life to the max.

I also learn how Sarah has used a powerful shift in her own mindset to overcome emotional eating when a situation or person upsets her. I think it's a really powerful way to use the negative emotion to drive a positive result so urge you to try it if you find yourself in a similar situation

I caught up with Sarah at a moment in her journey where she is just starting out with a Coach to help her adjust to her new life and maintain her weight loss. We talk about how after hitting her lowest weight, a lack of consistency led to regaining some back. This is something I believe so many people have an experience of and I feel it can often be related to not having that next objective, or perhaps even after so long of restricting yourself at some level, allowing that release of pressure.

Sarah shares her story and lifestyle on both Instagram and Youtube, make sure you find out how she's getting on:

Instagram: @Kiacsa

Youtube

Thank you to Sarah for being our latest Weight Loss Warrior and if you have any questions for her, join our free Facebook Group now and she will be there to answer you!

Facebook Group - Click here to join now

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