Shows
The Keep Smiling Podcast#89 Endurance Sport & Psychological Wellbeing: A Holistic Perspective on Performance and Personal Development | Ali HollestToday, I am joined by Ali Hollest, a holistic personal and professional development coach, podcaster, triathlon coach, and athlete. Committed to advocating a holistic approach to wellness, Ali aims to inspire both physical and psychological performance.In this episode, we discuss how sports participation extends far beyond physical achievements. Rather, it enriches our psychological well-being, fosters growth, personal development, and cultivates heightened self-awareness.We discuss the therapeutic benefits of running, emphasising the importance of embracing the process over merely aiming to cross finish lines or fixating on statistics. Training should...2024-05-221h 13
White Fox TalkingEpisode 25: Ali Hollest - Mental Health Survivor to HealerSend White Fox Talking a MessageIron man, triathlete, swim coach, podcaster, life coach… Ali has specialist knowledge and experience in a wide range of areas. Having struggled with various mental health issues of his own, he now draws on this personal and professional experience and knowledge to help others with his ‘walk & talk’ Life Coaching.Ali joined us, online, for a chat that covered sports injury, running Snowdon 6 different ways, charity fundraising, the outdoors , the importance of family and a whole lot more! ht...2023-05-0954 min
Evolve PodEpisode 39 - Andrea Fawell, Making The Extraordinary OrdinaryEpisode 39 with Andrea Fawell.
This episode bring to the pod a very accomplished athlete. Andrea and I have been working together for a while now and have already hit some notable success, including the Summer Spine race, a 268 mile continuous ultra marathon.
But there is so much more to Andrea! Having completed various Ironman triathlons, Ultra runs including the infamous Marathon Des Sables and the Devizes to Westminster Kayak challenge, Andrea is now on a mission to help understand the effects of climate change on the Polar Ice caps and beyond.
We talk adventure, challenges, perception of self and much...2022-07-0856 min
Evolve PodEpisode 38 - Dan Walmsley, unpacking the 4 pillars of wellbeingEpisode 38 with pod favourite Dan Walmsley.
I wanted to get Dan back on to start to open that box of Wellbeing. I hear the term bounded around quite a lot these days, but what does it really mean and how can we apply wellbeing into our own lives?
We have broken it down into 4 key pillars to help you understand the key areas of looking out for yourself and allowing yourself to grow. Have a listen to Dan and I talk through:
Physical Wellbeing
Nutritional Wellbeing
Emotional Wellbeing
Financial Wellbeing
How do these affect you?
Listen, learn and grow.2022-06-221h 20
Evolve PodEp 37 With Nick Kershaw - Unleash the power of runningEpisode 37 with Nick Kershaw.
What an energetic and positive episode this proved to be! Nick is the founder and dynamism behind Impact Marathon, a running events business on a mission to use the simple power of running to uplift and empower runners and communities all over the world.
In this episode we get into the driving forces behind impact marathon and the impact one can have on global communities. We also get into the real life challenges of running your own business and transitioning from full time employment into self employment and how keeping on top of ones wellbeing is...2022-06-011h 02
Evolve PodEpisode 36 - Darren Edwards, Adventure, Grit And Post Traumatic GrowthEpisode 36 with Darren Edwards. I've been looking forward to this chat for quite some time. Darren's story is one of trauma, pain, growth success and much much more!
In 2016 Darren suffered life changing injuries in a climbing accident in North Wales. Adventure was a massive part of Darrens identity pre accident. we discuss what adventure means to Darren now and how he has managed to undertake some insane challenges thus far such as Kayaking from Lands End to John O'groats, with more on the horizon such as the Iconic 7 in 7 in 7 (7 marathons, 7 days, 7 continents).
We also talk quite openly about...2022-05-091h 04
Evolve PodEpisode 35 - with Pete Crocombe, running LEJOG in memory of his dad Paul, for Sport in MindEpisode 35 with Pete Crocombe.
Pete and I seem to be cut from similar cloth. We're both heavily involved in sport and in particular, running. However we both see the massive value that sport and participation plays in mental health and wellbeing.
