The Passion Stories Podcast

Emma Cole

Passion is one of the finest examples of the human spirit. It is also incredibly intriguing. This podcast explores and celebrates passion, the why, the how, the what, and so much more. Make sure you subscribe to know when the next episode drops. Website: https://www.emma-cole.co.uk/passion-stories-podcast

  1. May 28

    How to draw and feel good about it with Gašper Habjanič

    This week, Emma chats to Gašper, a landscape architect, art teacher and the creator behind Linescapes. Gašper’s teaching centres around the principle of helping people feel good about drawing and he dives into why this is important. He takes us back to where his love of drawing comes from, how he gets inspiration to strike and how drawing and sketching can foster connection. Gašper also talks about how he manages his own creative blocks and managing perceived imperfection in art, as well as why creating space for creativity in everyday life is important. Expect to hear: Gašper’s journey into drawing and the origins of Linescapes Sketching and drawing as an emotional expression and why this mattersHow to beat creative blocks and self-doubt The best tool to help you make time for creativity Sketching as way to reconnect   Make sure you have a pen and paper with you for this episode as we do a drawing exercise. Gasper is gloriously passionate and offers a fascinating insight into the mind of a creative genius. Prepare to be super inspired and start drawing and sketching in your every day life. Follow Linescapes on Instagram and check out the drawing courses here. - ✨🎙️ Make sure you subscribe and follow the podcast to know when the next episode with a wonderfully passionate person drops in a fortnight.   Follow the Passion Stories podcast on Instagram   / TikTok / YouTube and sign up to the monthly newsletter ⁠The Power of Passion   Plus follow your host Emma Cole on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠  and check out her ⁠website⁠   Thanks to Tune Tank for the tunes.

    35 min

  2. May 14

    From paralysis to running 5,000km with Esmée Gummer

    This week we’re joined by Esmée Gummer, endurance athlete, fitness coach, and the force behind one of the most ambitious running challenges in the UK right now. After being told she’d never walk again following a life-changing accident, Esmée has rebuilt her life through movement. Now, she’s taking things to an entirely new level with the Nation’s 5k - a 99-day challenge which includes hosting a 5k in every city in the UK (plus one in Dublin) and also running in between all the locations. Starting in Inverness, the UK’s northernmost city, she’ll run south, across, and around the nation before finishing in London, clocking up 5,000km. But this challenge isn’t about distance, it’s about impact and getting 1 million people moving, whether running, jogging, walking or wheeling. Expect to hear: The story behind the Nation’s 5K and how it all came togetherWhat 5,000km really looks and feels like, both physically and mentallyHer journey from paralysis to taking on ultra-endurance challengesThe power of community through The Say Yes ClubWhy accessibility in running matters more than everWhat it means to be a woman taking on extreme endurance in the spotlightEsmée is full of gratitude and passion, and this episode is going to inspire you no end. Follow Esmée on Instagram @esmee_ldn and YouTube for more details about the Nation’s 5k. The Nation's 5k challenge runs from 27 June to 3 October 2026 and to join any of the free 5K events, sign up via realbuzz You can also support Esmée's fundraising efforts via her GoFundMe page and vote for additional charity partners via the realbuzz The Nation's 5k website page too. - ✨🎙️ Make sure you subscribe and follow the podcast to know when the next episode with a wonderfully passionate person drops in a fortnight. Follow the Passion Stories podcast on Instagram   / TikTok / YouTube Sign up to the monthly newsletter ⁠The Power of Passion Follow your host Emma Cole on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠  Check out her ⁠website⁠ Thanks to Tune Tank for the tunes

    38 min
  3. Motorcycle racing and mindfulness with Vanessa Ruck

    Apr 30

    Motorcycle racing and mindfulness with Vanessa Ruck

    From a horrific cycling accident to now racing motorbikes off road across remote deserts and inspiring millions of people to take on challenges, Vanessa Ruck is a trailblazer. The first guest in our new series, Vanessa is a motorcycle racer and adventurer, rally driver, content creator and motivational speaker, also known as The Girl On A Bike.  Hit by a car while cycling in 2014, Vanessa underwent seven years of recovery with seven surgical procedures, before she discovered motorcycles. Since, she's taken part in countless iconic races including the gruelling 6,000km 2024 Africa Eco Race across the Sahara, all the while navigating chronic pain. As well as taking part in races, she visits schools to inspire young girls to take part in different sports and is on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough.  Expect to hear: What happened in 2014 Why she chose to share her journey publicly The power of mindfulness Getting back on the bike and navigating fear of the road Her evolving relationship with risk Carving out a future of motherhood, racing and writing a bookVanessa is incredibly humble, honest and inspiring, full of wisdom and passion. An episode not to miss. Follow Vanessa Ruck on Instagram Visit her website - ✨🎙️ Make sure you subscribe and follow the podcast to know when the next episode with a wonderfully passionate person drops in a fortnight.  Follow the Passion Stories podcast on Instagram   / TikTok / YouTube Sign up to the monthly newsletter ⁠The Power of Passion Follow your host Emma Cole on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠  Check out her ⁠website⁠  Thanks to Tune Tank for the tunes

