TalkFit2Me

TalkFit2Me

TalkFit2Me is a new weekly podcast, that discusses fitness, mental health, and hormonal wellbeing with honesty and warmth. It’s hosted by Jane Dennison aka MrsMileShy, founder of Manchester’s inclusive charity, the MileShyClub, and Gail Titchener, a run-group leader specialising in menopause mentorship and long-term health. Together, Jane and Gail get real about managing stress, anxiety, burnout, menopause workouts, motivation dips, and the challenge of finding time for health fitness amongst work, family commitments, and other pressures. Expect laughs along the way! Edited by: Yusuf Nazar

Episodes

  1. 09/03/2025

    Episode 8 - TalkFit2Me: Beginners’ Couch to 5K questions, plus support for your boobs & pelvic floor

    This week’s episode tackles common beginners’ running fears, perfect for anyone starting their Couch to 5K journey. We dive into questions like: How old is too old to start running? Can anyone run?  How fit do I have to be? What should I wear for running? Can you run during perimenopause? And how to manage those unexpected “caught short” moments! Plus, we discuss finding proper support for your boobs and pelvic floor, because running comfortably is key. It’s real talk with real women about the issues that matter most to beginners and women runners at every stage. ☕ Grab a cuppa, take a break, and join the conversation about running, fitness, and women’s health. #PodcastLaunch #WomenWhoRun #C25k #CouchTo5K #BeginnersRunning #RunningSupport #PelvicFloorHealth #WomenRunning #PerimenopauseFitness #RunningTips #WomenOver40#RunningCommunity #FitnessForWomen #RunningCommunity #PodcastRecommendation Edited by: Yusuf Nazar Sources: Octogenarian runner Barbara Thackray, 86, advises “Listen to your body”, BBC News, https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c39k3rll8mno Altius Healthcare’s clinics provide expert physiotherapy and comprehensive women’s pelvic health services, treating a wide range of conditions from incontinence and pelvic pain to pregnancy and postnatal care, https://www.altiushealthcare.co.uk/womens-health/ “Pelvic floor exercises for female runners”, Runner’s World, https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/health/a42473421/pelvic-floor-exercises/

    48 min
  2. 08/27/2025

    Episode 7 - TalkFit2Me: In The News

    This week’s episode was SUPPOSED to be about Couch to 5k questions, but there’s been so much in the news recently that we just HAD to cover the topics that have been previously discussed on the show. We PROMISE that our next episode (8) will cover all your C25k questions! So, what did we cover in episode 7? 🎾 Serena Williams and the weight loss jab debate 🚔 Surrey Police’s undercover sting on street harassment 🥐 The rise of the younger runner + the infamous Bakery Marathon …and a fair bit in between! It’s real chat with real women about the issues that matter to us all. ☕ Grab a coffee, take a break, and join the conversation. #PodcastLaunch #WomenWhoRun #C25k #SerenaWilliams #StreetHarassment #RunningCommunity #PodcastRecommendation Edited by: Yusuf Nazar Sources:  “I used weight loss drug after havingchildren,” Serena Williams, The Times, https://www.thetimes.com/uk/healthcare/article/serena-williams-weight-loss-glp-1-medication-ro-prdsr979b “Lizzo admits she tried Ozempic”, E! News, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeTOv1Zzf-Y “Police catch “icky” catcallers…”, BBC News, https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cz0y8r141pxo Weight loss drug price rise, https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/aug/19/weight-loss-drugs-how-will-you-be-affected-by-the-mounjaro-price-rise-in-the-uk Flesh and Code podcast, https://wondery.com/shows/flesh-and-code/(‘Replika’ is the name of the ai platform Jane couldn’t remember!) “How a chatbot encouraged a man who wanted tokill the Queen,” https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-67012224 “I devised a marathonrunning route that stops at London’s best bakeries,” https://www.thetimes.com/uk/london/article/best-bakeries-running-route-map-kwm8x3hnp

    39 min
  3. 08/13/2025

    Episode 6 - TalkFit2Me: Is Exercise a Privilege?

    This week on TalkFit2Me, we ask the big question: Is exercise a privilege? From sky-high gym memberships to the hidden costs of “getting fit,” we explore the many barriers that stop people from being active. We talk about how disability and accessibility challenges can turn a simple workout into a logistical nightmare, and whether exercise should be free for everyone as a basic right. We get candid about the rising cost of gyms, the extortionate fees some people pay just to move their bodies, and the impact that has on mental and physical health. Plus, in true TalkFit2Me style, we go there with a conversation about naked swimming—because sometimes the path to exercise comes with unexpected sights! This episode blends serious discussion with our trademark humour and honesty, shining a light on who gets to exercise, who gets left out, and what needs to change to make movement truly inclusive. Whether you’re a fitness fanatic, a casual walker, or someone who’s ever wondered why exercise can feel out of reach, this conversation will get you thinking, laughing, and maybe even reimagining what it means to be “fit.” Edited by: Yusuf Nazar Sources: The Fitness Group: 'How Much Does Gym Membership Cost in the UK?' Express: 'Warning issued as Brits told they're about to waste £503m in 2025' Empower You service: https://beyondempower.co.uk/empower-you/ Sport England: "Data from our latest Active Lives Adult Survey shows that disabled people or those born with a long-term health condition are twice as likely to be physically inactive (43%), compared with those without (23%)" Express: 'Asylum seekers given free gym sessions while residents pay up to £52' Gemma Atkinson: https://www.instagram.com/p/DMx9mEDNF10/

    42 min
  4. 08/06/2025

    Episode 5 - TalkFit2Me: Weight Loss Jabs - Nothing Tastes as Good as a Jab Feels?

