Evolve Pod Ali Hollest

Episode 24 brings a voice you may very well recognise, Episode 1 and 3 featured Dan Walmsley. Dan rejoins me in this episode to talk about his epic 24 in 24 Wrekin challenge, a run which saw him scale the Wrekin Hill 24 times in well under 24 hours. Over 6000m of ascent and over 63 miles of running up and down the same hill!

Why did he do this? Having battled his own demons, Dan opens up about his reasons why, the literal and metaphorical ups and downs of this immense challenge and how his daily routine allows him to keep focused, happy and positive. Raising vital funds for Telford MIND, you can still contribute to Dan's fundraiser here - https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/dan-walmsley2

Enjoy! Listen, learn, grow

Episode 23 brings an immensely powerful conversation with Alex Flynn. Alex has achieved extreme physical challenges outside the realm of most of our comprehension, and even more incredibly, he has achieved these SINCE being diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2008.

Alex goes into why he continues to challenge himself, using his hatred and anger towards PD to raise awareness and funds to help people suffering with PD and also back scientific research to find a cure for the debilitating neurodegenerative disorder. His next challenge sees him undertake and expedition culminating in him being the very first person with PD to stand on top of the world, Mount Everest. Just wow!

Alex needs all our support, please visit his website alexflynn.co.uk and get donating, it's all for an amazing cause.

Listen, Learn and grow

With the easing of lockdown restrictions abound, I bring you a very interesting, open, honest and frank chat with Sharron Moffattt. Having had severe bouts of depression throughout her life, Sharron opens up about mental health and wellbeing, how sport and exercise has kept her on a great path, not only inspiring others but also herself. Sharron is a MHFA Mental Health first aid instructor and gives a really useful insight into what we should all be looking out for in our friends, families and colleagues as the UK and the wider world starts to open up a little more.

Really loved recording this one, thanks Sharron!

Listen, learn, grow.

Episode 21 brings a very open and insightful chat into addiction, in particular gambling. I talk with Patrick (patch) Foster about how he fell into gambling after losing his pro cricket contract. Is it a coincidence that the addict inside of him grabbed this opportunity when Patch was at his most vulnerable? Patch's addiction drove him to some very dark places and at its worst, suicide was the only option.

Patch now works in the gambling awareness realm working alongside the industry giants and young professional sports people and schools to educate and raise awareness on all things addiction.

A very powerful story shared by Patch that we can all learn from.

Listen, learn and grow.

Imagine taking on one of the worlds toughest endurance swims, only to be pulled from the water, dazed and confused, 300m from your finish point after over 18 hours cold water channel swimming.

In this episode, I talk to Lucy about her experience with channel swimming, what made her have another crack at the channel and obliterate her near miss only weeks before. We even bring up the practise of sitting in a wheelie bin filled with ice water in mid winter!

A very cool conversation with Lucy, a day by day teacher who has achieved something absolutely incredible.

Episode 19 brings you Alastair Duns, former professional yachtsman diagnosed not once, but twice with testicular cancer.

Now a leading ambassador for Movember, a mens mental health charity making a difference in prostate and testicular cancer, as well as mental health and suicide prevention.

We discuss how Alastair former career on the high seas equipped him with the necessary mindset and resilience to literally weather the storm, not once, but twice through a testicular cancer diagnosis and treatment.

I find conversations like this so good for allowing us all to look at how we deal with our own storms and create a better outlook when things are tough.

We also had a brilliant little chat around all things triathlon and endurance events; always got time for that!

Another great episode, thanks Alastair,

Listen, learn, grow.