During the initial stages of embarking on your fitness journey, the unfamiliarity of a gym environment can be daunting and anxiety inducing. The space can often feel intimidating, overwhelming and put you totally out of your comfort zone.

So today I'm discussing how I was able to overcome my anxiety and finally feel empowered, confident and comfortable within the gym.

I hope this conversation reassures you that it is a safe place. Where you can achieve, thrive, progress and feel accomplished.

Jessica discusses her competitive sporting journey, the process of transitioning between gymnastics, judo and weightlifting, as well as the challenges of being a student athlete - having balancing academic goals alongside her sporting endeavours.

Jess shares her experience at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, the pressure of competing at such a huge, globally documented event… as well as the mental skills required to focus, and regulate her emotions whilst performing under exceptional circumstances.

She then details the pure euphoric moment of achieving her 111kg clean and jerk, which gained her a place on the podium, and the pride she had competing for her country.

Jess finally discusses the mindset, drive and determination required… and the process of having to push past discomfort to reveal true sporting potential, as well as constructing a solid support network to achieve so many impressive accomplishments.

Find Jess:

@JGB.COACHING
www.jgbcoaching.co.uk

Today I am joined by Lauren Aaron, a Specialist Eating Disorder Psychotherapist, for an in-depth discussion about disordered eating, it's complicated nature, and the path to recovery.

Firstly, we explore what an eating disorder truly represents—an intricate interplay of control, escapism, comfort, and coping.

We then discuss the value in addressing the underlying psychological issues and triggers that often underpin these disorders, delving into the emotional side of eating disorders, and the significance of uprooting those distorted core beliefs.

We also talk about how finding the right therapeutic approach that aligns with your unique needs and values can be a crucial first step in the recovery process, with Lauren emphasizing how there is no one-size-fits-all solution - different approaches work for different people

Lauren then outlines the value of undertaking a holistic approach to recovery, one that fosters long-term sustainability. One that recognises how it's not just about food and body; it's about rediscovering your sense of worthiness, purpose, and identity. It's about reconnecting with the excitement of life, finding joy in self-discovery, nurturing relationships, seeking adventures, collecting exciting memories, and rekindling your love for life.

To end, we address the misguided notions associated with BMI and the unfortunate sentiment of not feeling "ill enough" for treatment. Eating disorders don't discriminate, and our guest will share insights on why proactive treatment is essential, regardless of where you fall on the scale.

IG / TikTok: @the_hope_space

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehopespace1

https://linktr.ee/thehopespace

www.thehopespace.co.uk

Today I am finally joined by one of my closest friends – Alex Buley (@buleyfit)

Alex is a 22 year old, Motorsport Engineering graduate from Bristol, with a massive passion for all things sports – from swimming, to his career in gymnastics to race car driving.

In this podcast, we talk about Alex’s growth and development. How he progressed throughout life despite the numerous challenges he’s faced, including low self esteem, eating disorders and a complex academic career.

We talk about celebrating weight gain, the harmful reality of diet culture, the weight loss industry and how detrimental this can be to vulnerable mindsets – especially within the 21st century with social media being so prevalent.

Amber Maddison Davies (@ambersostomy) to specifically raise awareness of invisible illnesses and disabilities.

Amber was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, an incurable bowel disease, which lead her to living with a permanent stoma.

In this episode, we discuss ambers journey in depth, and the stereotypies and stigmas associated with invisible illnesses. But also, we highlight how amber has transformed this difficult situation into something inspirational through participating in multiple fundraising events and raising awareness across social media.

Crohn's & Colitis UK:
https://www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/

Today I’m joined by Meg Lewis – a passionate advocate and activist in the health space, making a profound impact in respiratory care and palliative health.

Meg shares her deeply challenging and complex journey with Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis, a rare form of Pulmonary Fibrosis that can cause irreversible lung damage. The condition is life-altering, with no cure, limited management options, and a severe lack of research, awareness, and available resources. It’s a reality that many struggle to even imagine, yet Meg offers an unfiltered, human perspective — shining a light on the physical, emotional, and social challenges that come with living with such an under-recognised illness.

She also speaks openly about the ripple effects of her diagnosis, including medically induced disordered eating. From the intense fear of food and choking brought on by her condition, to the emotional toll of weight gain from steroid treatment, Meg vulnerably explores the complex intersection between physical health, body image, and mental well-being.

And yet, at the heart of her story is a powerful message about what it means to truly live — even in the face of uncertainty. Meg reminds us of the importance of filling life with the things you love, embracing the “everyday magic” of small joys, and finding moments of laughter and connection despite hardship.

https://www.instagram.com/thelungnrestless/

https://thelungnrestless.substack.com

TikTok: The Lung N Restless

In this episode, I’m joined by a familiar face - Brittany! In our previous podcast conversation, she shared her journey of recovering from anorexia. But today, we’re diving deeper, reflecting on how both of us have grown and evolved since then.

This episode isn’t just about recovery or returning to a baseline. It’s about the transformative journey that comes after, a journey of self-discovery, healing, and re-establishing who you are at your core. Together, we explore what it means to reconnect with your authentic self, find alignment, and carve out a life of purpose and fulfilment.

We first dive into the weight of societal expectations and how they can shape our decisions and identities, often leaving us feeling dissatisfied, and disconnected from our true selves. Both Britt and I have experienced the burden of doing what we thought was expected of us, rather than being fully honest about what we truly desire.

But a recent trip provided Britt the opportunity to reflect, giving her fresh perspective and motivated her to begin building a life that aligned with her true self.

Similarly, I am preparing to embark on a one way solo trip to Asia. For me, this trip is about stripping back labels and routines, distancing myself away from relentless cycles of work, productivity and burnout, and instead begin to reconnect with myself as just Lara.

So, together, we explore the transformative power of relinquishing control, learning to embrace uncertainty and unpredictability, finding beauty in simply being, and rediscovering the joy of intentional living. It’s about embracing who we truly are, taking steps toward a life that feels honest and fulfilling, rediscovering passions, showing up authentically, and aligning with what truly matters.


Find Brittany:

@souluna.co.nz

Previous Episode: #23 Life with Anorexia: Malnourishment, Treatment Refusal, Dysmorphic Mindsets & Seeking Validation

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6PyqkZezBbYcSaj9v5UEAz?autoplay=true

Today we’re joined by Sam, a friend and enthusiastic runner.

Once overweight and unhappy, he turned his life around through sustainable lifestyle changes, discovering the joy of running. Now, he’s not only achieved an incredible physical transformation, hitting personal bests and smashing records, but also a profound psychological shift.

So today, we dive into all things running - our personal journeys, insights, goals, ambitions, advice, and memorable race experiences.

We talk of the community essence of running. How it’s about embedding yourself in a group of like-minded people who share your passions and values. It’s an opportunity to build friendships, find your people, and nourish your true self. When you surround yourself with a community that aligns with your principles, life feels more fulfilling, more authentic

We’ll also touch on the challenges many runners face, like getting caught up in the numbers — comparing paces, focusing on race results, and feeling the weight of expectations. But rather than fixating on the statistics, we need to take a step back and recognize how far we’ve come, the barriers we’ve overcome, and practise a little more self-compassion. Of course, it’s great to have challenges, to set goals, and to push ourselves, but running is about so much more than hitting personal bests. It’s about being present in the experience, soaking up the atmosphere, and smiling through the process

@globerunnergriff