    35 min
  4. Beyond the board with Katie Ormerod

    Mar 5

    Beyond the board with Katie Ormerod

    This week, Emma is joined by trailblazing British snowboarder Katie Ormerod, fresh off her Olympic commentary debut with TNT Sports.  At 15, Katie became the youngest girl to land a double backflip on a snowboard, and at 16, she made history by landing the first-ever female backside double cork 1080,  one of the most complex tricks in the sport. She’s claimed World Cup victories, won bronze at the X Games, and made history again in 2020 when she came back from a horrific injury and became the first British snowboarder to take home the FIS Crystal Globe in slopestyle.  In this episode, Katie shares her snowboarding journey, from learning on plastic as a youngster to her greatest achievements so far, what it was like swapping the board for the mic at the Olympics and what her future looks like as a snowboarder, sports commentator and climate change advocate.  Expect to hear:  What it takes to become a world-class snowboarder The details of her nearly career-ending injury Her motivation and evolving mindsetHer thoughts on the impact of climate change on snow sportsCareer reflections so far and what's next  Humble and brilliantly passionate, Katie Ormerod is a powerful voice on and off the board, and this episode will get your heart racing and mind thinking.  More about the visuals? Watch the episode on ⁠YouTube⁠. Follow Katie Ormerod on Instagram - ✨🎙️ Make sure you subscribe and follow the podcast now to know when the next episode with a wonderfully passionate person drops in a fortnight. Keep up to date on all things Passion Stories podcast on ⁠Instagram⁠ and sign up to the monthly newsletter ⁠here⁠ for some epic exclusive content. Follow your host Emma Cole on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, check out her ⁠website⁠. - Thanks to Protect our Winters UK for supporting the winter sports series. ⁠Sign the Clean Miles Campaign now ⁠ - Purchase a pair of Shokz headphones here and use the discount code EMMACOLE for £10 off   Thanks to Tune Tank for the tunes The Passion Stories will be taking a two episode break and return in April.

    36 min
  5. How to amplify para sports on the world stage with Dani Aravich

    Feb 19

    How to amplify para sports on the world stage with Dani Aravich

    This week Emma is joined by Dani Aravich, a trailblazing cross-country skier and biathlete representing Team USA. Born missing her left hand and forearm, Dani has been to both Summer and Winter Games. She made her Paralympic debut at Tokyo 2020 in the women’s T47 400m, and just six months later, lined up at the Paralympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 in biathlon and cross-country skiing. Next stop is the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games. Dani is an incredibly passionate and talented sportswoman. When she’s not racing Nordic skiing or biathlon, she’s on the trails and using her platform to amplify para sport in mainstream culture and through her media collective, Culxtured. Expect to hear: What biathlon is and how it works Dani’s sporting career so far and what she hopes to achieveParalympic classifications explained How Dani is changing the narrative on para sport Her best bits of advice for chasing big goals (grab a pen and paper, this stuff is gold)Dani is brimming with passion and infectious energy, and this is an episode not to miss. Follow Dani Aravich on InstagramFind out more about Culxtured here Follow the Paralympics on Instagram More about the visuals? Watch the episode on ⁠YouTube⁠. - ✨🎙️Make sure you subscribe and follow the podcast now to know when the next episode with a wonderfully passionate person drops in a fortnight. Keep up to date on all things Passion Stories podcast on ⁠Instagram⁠ and sign up to the monthly newsletter ⁠here⁠ for some epic exclusive content. Follow your host Emma Cole on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ and check out her ⁠website⁠. - Thanks to Protect our Winters UK for supporting the podcast. ⁠Sign the Clean Miles Campaign now ⁠ - Purchase a pair of Shokz headphones here and use the discount code EMMACOLE for £10 off   Thanks to Tune Tank for the tunes

