#115 - Adventure Awaits: From LIFE as a DIGITAL NOMAD to a MARATHON on the GREAT WALL W/ Jordan Simons

🎙️ Gone Running Podcast | Episode #115In this episode of RunThrough presents Gone Running, Ben Sheppard is joined by Jordan Simons, a seasoned digital nomad and travel content creator, as he takes us through his incredible journey over the past decade. From navigating life in countless countries to growing a YouTube channel on the move, Jordan shares the highs, the challenges, and how running has recently become a key part of his lifestyle.We dive into:✨ Life as a digital nomad📸 The evolution of travel content🌐 Cultural takeaways from global adventures🏃‍♂️ His experience running a marathon on THE GREAT WALL!🚀 Travel tips and future aspirationsJordan opens up about the balance between work and passion, and why now is the best time to say yes to adventure.🔔 Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe to catch future episodes of the Gone Running Podcast!Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/Jordan Simons - https://www.instagram.com/thelifeofjord/

🎙️ Gone Running Podcast | Episode #114In this episode of the Gone Running Podcast, Ben Sheppard sits down with Amanda Brooks, founder of 'Run to the Finish', to explore her incredible evolution from beginner runner to a respected running coach, author, and community builder.Amanda shares the pivotal moments in her journey, from overcoming injuries and self-doubt to building an inclusive online space that encourages runners of all levels. She reflects on how the running world has evolved since she began, from a performance driven, elite-focused athlete to one that now prioritises wellness and the joy of movement.🎙️ In this episode, we cover:✨ Amanda’s transformation and growth as a runner🌍 The shift in the running community toward inclusivity and mental wellness📉 Navigating injuries, hormonal changes and avoiding burnout🗺️ How travel and changing environments shaped her running perspective💡 Encouragement for new runners to define success on their own termsAmanda’s story is a reminder that there’s no “right” way to be a runner. Her insights are both inspiring and practical—perfect for anyone looking to fall (or stay) in love with the run.🔔 Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe to catch future episodes of the Gone Running Podcast!Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/Amanda Brooks - https://www.instagram.com/runtothefinish/

🎙️ Gone Running Podcast | Episode #113 In this uplifting episode, host Ben Sheppard chats with Karina Patel, a passionate runner who lives with rheumatoid arthritis 🏃‍♀️💥Karina opens up about:* Her lifelong love of running—and how diagnosis shook everything up* The power of movement for body and mind, even on tough days* Building a community and safe spaces for those with autoimmune conditions* Launching her Autoimmune foundation to share stories, spark connections, and inspire resilience* Tips for finding joy in every step, no matter the challengeWhether you’re living with a chronic condition, supporting someone who is, or simply love a story of grit and hope, this episode will leave you motivated to embrace your journey—and lace up for the next chapter.Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/Karina Patel - https://www.instagram.com/karina.patel__/

🎙️ Gone Running | Episode #112 At just 12 years old, Tom Starck was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma — a moment that would change his life forever. In this powerful and uplifting conversation, Tom opens up to Gone Running host Ben Sheppard about his fight against cancer, the support that carried him through, and how a life-changing wish from Make-A-Wish helped him find purpose beyond survival.Now a competitive marathon runner, Tom shares how running became his way of giving back, staying strong, and inspiring others. From gruelling treatments to crossing the finish line at the London Marathon in 2.46, his story is a testament to resilience and the belief that your past doesn’t define your future.💬 Tune in to hear Tom’s reflections on:* Beating cancer and reclaiming his health* The life-changing impact of Make-A-Wish* Why running is more than just a sport* The power of coaching, mindset, and purposeIf you’re facing a challenge — or need a spark of motivation — Tom’s journey will remind you: **you’re stronger than you think.**Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/Tom Starck - https://www.instagram.com/tomstarck_/

🎙️ Gone Running | Episode #111In this inspiring episode, Ben Sheppard sits down with Aminah Sattar, a former food content creator turned fitness enthusiast and the powerhouse behind Girls Who Run, a community that uplifts women through running.Aminah opens up about the leap from food to fitness content and how embracing authenticity reshaped not only her content but also her confidence. From marathon milestones to her dreams of completing a triathlon, Aminah’s story is about fear, growth, community, and finding purpose through movement.💬 In this episode:* The shift from foodie to fitness creator* Leading a women's running group with purpose* Training for the London Marathon* Navigating fear, doubt, and social pressure* Family support & female empowerment in sport* Why her next goal is the triathlon finish line 🏊‍♀️🚴‍♀️🏃‍♀️Aminah’s journey is proof that it’s never too late to redefine your path—and inspire others along the way.Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/Aminah Sattar - https://www.instagram.com/eatpastarunfasta__/