    Weight loss injections like Ozempic and Wegovy are everywhere — from NHS headlines to TikTok testimonials. But are they the future of obesity care, or just another shortcut sold as self-improvement? In this episode, we unpack the rising popularity of weight loss jabs, the psychology behind them, the data, and the real questions we should be asking: Who are they for? Who's profiting? And what are we really injecting — hope, shame, or something else? Edited by: Yusuf Nazar Sources: 1. The Independent Pharmacy – "Weight-loss injection survey" Conducted by OnePoll in April 2025 among 2,000 UK adults actively trying to lose weight, many (42 per cent) are considering weight-loss injections even for modest goals. The report emphasises that such treatments should never replace a healthy diet and exercise. 2. YouGov – “What do Britons think of weight loss jabs?” (17 June 2025) Findings include: - 64% of Britons currently trying to lose weight view jabs as acceptable. -Only 35% say they’ve used them or are willing to do so. -Just 7% of those trying to lose weight have used jabs; 28% say they’d likely try in future. 3. CIEH – “Over a third of public want NHS to offer weight loss injections” (12 Dec 2024) An Ipsos survey found: -37% of British adults support NHS provision of weight loss jabs to obese individuals; 32% oppose. -24% would consider using them if NHS funded, versus 7% willing to pay privately. -Among self-identified obese respondents, support rose to 49%. 4. The Guardian – “One in five Britons would use weight loss drug if free on NHS” (28 Dec 2024) According to Ipsos polling (Dec 2024): -About 1 in 5 (22%) would use a weight loss drug if provided free via NHS; 63% would still decline even then. -Only 8% would pay privately (£180–£220/month). -About 14% (1 in 7) have either used jabs like Wegovy/Ozempic themselves or know someone who has. Weight loss jab series mentioned - https://www.instagram.com/extracellular.rms/ ‘Weight loss jabs linked to 5 deaths in Scotland’ - https://www.thetimes.com/uk/scotland/article/weight-loss-jabs-linked-to-five-deaths-in-scotland-kckx7f0lc “Face and neck lifts increased by 26%, with 140 done in 2024, suggesting a growing interest in anti-aging procedures among men - though Nugent said it was harder to spot trends for men due to the smaller numbers treated.” - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cyvq3n6r639o ‘Why more men are turning to cosmetic surgery’ - https://cckat.com/blog/why-more-men-are-turning-to-cosmetic-surgery-in-2025--as-seen-on-itv Lindsey Beveridge – Recovery Nutrition - https://www.recovery-nutrition.co.uk/about MileShyClub mental health group - https://www.mileshyclub.com/mileshymeetup

    33 min
  5. 07/30/2025

    Episode 4 - TalkFit2Me: Movement through Menopause

    What is the menopause and why is it that some women (23%) quit their jobs because of it? Gail and Jane go back to basics and discuss what the menopause is, why we should be talking more about it, and practical solutions on how to handle symptoms... if you have any at all. Edited by: Yusuf Nazar Sources mentioned in the podcast: BBC News - "Without support, many menopausal women are quitting their jobs" Cancer risk and HRT - ⁠https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/hormones-and-cancer/does-hormone-replacement-therapy-increase-cancer-risk⁠ The Guardian - Male bias in medical trials risks women's lives Wild Strong - https://www.facebook.com/WildStrongCommunity/ Active Lives survey, Sport England - https://www.sportengland.org/research-and-data/data/active-lives NHS exercise guidelines - https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/physical-activity-guidelines-for-adults-aged-19-to-64/ Lucie Platt Yoga - https://www.lucieplattyoga.co.uk/ "We Do Not Care Club" - https://www.tiktok.com/@justbeingmelani Resources for extra support: Trusted UK Menopause Help Resources 1. British Menopause Society (BMS) * What they offer: Leading authority on menopause care;provides evidence-based information and a directory of accredited specialists. * Website: thebms.org.uk 2. Harley Street at Home * What they offer: Online menopause support withBMS-recognised doctors, live events, expert sessions, and privateconsultations. * Website: harleystathome.com 3. Newson Health * What they offer: Private clinic led by Dr Louise Newsonoffering menopause consultations (in-person and online). * Note: Under investigation by the Care Quality Commission(CQC) for HRT prescribing practices; BMS accreditation revoked. * Website: newsonhealth.co.uk Other Helpful Menopause Resources: * Women’s Health Concern (WHC) – Patient-focused information from the public arm of BMS: thebms.org.uk/womens-health-concern * My Menopause Centre – Offers a free symptom checker and private consultations: mymenopausecentre.com * NHS Menopause Guidance – Official advice on symptoms,treatment options, and HRT: nhs.uk/conditions/menopause  Studies - https://news.exeter.ac.uk/faculty-of-health-and-life-sciences/first-of-its-kind-study-shows-resistance-training-can-improve-physical-function-during-menopause/ https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/03630242.2023.2284730#d1e385 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/387304742_Impact_of_Physical_Exercise_on_Menopause_Symptoms_and_Health-related_quality_of_life_-_a_literature_review

    41 min
  6. 07/23/2025

    Episode 3 – TalkFit2Me: Why Are Women Being Targeted on Our Streets?