Tragically and suddenly Pete's father Paul took his own life in February 2020. This is a story of how something truly harrowing has been turned into a beautiful mechanism for change, for influencing and inspiring people to make changes to habits and lifestyle through sport, exercise and physical health.
Starting on 26th March 2022 and finishing less than 7 days later, Pete...2022-04-0650 min
Evolve PodEp 34 - You don’t need to be an extraordinary person, to live an extraordinary life - Graeme WalkerEpisode 34 with Graeme Walker, fellow snowboarder, outdoor enthusiast and mountain lover. In this episode we go pretty deep. it's always good chatting with like minded people about the good things in life, such as snow sports, adventure and mountains. But it's equally inspiring to confront less discussed themes, imposter syndrome, stress and how Graeme manages the day to day grind and pressure of the corporate world.
Graeme is the founder of https://www.theforgeblog.co.uk/ an inspirational hub showcasing that greatness, resilience and perseverance are around us all the time. Through adventure, through conversation and through being active Graeme...2022-03-2559 minEvolve PodEp 34 - You don’t need to be an extraordinary person, to live an extraordinary life - Graeme WalkerEpisode 34 with Graeme Walker, fellow snowboarder, outdoor enthusiast and mountain lover. In this episode we go pretty deep. it's always good chatting with like minded people about the good things in life, such as snow sports, adventure and mountains. But it's equally inspiring to confront less discussed themes, imposter syndrome, stress and how Graeme manages the day to day grind and pressure of the corporate world.
Graeme is the founder of https://www.theforgeblog.co.uk/ an inspirational hub showcasing that greatness, resilience and perseverance are around us all the time. Through adventure, through conversation and through being active Graeme...2022-03-2559 min
Beyond The Water CoolerI wish I had a real job (& wasn’t unemployable)! - with Ali HollestI’m joined by Ali Hollest of TriSwimCoach in this episode who I think would be more at home having this conversation on a mountain than over a mic!I recently connected with Ali after hearing his story about how his mental health impacted on his journey and how he pushed himself to undertake some awesome physical challenges. Mental wellbeing is something I spend a lot of my time exploring, supporting and developing with individuals and organisations, and I love nothing more than getting involved in an adventure outdoors, so I was looking forward to this conversation!...2022-03-041h 02
Evolve PodEpisode 33 - Atlantic Flyers - the debrief!Just before Christmas I spoke with Chris, Phil, Si and Sonny as they were days away from setting off for their mammoth challenge, rowing across the Atlantic.
It's February now and they have been back on land for a couple of weeks so I took the opportunity to get 3 of the guys back on the pod to find out how the row went.
We talk the highs and lows of ocean rowing, the hardships endured, particularly for Phil, and how teamwork plays a huge roll in achieving great successes.
The whole challenge was undertaken to raise money for The starlight...2022-02-091h 00
Evolve PodEpisode 32 - Jason Lewis, a life of human powered adventureJason Lewis, explorer, adventurer and author, was the first person to ever complete a Global circumnavigation by human power - A 13-year, 46,505-mile journey across five continents, two oceans, and one sea using human power: walking, cycling, and rollerblading the landmasses, and kayaking, rowing, swimming and pedalling a boat across the oceans. In amongst this are stories of survival, resilience and fulfilment.
Jason and I get into what it means to have an adventure, what resilience really means and what he has learnt from far flung and remote cultures that shape his view on global change and sustainability.
More recently...2022-01-251h 06
Evolve PodEpisode 31 - Dan Keeley - Don’t let anyone else hold the pen when writing the story of your lifeEpisode 31 with Dan Keeley.
This is an incredibly powerful episode to kick off 2022. In 2012 Dan suffered a complete fully blown manic episode, stopping traffic on an Italian motorway professing he was the chosen one.
We look into Dan's life before this episode and how abuse as a child had triggered his behaviour to slowly spiral out of control. We also look at his recovery and the journey that ultimately led him to run from Rome to Home (London)whilst entirely lifting the burden of weight off his back and using his experience to help and inspire other people.
Thanks for...2022-01-1452 min
Evolve PodEpisode 30 - Atlantic flyers, the worlds toughest rowEpisode 29 Atlantic flyers, the worlds toughest row.