🎙️ Gone Running | Episode #110In this episode of Gone Running, Ben Sheppard sits down with Mark Branniff—a CrossFit coach turned ultra-endurance runner—who’s set himself the monumental goal of running 100km (in one go) every week throughout 2025.Mark opens up about the gruelling mental battles, the transformational power of running, and the shift in identity that came with leaving behind his life as a coach to chase something even bigger.🌟 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:* Mark’s bold challenge: AT LEAST 100 km in one go, every week of the year —and why he's doing it* The transition from lifting heavy to running long* How he rebuilt his identity through endurance* The role of community, discipline, and routine* Navigating injuries, setbacks, and self-doubt* Why mindset trumps motivation—and how to train it* His vision for future ultra events and bigger personal testsMark’s story is about more than running—it's about reinvention, resilience, and relentless pursuit. Whether you're a weekend jogger, seasoned ultra runner, or someone searching for your next big challenge, this episode will hit home.🔔 Subscribe for more raw and inspiring conversations every week on Gone Running.📲 Follow us on Instagram.Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/Mark Branniff - https://www.instagram.com/the_branniff/

🎙️ Gone Running | Episode #109In this candid and thought-provoking episode, we chat with Nathalie Lennon—personal trainer, fitness coach and mental health advocate—as she shares her powerful journey through body image challenges, disordered eating, acne struggles, and the often toxic pressures of the fitness industry.Nathalie reflects on her shift from chasing aesthetic ideals to focusing on genuine health and well-being. From marathon training to health setbacks, she reminds us that recovery isn’t always straightforward—and that self-compassion and empathy are key.💬 We cover:* Body image & eating disorders* The pressure of appearance in the fitness world* Acne, confidence & self-image* Mental health, empathy & personal growth* Training, setbacks & resilienceThis episode is a timely reminder that fitness isn’t just about looks—it’s about how we feel, treat ourselves, and grow.🎧 Tune in for an honest, inspiring conversation about real life behind the screen!Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/Nathalie Lennon - https://www.instagram.com/nathalielennon_/

🎙️ Gone Running | Episode #108In this episode of the Gone Running Podcast, we sit down with the multi-talented Jermayne Taylor — a DJ, runner, and creative force who’s mastered balancing passion with purpose. Jermayne takes us through his inspiring journey from discovering music as a child to building a DJ career that parallels his love for long-distance running. With a full-time job in the mix, he shares how he stays grounded, motivated, and connected to his community through the powerful blend of sound, sweat, and self-expression.✨ What’s inside:🎵 Childhood roots in music and the rise of his DJ career🏃‍♂️ How running and music intersect to create flow and therapy💬 The joy of sharing music and building meaningful communities🧠 Managing passion projects alongside a full-time job🌊 Experiencing the flow state through both decks and on the road🎯 The power of goal-setting and celebrating the journey🤝 The role of mentorship and support in music and running🚀 Aspirations for future impact and inspiring othersHit play and get inspired by Jermayne’s story of passion, purpose, and movement – on the decks and the pavement. 🎶👟📲 Follow us on Instagram.Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/Jermayne Taylor - https://www.instagram.com/its_jermayne/

🎙️ Gone Running | Episode #107In this compelling episode of RunThrough presents Gone Running, host Ben Sheppard sits down with ultra-endurance athlete Jack Pitcher to unpack his extraordinary journey running across the vast and unforgiving landscape of Australia. Jack opens up about the mental and physical toll of covering thousands of kilometres on foot, the intense pressures of high-stakes goals, and the unexpected obstacles—including a serious car accident—that changed the trajectory of his run and his life.From sleepless nights in the outback to moments of deep self-doubt, Jack shares how he navigated some of the toughest days on the road and what kept him moving forward when everything was telling him to stop.🏃‍♂️ In this episode, you'll hear:🚗 How a sudden car accident forced Jack to shift his plans🧠 The mental fortitude needed to face extreme isolation and physical pain💪 What drives someone to chase such ambitious goals in the first place🛌 The harsh realities of post-run recovery and burnout👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The essential role of family, friendship, and emotional support🔥 How Jack’s story is inspiring others—and where he's headed nextThis isn’t just a story about running. It’s about resilience, vulnerability, self-belief, and pursuing something bigger than yourself. Jack Pitcher’s journey will move you, motivate you, and make you think differently about your limits.🎧 Hit play, lace up, and go on a journey with us.#GoneRunningPodcast #JackPitcher #Ultramarathon #RunningAcrossAustralia #EnduranceAthlete #RunningMotivation #mentalresilience  📲 Follow us on Instagram.Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/Jack Pitcher - https://www.instagram.com/jack_pitcher_/

🎙️ Gone Running | Episode #106 In this powerful and honest conversation, elite runner Holly Archer joins us to share her journey from a young athlete to a fierce competitor, looking ahead to her debut marathon this week in London! Ben and Holly’s conversation dives deep into the highs, lows, and everything in between that comes with chasing big goals in endurance sports.Holly opens up about the mental and physical challenges of training for her first marathon, the mindset shifts that helped her stay focused, and how she’s learned to embrace discomfort, trust the process, and redefine what it means to be an athlete. 💪We also chat about:🏁 Navigating the mental side of marathon prep🍽️ The importance of fueling right with Science in Sport🌍 How the environment and community shape performance🧠 Strategies for overcoming self-doubt🔥 The grit it takes to grow as a runner—and a person✨ Finding joy in trying new things and pushing limitsWhether you're deep into your training block, gearing up for race day, or just need a boost of motivation, Holly’s story will leave you inspired to keep going— one stride at a time.Follow Us.Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/Holly Archer - https://www.instagram.com/hollyaarcher/SIS - https://www.instagram.com/scienceinsport/