#143 - The Power of Running Communities: Lessons from 30 Marathons with Amritpal Ghatora

Journalist, author, and mental health campaigner Bryony Gordon joins Ben Sheppard on the RunThrough Podcast for an open and honest conversation about mental health, loneliness, and the power of human connection.Bryony shares how her personal struggles led to the creation of her charity Mental Health Mates and why loneliness can be a significant trigger for mental health challenges, something many people felt more acutely during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also recounts her recent Goodwood Challenge, where she ran as many laps as possible in the worst possible weather, in her underwear, to hit her fundraising target. Why? Well, you’ll have to listen to find out!Together, Bryony and Ben explore the importance of connection, breaking overwhelming tasks into smaller steps, and trusting yourself through both personal and creative journeys. They discuss the cathartic yet challenging process of writing, the impact of social media on wellbeing, and Bryony’s latest novel, People Pleaser which is available for pre-order now.Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/Bryony Gordon - https://www.instagram.com/bryonygordon/Watch Bryony's Goodwood Challenge Here

Runner and community figurehead Amritpal Ghatora joins The RunThrough Podcast to share his journey from being inspired by Paula Radcliffe and Dame Kelly Holmes to completing 30 marathons and preparing for the Tokyo Marathon, where he aims to complete the World Marathon Majors for the second time.In conversation with host Ben Sheppard, Amritpal discusses how technology has transformed running, the importance of listening to your body during setbacks, and the mental balance between confidence and self-doubt. He reflects on why marathon experiences matter more than medals, how a first marathon can be truly life-changing, and the power of community in supporting runners at every stage.As Amritpal puts it, “it’s changed my life”, and this episode explores why running could change yours too. They also touch on social media’s influence, the joy and freedom running brings, and how one of the world’s most accessible sports can lead to unexpected opportunities.Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/Amritpal Ghatora - https://www.instagram.com/amritpalghatora/

On this episode of the RunThrough Podcast, actress Georgia May Foote joins host Ben Sheppard for a powerful and honest conversation about resilience, reinvention, and finding strength through running.Georgia shares her journey from starting out as a young actress to navigating the pressures of fame, personal identity, and the highly competitive entertainment industry. She speaks openly about living with vitiligo, an autoimmune condition that has had a profound impact on both her life and career, and how stepping away from acting allowed her the space to reconnect with herself and focus on personal growth.The conversation also explores how running became a transformative passion for Georgia, helping her regain a sense of control, build resilience, and find community during challenging times. She reflects on career highlights, the importance of genuine friendships, and overcoming significant adversity, including the devastating fire that destroyed her nail salon.An inspiring episode that highlights the power of movement, mindset, and perseverance, and a reminder that joy can be found both on the run and in everyday life.Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/Georgia May Foote - https://www.instagram.com/georgiamay112/

Zachariah Noble joins the RunThrough Podcast to chat about his journey from professional basketball to Love Island, and how running has since become a huge part of his life. He opens up about the ups and downs of changing paths, the mental and physical challenges that came with it, and why staying active has been so important for his mindset.Host Ben Sheppard and Zachariah get into how sport shaped his discipline and consistency, what he’s learned about embracing change instead of fighting it, and why having the right people around you really matters. They also talk honestly about the pressures of social media, navigating public perception as a male reality TV star, and staying grounded through it all.Along the way, Zachariah reflects on the influence of his mum, the importance of setting goals, and learning to enjoy the process rather than rushing the outcome. It’s a relaxed, open conversation about growth, movement, and sticking with it when life takes an unexpected turn.Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/Zachariah Noble - https://www.instagram.com/zachariah_noble97/