This episode brings Wing Commander Phil Holdicroft, Wing Commander Sonny Roe, Flight Lieutenant Si Berry & Flight Lieutenant Chris Carrington-Smith who, on 12th December 2021 are setting of to row 3000 miles, racing 35 other teams across the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge. The guys will face mother natures power in 40 foot waves, 35 knot winds, 40 degree heat. They will face their own demons in sleep deprivation, mental and physical fatigue as well as salt sores.
However this is more than just an ocean row. Phil's daughter Isla was diagnosed with Leukaemia at just 22 months old. Isla and her...2021-12-0734 min
Evolve PodEpisode 29 - Carmen Somerset, non swimmer to channel swimmer!Episode 29 with Carmen Somerset is a story I am very proud of. Carmen's life has been immersed in the open water swimming world for the last few years, culminating in a channel relay swim in 2021.
From starting out as a non swimmer, looking to learn to swim for running maintenance, Carmen explains how open water swimming has allowed her to challenge herself in ways she never thought possible, move out of the way of herself and set some seriously tough targets.
Carmen has made some life decisions that have helped her transform into who she is today, including giving up...2021-11-251h 00
Evolve PodEpisode 28 - Mark Valentine PTSD, mountains and meEpisode 28 - Mark Valentine. As a kid, Mark was always knocking about outside in the 80's, exploring and enjoying the pure simplicity of the outdoors.
Fast forward to the year 2000 and a harrowing event in Istanbul flipped Marks life on it's head. How does a 30 year old bloke deal with the aftermath of witnessing death and violence on an extreme level?
Mark shares his experience of navigating life with PTSD and how the outdoors, and particularly the mountains, has restored his reasons to enjoy life, to continue to learn and by bettering himself, he enables people to become the best...2021-11-111h 00
Evolve PodEpisode 27 - With sports nutrition specialist James Hudson and The Robin Hood 100 milerEpisode 27 - James and I get into the nitty gritty of nutrition and endurance sports. James is very well versed in the nutrition coaching world and recently learned a hell of a lot attempting to complete the Robin Hood 100 mile ultra, followed 2 weeks later by the London Marathon.
How big a role does nutrition play in our endurance performance and how can we optimise preparation, performance and recovery through what we put into our bodies? Rigid or flexible planning?
Have a listen, learn and grow.
If you're looking to up your nutrition game, check out www.nutritionforenergy.co.uk and...2021-10-2155 min
Evolve PodEpisode 26 - Nick Littlehales And His World Leading Approach To SleepEpisode 26 - Sleep, with Nick Littlehales. Having worked in the corporate world of sleep products, Nick carved a niche opportunity to work with some of the leading British Elite sporting teams, such as Sir Alex Fergusons Manchester United and Sir Dave Brailsford's Team Sky and Team GB.
But Nick's optimisation of recovery and sleep is not just for elite sports people. It's for everyone. We discuss how we can all make better use of recovery habits and circadian rhythms - whether yo work a standard day, shift pattern or even race a boat around the world solo! What Chronotype are...2021-10-121h 06
Evolve PodEpisode 25 - Nick Butter - Running The World And The 196 FoundationEpisode 25 bring you Nick Butter - the only man to have run a marathon in every country in the world and who, among many other feats has run around the UK running over 50 miles a day!
Nick talks to me about his passion for running and making the most of every opportunity that we are given. His journey is one of immense success interspersed with danger, failure and growth. We can all learn from Nick on a personal level, but equally on a community level, both locally and globally as his approach to life is reflected in the 196 Foundation, a...2021-09-2951 min
Evolve PodEpisode 24 - Dan Walmsley, "We Are The Sum Of All The Energies That Surround Us".Episode 24 brings a voice you may very well recognise, Episode 1 and 3 featured Dan Walmsley. Dan rejoins me in this episode to talk about his epic 24 in 24 Wrekin challenge, a run which saw him scale the Wrekin Hill 24 times in well under 24 hours. Over 6000m of ascent and over 63 miles of running up and down the same hill!