    This week, we’re talking about the rise in street harassment—here in the UK and elsewhere—and what it means for women (and men) just trying to get out and move. Whether we’re walking, running, or cycling, why should safety still be something we have to think about? ”Annoying” isn’t the word —it’s exhausting. Have you had an experience you want to share? Message us or join the chat on our socials—your voice matters. Editor: Yusuf Nazar  @talkfit2me #StreetHarassment#WomenAndSafety #TalkFit2Me #RunningWhileFemale #EverydaySexism #ActiveWomen#ExerciseAndSafety #ReclaimTheStreets Sources:   adidas Study Finds “92% Of Women are Concerned for their Safety When They Go for a Run”   “What happened to Sarah Everard? Timeline of 33 year-old’s disappearance…”   “Laken Riley followed all the safety precautions. But she was still attacked and killed while out for run” (also covers Mollie Tibbets and Karina Vetrano)   “Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei dies after being set alight by ex-boyfriend”   Right to the Streets initiative (GM Moving)   “A study of 93,000 LGBTQ individuals conducted in the EU observed that 47% of respondents felt personally discriminated against for their sexual orientation. Almost halfof the respondents avoided public places and two-thirds avoided holding hands in public. More than four-fifths of all respondents said they commonly heard casual jokes about LGBTQ community.”   “Women between the ages of 16 and 24 are almost three times as likely (26%) to experience a common mental health issue as males of the same age (9%).”   Freedom Personal Safety (Active Bystander Training) - https://freedompersonalsafety.co.uk/   Ella Williams, Our Goal CIC, https://www.ourgoal.co.uk/   Active Lives survey - https://www.sportengland.org/research-and-data/data/active-lives

    36 min
  7. 07/16/2025

    Episode 2 – TalkFit2Me: Move More, Feel Better - The Mental Health Crisis & Why Community Matters

    In this week’s episode, Jane and Gail have anopen and heartfelt chat about the powerful link between movement and mental health.  ⚠️Trigger Warning: This episode includes honestdiscussion around living with poor mental health. With over a million people currently on NHSwaiting lists, we take a look at the scale of the UK’s mental health crisis—and the impact it’s having on individuals, families and communities. Jane and Gail also share their own experiences, reflecting on how movement, connection and friendship have helped them through some of life’s tougher moments. We dig into the new 10-year strategy for Greater Manchester, what it could mean for the rest of the country, and why supporting grassroots, community-led projects might just be the key to long-term change. A warm, honest and hopeful conversation aboutwhat really helps when times get tough. Editor: Yusuf Nazar Facts and figures: Hansard – Access to NHS Mental Health Services – “15 Oct2024 — A staggering 1 million people are waiting to access mental health services”   MIND – “1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem of some kind each year in England”   Mental Health Foundation – Schizophrenia: statistics – “Aerobic exercise, such as using the treadmill, walking or cycling, performed for 30 to 40 minutes threetimes a week for at least 12 weeks, was effective at improving mental health outcomes in people with schizophrenia”   The Times - “Stop giving millions of sick notes and send patients to gym, GPs told”BBC version - https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwyx880d1w8o   Gov.uk – “Suicide is the biggest cause of death in men under the age of 50”   GMCA, “Voices of Greater Manchester”   Greater Manchester 10 year strategy   NHS – 5 Ways to Wellbeing   Harvard – “Loneliness has same risk as smoking for heartdisease” Crisis contacts: Dial 999: in a life-threatening emergency. In a mental health emergency dial 111 and press option 2 Samaritans: Whatever you’re going through Samaritans will go through it with you. Volunteers on the end of a phone 24 hours a day. Call 116 123. HopelineUK: if you’re under 35, call Papyrus on 0800 068 4141 – Lines are open 24 hours every day of the year (including weekends and bank holidays) For ongoing support on your mental health and wellbeing contact your GP surgery.

    42 min

About

TalkFit2Me is a new weekly podcast, that discusses fitness, mental health, and hormonal wellbeing with honesty and warmth. It’s hosted by Jane Dennison aka MrsMileShy, founder of Manchester’s inclusive charity, the MileShyClub, and Gail Titchener, a run-group leader specialising in menopause mentorship and long-term health. Together, Jane and Gail get real about managing stress, anxiety, burnout, menopause workouts, motivation dips, and the challenge of finding time for health fitness amongst work, family commitments, and other pressures. Expect laughs along the way! Edited by: Yusuf Nazar