For a decade, RED (Rise Every Day) January has inspired thousands to move more, feel better, and support one another through the darkest month of the year. Now, it’s taking a bold new step forward — and it starts with you.
Join the nationwide warm-up to RED January 2026 at redjanuary.com.
Join hosts Ali and Ros on Relational Lives for an inspiring conversation with Hannah Beecham, founder of Red January, as she shares the deeply personal story behind this life-changing initiative. Born from her own family’s battle with depression — watching her mum struggle through the winter blues and finding solace in simple side-by-side walks — Hannah reveals how a single act of connection sparked a global movement. At just 29, she turned helplessness into hope, creating a challenge that’s now helped countless people rise every day with gentle movement, community support, and real behavioral change.
From its evolution to a community interest company to exciting new research on its impact, this episode explores why January — with its short days and post-holiday slump — needs a splash of red more than ever. Whether you’re signing up for 2026 or seeking motivation now, Hannah’s journey is a reminder that small steps, shared stories, and self-compassion can light the way through the toughest seasons.
Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome & Introducing Hannah Beecham
01:06 – What is Red January? Rise Every Day Explained
02:34 – The Inspiration: Hannah’s Mum’s Battle with Depression
04:45 – Family Walks: Finding Connection Side by Side
06:20 – Turning Helplessness into Action: Starting the Challenge
07:59 – The First January: Small Goals, Big Impact
10:00 – Evolution from Daily Runs to Flexible Movement
11:18 – Why January? Tackling the Darkest Month
13:10 – Behavioral Activation: Science Behind the Movement
14:43 – Winter Blues, Christmas Pressures & Red’s Role
16:06 – Community Power: Sharing Stories and Support
18:00 – Red January Today: A Community Interest Company
20:00 – New Research: Measuring Real Change
22:00 – Global Reach: Anyone, Anywhere Can Join
24:00 – Advice for Getting Started: Motivation When It’s Hard
26:00 – Pets, Family & Everyday Wins
28:00 – Future Plans: Advocacy and Expansion
30:00 – Hannah’s Journey: From Personal Pain to Purpose
32:00 – Mum’s Legacy: Walking Together Still
34:00 – Call to Action: Sign Up for 2026
36:00 – Closing Thoughts & Takeaways
Sign Up for RED January 2026: https://join.redjanuary.com/ (Free to join, set your own movement goal)
Connect with us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relational_lives
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/relationallives/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@relational_lives
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tempo-psychotherapy-services-33a00318/
Want to share your story or come on the show to discuss your dilemma? Write to us, and we might cover it in a future episode.
Drop us a message at relationalives@gmail.com or anonymously complete our form here: https://forms.office.com/e/qcrCkbhPiT.
We’d also love to hear updates if you’ve written in before.
Subscribe for future episodes on trauma, attachment, and more mental health topics.
If you found this episode helpful, please like this video or share it with a friend.
Disclaimer
Please remember, this is not meant to be a replacement for personal therapy and is for information and self-reflection only.
Please reach out to an appropriate professional in your area if you feel you need individualised help.
Credits Hosts: Alison Bickers and Ros Peckham at www.mytempo.co.uk
Music by: Stile Tree Studio
Produced by: Synergy Podcast Studio
