The Toughest Finish Line

Jen Done

The Toughest Finish Line Podcast shares the stories of everyday people who have worked through extreme challenges in their lives, but used their experiences to help them to cross some of the biggest sporting finish lines. From neurological difficulties, mental health challenges and medical needs to crossing the finish line, we share how these incredible people made it through. Prepare to be inspired.

  1. May 29

    From England Rugby to Fighting for Something Bigger | Andy Long

    This week on The Toughest Finish Line, we’re joined by Andy Long for a powerful conversation about identity, resilience, and finding purpose beyond elite sport. Andy opens up about life as a professional rugby player, earning England honours, and the difficult reality of being forced to step away from the game he loved. From the highs of elite sport to the challenges of transitioning into the corporate world, he shares the mental battle of redefining who you are when your career changes overnight. But everything shifted after meeting Alex, who was living with Motor Neurone Disease. That relationship completely changed Andy’s perspective on challenge, resilience, and what really matters. Since then, Andy has taken on incredible endurance events to raise awareness and support for the MND community, including the brutal Marathon des Sables. This episode is about far more than sport, it’s about perspective, purpose, and discovering strength through life’s toughest finish lines.

    59 min

  2. May 15

    Toxic workplaces and anxiety but finding resilience with Dan Tresman

    In this episode of The Toughest Finish Line Podcast, Dan shares how a toxic work environment left him battling anxiety, self-doubt, and a loss of confidence that affected every part of his life. Through endurance sport, he slowly rebuilt his resilience, mindset, and belief in himself, lessons that would help him become a successful CEO of a school supporting children with special educational needs. We talk about what happens when work nearly breaks you, the parallels between endurance events and life’s hardest moments, and how pushing through discomfort can help you rediscover who you are. A powerful conversation about resilience, recovery, leadership, and finding strength through your toughest finish lines.

    1h 3m

  3. May 1

    Chloe McNiven - From the Darkest Days to the Strongest Finish Line

    What happens when you achieve everything you thought you wanted… but still feel like you’re fighting on the inside? In this powerful episode, we hear the story of a woman who survived childhood abuse and neglect, and went on to chase her dream of becoming a professional dance, performing on some of the biggest stages in the world. From the outside, it looked like she’d made it. But behind the scenes, the battle with an eating disorder and unresolved trauma was still very real. Now, she’s rewriting her story in a completely different way. From the stage to the start line, she’s taken on a new challenge, pushing through a 50km ultra marathon while pushing her son in a buggy, setting a world record in the process. But this isn’t just about endurance. It’s about healing, purpose, and using her voice to support others who may be facing similar struggles. This is a conversation about resilience, identity, and what it really means to rebuild yourself—one step at a time. If you’ve ever felt like your past is still holding you back, this episode will remind you: your story isn’t over yet.

    1h 8m

  4. Apr 17

    Raising the Bar: Motherhood, Channel Swims & Breaking Records

    In this episode of The Toughest Finish Line, we welcome an extraordinary ultra-endurance athlete who is redefining what’s possible and putting Scotland firmly on the endurance map, all while balancing life as a mum. From conquering brutal channel swims to completing the legendary Enduroman Arch to Arc, she’s taken on some of the toughest endurance challenges in the world and is smashing records along the way. But behind the incredible performances is the reality of juggling training, family life, and motherhood. We talk about the mindset it takes to endure freezing waters, relentless miles, and the mental battles that come with pushing the human body to its limits, while also showing up every day as a parent. She shares the highs, the sacrifices, and the determination that keeps her moving forward when most would stop. This is a powerful story of resilience, balance, and proving that being a mum doesn’t limit your dreams... it can fuel them. If you need a reminder that extraordinary things are possible, even in the busiest seasons of life, this episode will leave you inspired. 🏊‍♀️🚴‍♀️🏃‍♀️🔥