Why did he do this? Having battled his own demons, Dan opens up about his reasons why, the literal and metaphorical ups and downs of this immense challenge and how his daily routine allows him to keep focused, happy and positive. Raising vital...2021-09-2143 min
Evolve PodEpisode 23 Alex Flynn - Climbing Everest with Parkinson's diseaseEpisode 23 brings an immensely powerful conversation with Alex Flynn. Alex has achieved extreme physical challenges outside the realm of most of our comprehension, and even more incredibly, he has achieved these SINCE being diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2008.
Alex goes into why he continues to challenge himself, using his hatred and anger towards PD to raise awareness and funds to help people suffering with PD and also back scientific research to find a cure for the debilitating neurodegenerative disorder. His next challenge sees him undertake and expedition culminating in him being the very first person with PD to stand on...2021-08-0541 min
Evolve PodEpisode 22 Sharron Moffatt - Trainer, coach, mentor and Mental health advocateWith the easing of lockdown restrictions abound, I bring you a very interesting, open, honest and frank chat with Sharron Moffattt. Having had severe bouts of depression throughout her life, Sharron opens up about mental health and wellbeing, how sport and exercise has kept her on a great path, not only inspiring others but also herself. Sharron is a MHFA Mental Health first aid instructor and gives a really useful insight into what we should all be looking out for in our friends, families and colleagues as the UK and the wider world starts to open up a little more.
...2021-07-2252 min
Evolve PodEpisode 21 - Patch Foster, how one bet led to a gambling addiction with the ultimate costEpisode 21 brings a very open and insightful chat into addiction, in particular gambling. I talk with Patrick (patch) Foster about how he fell into gambling after losing his pro cricket contract. Is it a coincidence that the addict inside of him grabbed this opportunity when Patch was at his most vulnerable? Patch's addiction drove him to some very dark places and at its worst, suicide was the only option.
Patch now works in the gambling awareness realm working alongside the industry giants and young professional sports people and schools to educate and raise awareness on all things addiction.
A very...2021-06-1852 min
Evolve PodEpisode 20 - Lucy Ashdown Parkes, English Channel Swimmer & ice bin dipperImagine taking on one of the worlds toughest endurance swims, only to be pulled from the water, dazed and confused, 300m from your finish point after over 18 hours cold water channel swimming.
In this episode, I talk to Lucy about her experience with channel swimming, what made her have another crack at the channel and obliterate her near miss only weeks before. We even bring up the practise of sitting in a wheelie bin filled with ice water in mid winter!
A very cool conversation with Lucy, a day by day teacher who has achieved something absolutely incredible.2021-06-0351 min
Evolve PodEpisode 19 - Alastair Duns, weathering the storm.Episode 19 brings you Alastair Duns, former professional yachtsman diagnosed not once, but twice with testicular cancer.
Now a leading ambassador for Movember, a mens mental health charity making a difference in prostate and testicular cancer, as well as mental health and suicide prevention.
We discuss how Alastair former career on the high seas equipped him with the necessary mindset and resilience to literally weather the storm, not once, but twice through a testicular cancer diagnosis and treatment.
I find conversations like this so good for allowing us all to look at how we deal with our own storms and create...2021-05-2752 min
Evolve PodEpisode 18 - Harrison Ward. From pub to peaksEpisode 18 brings a truly inspiring story of Harrison Ward, who struggled for nearly 10 years with depression and extreme alcohol addiction. We take a great look into the addiction and what that meant for him with some hugely interesting themes.
We also find out how he broke his anchor with alcohol and literally turned his life around. There's something very cool about Harrison, linking together his love of food, physical exercise and the great outdoors, quite literally nourishing his soul as often as possible. Lots of life experiences that we can all learn from in this episode.
You can follow Harrison...2021-05-131h 01
Evolve PodEpisode 17 - Tom Crossland and the Run to Refuge, a 1900 mile epic!Episode 17 brings a very cool chat with Tom Crossland, who is running 1900 miles over 3 months around the borders of England and Wales to raise vital funds for the survivors of people trafficking, through the TRIBE Freedom Foundation.
