Men’s Health: Built For Life

Men's Health UK

Men’s Health: Built For Life — with hosts Ben Shephard and Men’s Health Fitness Director Andrew Tracey — is the podcast for the men looking to take control of their fitness, health and life. Sharing practical science, actionable, real-world advice and incredible stories from inspiring guests – we can't promise you that listening to this podcast will change your life… but it will give you everything you need to go away and do that yourself.

  1. 4 HR AGO

    How Richard Gadd Gained 40kg For Half Man

    On this episode of the Built For Life podcast, Richard Gadd joins Andrew Tracey to break down the reality behind his extreme body transformation for Half Man. After dropping to 68kg for Baby Reindeer, Gadd pushed his body to over 100kg, training six days a week, eating relentlessly and even dehydrating himself for scenes. But despite the scale of the change, he admits he ‘never felt as big as I wanted to be.’ They unpack the psychology of bulking, why progress is so hard to see even when it’s obvious to everyone else, and how quickly training can become addictive. The conversation also digs into the pressure of physique transformations and the link between exercise and mental health. Alongside the physical side, Gadd talks about masculinity, identity and the thinking behind his new show Half Man – and why the most interesting stories are the ones that don’t give you a clean answer. Want more from Men’s Health? Join the Men’s Health SQUAD for exclusive training plans, expert advice and tools to help you get stronger, faster – we’re with you every rep of the way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    42 min

  2. 7 MAY

    The Ex-Marine Who Walked 12,000 Miles To Save His Life

    This week on the Built For Life podcast Ben Shephard and Andrew Tracey are joined by  Paul 'The Warrior Walker' Harris, who explains how something as simple as walking became the foundation for rebuilding his life. After a mental health crisis left him lost and struggling, the former Royal Marine set out to walk the UK coastline with no plan and just £300. He didn’t just finish it – he did it twice, covering over 20,000km. A powerful conversation on mental health, resilience, and why more of us need to get out and walk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    52 min

  3. 30 APR

    Why The Fat Comes Back After Weight-Loss Jabs

    On this week's Men’s Health: Built For Life podcast Ben Shephard and Andrew Tracey sit down on the with GP, broadcaster and author Dr Jack Mosley to unpack two of the most talked-about ideas in modern nutrition: ‘food noise’ and fat-loss jabs. Why do some people constantly think about food, while others barely give it a second thought? Is it really a willpower issue – or something deeper? They dive into the rise of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs like Tirzepatide, how they act like ‘noise-cancelling headphones’ for your appetite, and why for many people, the noise comes roaring back once they stop. The conversation explores the real benefits, the hidden downsides – including muscle loss and nutrient deficiencies – and what happens when you rely on appetite suppression without fixing the fundamentals. They also get into the ‘wild west’ of online pharmacies and black-market peptides, the surprising impact these drugs can have on alcohol and addictive behaviours, and why strength training might be the most overlooked piece of the puzzle. This is a nuanced, no-nonsense look at one of the biggest shifts in health and fat loss right now – separating hype from reality, and giving you practical takeaways you can actually use. Want more from Men’s Health? Join the Men’s Health SQUAD  for exclusive training plans, expert advice and tools to help you get stronger, faster – we’re with you every rep of the way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1hr 16min

  4. 23 APR

    How Ben Shephard is Training For The Marathon at 51

    Your Men's Health: Built For Life Hosts – Ben Shephard and Andrew Tracey – sit down to unpack Ben’s road back to the marathon at 51 – after being told post–back surgery he’d never go the distance again. They dig into the reality of ‘minimum effective dose’ training, how to rebuild around injury, and what actually moves the needle when time (and your body) isn’t on your side.   AT also breaks down his latest experiment: taking on the brutal 81km TransGranCanaria mountain ultra on just one run per week. What worked, what didn’t, and how a simple timekeeping error left him stranded at the top of a mountain, watching the race slip away. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    59 min

  5. 14 APR

    James Norton on Marathon Training with Type 1 Diabetes

    Actor James Norton joins Men’s Health and Runner’s World for a special crossover episode. Ahead of his first London Marathon, Norton breaks down what training actually looks like when you’re not a “natural runner” - and what changes when you’re managing Type 1 diabetes. From carb strategy and glucose monitoring to injuries, data overload and mental fatigue, this is a candid look at the reality of preparing for 42.2km. We also get into cold exposure, mindset, and why, for this race, finishing matters more than hitting a time. Plus, Norton explains how new diabetes tech is transforming endurance sport and why he’s running for a cause bigger than himself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    40 min

  6. 8 APR

    He Ran a Marathon From the Top of a Volcano

    Ben Shephard and Andrew Tracey are joined by former Royal Marines Commando and expedition leader Aldo Kane to break down what ‘mental toughness’ actually means – and why most people have it completely wrong. From operating in war zones to leading teams into the world’s most hostile environments, Aldo explains why toughness isn’t about ice baths or suffering for the sake of it, but the ability to keep going when things get uncomfortable – physically, mentally and emotionally. Along the way, we dig into the realities of extreme performance – including running a marathon from the summit of the world’s highest volcano – why gratitude might be the most powerful mental tool you’re not using, and the simple fitness standard every man should aim for: not being a burden. This is a masterclass in resilience, stripped of ego. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1hr 12min

  7. 2 APR

    Military Cross Recipient on Masculinity, Vulnerability and Real Toughness

    Former British Army soldier and Military Cross recipient Brian Wood joins Ben Shephard and Andrew Tracey to talk about masculinity, vulnerability and what real toughness actually looks like – starting with the war crimes allegations that turned his life upside down.   After being accused of serious offences following his actions in Iraq – claims he always denied and was ultimately cleared of – Brian opens up about the toll of years under investigation, the impact on his mental health, and the reality of fighting a very different kind of battle back home.   Drawing on his experiences in combat – and the aftermath that followed – Brian explains why strength isn’t about shutting down, but opening up. We discuss trauma, the pressure men put on themselves to ‘hold it together’, and why learning to talk might be one of the hardest – and most important – skills a man can develop.   We also get into leadership under fire, the role of movement and endurance in rebuilding resilience, and why ‘movement is medicine’ has become a cornerstone of Brian’s life beyond the military.   If you’ve ever questioned what it really means to be strong, this one will stay with you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1hr 4min

  8. 26 MAR

    PB Your 5K By Fixing Your Breathing

    Breathing coach David ‘Jacko’ Jackson joins Andrew Tracey and Ben Shephard to explain why most of us are breathing wrong – and how fixing it could transform your running, recovery and overall performance. From cutting down your 5K time to reducing stress and improving sleep, Jacko breaks down the simple changes that can make hard efforts feel easier. We dive into breathing rate, CO₂ tolerance, nasal breathing, and why ‘just get fitter’ might be missing the point. If you want to run better, recover faster and feel more in control under pressure, this one’s worth your time.   Breathe Smarter, Run Stronger: Breathwork to Transform Your Running is available on Amazon now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1hr 13min
See All (59)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

4.4
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

Men’s Health: Built For Life — with hosts Ben Shephard and Men’s Health Fitness Director Andrew Tracey — is the podcast for the men looking to take control of their fitness, health and life. Sharing practical science, actionable, real-world advice and incredible stories from inspiring guests – we can't promise you that listening to this podcast will change your life… but it will give you everything you need to go away and do that yourself.

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