    35 min
  6. Ski mountaineering explained with Iain Innes

    Feb 5

    Ski mountaineering explained with Iain Innes

    Ski mountaineering is a test event at this year’s Olympics, but what exactly is skimo, and what does it take to compete at the highest level?In this episode, Emma is joined by Iain Innes, British ski mountaineering athlete, mountain endurance specialist, and member of the GB Skimo Squad.Ski mountaineering (also known as ski-mo or skimo) combines uphill skiing, fast transitions, technical downhill skiing, and decision-making in the mountains. Iain shares his insight into one of the most physically demanding and historic alpine sports in the world, from how he got into it, to what he loves about it, to where it might take him. Iain also delves into his life as a mountain athlete which includes skyrunning, and his latest passion, paragliding all year round. Expect to hear What ski mountaineering is and how it worksHow Iain came across ski mo and what his first race was like How skimo became an Olympic sport, and what it could mean for the future of the sportIain's connection to mountain culture His thoughts on protecting the mountains as the sport growsThis episode is full of passion for pursuing your goal – even if that means living in a 2015 van in winter to make it work. Follow Iain Innes on Youtube  @IainInnes  and on instagram Learn more about the GB ski mountaineering team here More about the visuals? Watch the episode on ⁠YouTube⁠. - ✨🎙️ Make sure you subscribe and follow the podcast now to know when the next episode with a wonderfully passionate person drops in a fortnight. Keep up to date on all things Passion Stories podcast on ⁠Instagram⁠ and sign up to the monthly newsletter ⁠here⁠ for some epic exclusive content. Follow your host Emma Cole on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ and check out her ⁠website⁠. - Thanks to Protect our Winters UK for supporting the podcast. ⁠Sign the Clean Miles Campaign now ⁠ Follow POW UK on instagram - Purchase a pair of Shokz headphones here and use the discount code EMMACOLE for £10 off   Thanks to Tune Tank for the tunes.

    29 min
  7. Finding purpose beyond competing with Charlie Guest

    Jan 22

    Finding purpose beyond competing with Charlie Guest

    This week Emma is joined by Charlie Guest, a 5x British Slalom Champion, 2x Olympian, and the first British woman to win an Alpine European Cup. Since retiring, Charlie is now a familiar voice in the commentary box and is on the TNT Sports team for the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics.   We dive into what she’s most excited about heading into herOlympic commentary debut, the evolution of women’s alpine skiing and the growing impact of climate change on snow sports. Expect to hear: Reflections on her alpine skiing career Developing resilience through injury and pressure Reality of retirement from elite sportFinding purpose beyond competitionWhat “squeaky bum time” means The impact of the climate crisis An honest, insightful conversation about performance, identity, and finding your voice, on and off the mountain. Follow Charlie Guest on socials Follow POW UK on socials More about the visuals? Watch the episode on ⁠YouTube⁠. - ✨🎙️Make sure you subscribe and follow the podcast now to know when the next episode with a wonderfully passionate person drops in a fortnight. Keep up to date on all things Passion Stories podcast on ⁠Instagram⁠ and sign up to the monthly newsletter ⁠here⁠ for some epic exclusive content. Follow your host Emma Cole on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ and check out her ⁠website⁠. - Thanks to Protect our Winters UK for supporting the podcast. ⁠Sign the Clean Miles Campaign now ⁠ - Check out the London Lockdown ride here Purchase a pair of Shokz headphones hereand use the discount code EMMACOLE for £10 off   Thanks to Tune Tank for the tunes.

    38 min
  8. How to qualify for the Olympics in just two years with Matt Smith

    Jan 8

    How to qualify for the Olympics in just two years with Matt Smith

    This week Emma is joined by Matt Smith who this year will be at his first Winter Olympics competing in cross-country skiing.  Matt is not your typical Olympian. From South Africa,  he only took up the sport three years ago and is South Africa’s sole cross-country skier in the Winter Olympics earning himself the nickname 'The Snowbok'. Also an entrepreneur and a new dad, Matt shares his journey from looking for a way to enjoy a Norwegian winter, to a chance encounter which led him to where he is now - preparing for the biggest stage in sport.  We also dive into the realities of being an athlete from a non-traditional winter sports nation: limited funding, creative problem-solving, and the importance of community. Expect to hear: What inspired Matt's Olympic dream His two years of dedication His highs and lows of the journey The ‘small nation’ community Finding balance and the sacrifices no-one sees Matt’s story and determination is incredibly inspiring - prepare to be bamboozled by his resilience and ambition, and he could very well inspire your own Olympic dream.  Here’s to chasing big dreams. ❄️🎿 Follow Matt Smith on Instagram More about the visuals? Watch the episode on ⁠YouTube⁠. - ✨🎙️Make sure you subscribe and follow the podcast now to know when the nextepisode with a wonderfully passionate person drops in a fortnight. Keep up to date on all things Passion Stories podcast on ⁠Instagram⁠ and sign up to the monthly newsletter ⁠here⁠ for some epic exclusive content. Follow your host Emma Cole on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ and check out her ⁠website⁠. - Thanks to Protect our Winters UK for supporting the podcast. ⁠Sign the Clean Miles Campaign now ⁠ - Purchase a pair of Shokz headphones here and use the discount code EMMACOLE for £10 off   Thanks to Tune Tank for the tunes.

    39 min
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About

Passion is one of the finest examples of the human spirit. It is also incredibly intriguing. This podcast explores and celebrates passion, the why, the how, the what, and so much more. Make sure you subscribe to know when the next episode drops. Website: https://www.emma-cole.co.uk/passion-stories-podcast

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