    1h 2m

  5. Apr 3

    Joanne Murphy - The Toughest Finish Lines: From the Microphone to the Moment

    In this episode of The Toughest Finish Line, we’re joined by the incredible voice behind some of the most emotional moments in triathlon - Joanne Murphy. As a legendary race announcer at Ironman events around the world, Joanne has welcomed thousands of athletes across the finish line, delivering those unforgettable words every triathlete dreams of hearing: “You are an Ironman.” But behind the microphone is a powerful story of her own.In this episode, Joanne shares the journey that shaped her, including her own toughest finish lines, the challenges she has faced personally, and how those experiences have given her such a deep connection with the athletes she calls home. We talk about the raw emotion of the Ironman finish line, the moments that have stayed with her forever, and why helping athletes complete their dreams has become such a powerful purpose in her life. This episode is a reminder that every finish line has a story and sometimes the person calling your name understands that journey more than you realise.

    1h 3m

  6. Mar 20

    From Military Trauma to World Championship Start Lines with Ricky Banner

    In this powerful episode of The Toughest Finish Line, we hear the incredible story of a former UK military serviceman whose life changed in an instant. After a horrific injury during his time in the military led to the loss of a limb, he found himself facing one of the darkest chapters of his life. Struggling with trauma, identity loss and the challenge of rebuilding life after service, he reached a point where he questioned whether life was worth continuing. Through unexpected moments and the support of those around him, he slowly began to rebuild. Today he is a HYROX ambassador, has competed at the HYROX World Championships, and is using his story to support other men who may be silently struggling with their mental health. This episode is a powerful reminder that even when life feels impossible, taking one more step can change everything. 🎧 In this episode we talk about: Life in the UK military The injury that changed everything Rebuilding identity and purpose after losing a limb The mental health struggles many men face but rarely speak about Finding strength through fitness and HYROX Turning pain into purpose by supporting others A raw and inspiring conversation about resilience, purpose, and finding a new finish line when life takes an unexpected turn. Please be aware that this episode covers the topic of suicide.

    1h 10m

  7. Mar 6

    You Don’t Belong - Until You Do with Akilia O'Grady

    In this powerful episode of The Toughest Finish Line, we sit down with an incredible guest who shares her experience as a Black woman in sport - navigating spaces where she was often the only one in the room, the start pen, or on the podium. Told at times that she “couldn’t,” “shouldn’t,” or “didn’t belong,” she chose to lace up anyway. We talk about representation, resilience, and the weight of carrying more than just race day nerves to the start line. She opens up about the barriers she’s faced, the quiet doubts that creep in, and the strength it takes to keep showing up when the odds — and opinions — aren’t in your favour. But this is also a story of triumph. From being underestimated to crossing some truly epic finish lines, she proves that sometimes the toughest finish line isn’t the one with the medal - it’s the one where you redefine what’s possible. This episode is honest, empowering, and a reminder that belonging isn’t something you wait for - it’s something you claim. 🎙️ Listen now and be inspired by a story that goes far beyond sport.

    59 min

  8. Feb 20

    Healing, Fueling, Conquering the Channel with Byrony Eve

    In this powerful episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of an athlete currently training to swim the Channel - one of the toughest endurance challenges in the world. She opens up about her past battle with an eating disorder, how she fought her way back to health, and how those experiences now fuel her mindset, resilience, and purpose in training. We talk honestly about the realities of preparing for such an extreme physical feat, from long open-water sessions and mental strategies, to the crucial role nutrition plays in both performance and recovery. This conversation is a raw and empowering look at turning adversity into strength, and proof that healing and high performance can coexist.

    1h 6m
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About

The Toughest Finish Line Podcast shares the stories of everyday people who have worked through extreme challenges in their lives, but used their experiences to help them to cross some of the biggest sporting finish lines. From neurological difficulties, mental health challenges and medical needs to crossing the finish line, we share how these incredible people made it through. Prepare to be inspired.

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