This is an amazing insight into what drives Tom to even contemplate such an enormous challenge, while he maintains that it is all about finding the challenge that makes YOU feel alive and feel human. Ultra endurance events help Tom go deep within himself and learn more about who he is. This journey has not been an easy one, living, working and running...2021-04-2944 min
Big Feed up HQRunning Up & Down Snowdon 6 Times To Raise Awareness Of Mental Health & Suicide PreventionAli Hollest is a father, husband, ultra runner and business owner.
In 2020 he ran the first-ever unique Snowdon 6 ways challenge, raising valuable funds and awareness for mental health and suicide prevention, following the loss of an old friend and colleague.
We dig into:
What the Snowdon Six-Way Challenge is all about.
Why Ali is going back for round 2 in order to complete it as fast as possible.
Ali’s personal story coping with mental health issues and substance abuse by immersing himself in the great outdoors.
The epic crew Ali is assembling for the event.
The art of resilience.
If yo...2021-04-2438 min
Evolve PodEpisode 16 - Ben Richardson, martial arts, mindset and finding his best selfEpisode 16 bring you a chat with Ben Richardson. I have always carried an interest in martial arts and what they can bring to your life. Having dabbled in and out of the arts over the years I wanted to bring you this episode with Ben, a master of the arts! Ben is a multi talented martial artist, 5th Dan black belt in shotokan Karate as well as black belts in multiple other styles and systems.
Ben opens up about his inner battles, his resilience and highs and lows of life and running his own business and how opening himself up...2021-04-2347 min
Evolve PodEpisode 15 - Special S6WC & Beyond Six - In Memory Of The Beacon Of The NorthWarning - this episode includes some themes and content which some listeners might find upsetting.
This Evolve Pod Special brings you the launch of the Snowdon 6 Ways Challenge Part 2, in memory of That Bloke Mick, on behalf of Beyond Six.
This year I am running the S6WC to help raise funds to kick start the incredible work and plans of the Beyond Six team. Through tragedy they are creating something amazing and I want to do anything I can to help.
Beyond Six CIC was founded after the tragic loss of one of their team mates Mick, the Beacon...2021-04-0856 min
Evolve PodEpisode 14 - Peter Gillott, age is just a number! Reflecting on an incredible journey of fulfilmentEpisode 14 brings you Peter Gillott. We can all learn from Peter's experience both before and after his love affair with running, cycling and triathlon began. Peter started his incredible relationship with sport at the age of 58, having not prioritised his wellbeing for nearly 30 years. 17 years on, he has completed some iconic events, including the London and Chicago marathons, the Ironman world championships in Kona (x 2), representing Team GB in triathlon, as well as cycling across America for his 70th birthday! We reflect on Peter's life, on what he has achieved and what he has yet to com. Age is just...2021-04-021h 05
Evolve PodEpisode 13 - James Lovell, positivity and resilience through adversityThe whole world suffered in 2020 in ways we could never have imagined. With a young family, lockdown and a busy work life, James suddenly faced a health crisis that changed his path of life in an instant.
I really loved talking to my old mate James in this episode. We chat about mindset, motivation, coping strategy and building resilience through adversity. 2020 was a crap year, but if we all look hard enough, there's plenty of positivity to look back on.
Listen, learn and grow.2021-03-261h 05
The Living Project#31 Season 3: In reflectionIn the final episode of this season we honour and reflect on the brave guests who joined us this season to share their stories as they seem them in the now, and we consider our own human journey and our learning as podcasters and human beings throughout winter here in the UK.
We also share some exciting plans as we roll into spring and summer in this part of the world, and how we're planning to get Wild with anyone who's keen - in real life!
And lastly - we launch a simple and very cool competition to win a...2021-03-0528 minThe Living Project#30 In conversation with Ali HollestOur guest today is Ali Hollest, father, husband, business owner and athlete.
Ali’s a huge advocate for the outdoors, the wild and the power of reconnecting with nature.
In this deep and honest conversation we find out more about Ali and his human journey. He tells us that while he didn’t thrive in academia at school or university, he has always been a keen sportsperson. Sport has been crucial in his journey. Ali says that his love of sport, mostly Triathlon and Ultra Running, has helped him manage his destructive, addictive behaviours, and proved vital in supporting his mental...2021-02-261h 05