This episode of the RunThrough Podcast welcomes inspiring guest Emma Bord, a mother of three, personal trainer and marathon runner who opens up about balancing family life with her love for running. She speaks honestly about how motherhood has shaped her identity as an athlete, the discipline it takes to fit training around a busy schedule, and why staying active as a family is so important to her. Emma also shares how she encourages her children to enjoy movement and build healthy habits from a young age.The conversation dives into the emotional side of running, particularly Emma’s incredible achievement of completing all six World Marathon Majors in a single year. She reflects on the highs, the injuries and setbacks along the way, and reveals how she overcame a fear of flying — making travel to places like Tokyo truly life-changing, not just because of the marathon itself but because of what it represented personally. Documenting each race helped Emma hold on to the meaning of every experience along the way.Hosted by Ben Sheppard, this relaxed and inspiring chat is a reminder that big goals can fit alongside real life, and that with self-belief, consistency and support, it’s always worth chasing what you love.Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/Emma Bord - https://www.instagram.com/emmabordpt/

In this episode of The RunThrough Podcast, Jack Faint joins us to share the incredible story of running the entire length of India after a life changing brain tumour diagnosis. What started with a seizure and a moment that changed everything became a journey of travel, self discovery and learning to live fully in the present.Jack shares how endurance running evolved from a way to rebuild his health into a pursuit of ever-greater performance challenges — from taking on the Goggins Challenge for charity, to a 250km desert race in Jordan, and a 650km run along the South African coast. These milestones ultimately led him to run 3,770km across India in just 74 days, averaging 51km a day, becoming the first person in history to do so. He opens up about the realities behind the scenes, from complex logistics and mental battles to the huge role that teamwork and the people around him played in making it possible.Ben Sheppard hosts this relaxed and honest conversation, digging into resilience, mindset and why enjoying the journey really matters more than the finish line. An inspiring chat about perspective, purpose and what can happen when you take that leap into the unknown.Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/Jack Faint - https://www.instagram.com/jackefaint/

Ultra runner and women’s wellness coach Frankie Smyth set out to run 50km in all 15 UK National Parks in 15 days. In this episode of The RunThrough Podcast, hosted by Ben Sheppard, Frankie shares the full journey — from the spark of inspiration to the moment she crossed the final finish line.She talks about why she took on such a huge challenge, what she learned about resilience, and how the experience pushed her physically and mentally. Although she ultimately completed the challenge, Frankie opens up about the tough decision to adjust her distances on a few days due to injury, fatigue and safety — and why adapting the plan was essential to reaching the end.We dive into the logistics behind a multi-day endurance challenge, the highs and lows of life on the road, the support she received from friends, family and strangers, and the emotional finale surrounded by the Alfie Nick Foundation, the charity she ran for in memory of her cousin’s son.If you need a reminder of what you’re capable of, this episode is it.Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/ Frankie Smyth - https://www.instagram.com/runningwithfrankie_/

In this episode of the RunThrough Podcast, writer and storyteller Emily Crane joins host Ben Sheppard for her first ever podcast conversation.Emily has built a refreshingly honest corner of the internet with writing-first videos, thoughtful narrations laid over completely ordinary moments. Instead of oversharing her own life, she writes for “everyone”, tapping into that comforting truth that none of us really know what we’re doing in our twenties (or beyond).Ben and Emily dive into why social media clings to extremes while most of life happens quietly in the middle; how mundane moments with people matter more than we realise; and how long-distance running can completely shift what feels stressful. Emily talks about running 12 marathons in her 22nd year, the boredom and structure of training, saving “special” songs for the darkest kilometres, and using race trips to explore places she’d never otherwise visit.They also discuss why it’s so hard to say how we really feel, the relief of getting a thought out of your head and into the world, and Emily’s new book club, built around reading things that actually challenge you rather than choosing the easy option.If you’ve ever felt a bit lost, a bit overwhelmed, or unsure what you’re meant to be doing, this conversation will sit with you.Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/Emily Crane - https://www.instagram.com/emilyrosecharlotte/

In this episode of The RunThrough Podcast, fitness creator and marathon runner Aaliyah Unia sits down with host Ben Sheppard to share the story behind her journey. From growing up without access to fitness, navigating cultural expectations, and recovering from a traumatic head injury, to unintentionally becoming a source of inspiration for others, Aaliyah speaks openly about the challenges that shaped her.She reflects on hiding her early gym sessions from family, dealing with community stigma, facing online criticism, and the moment she nearly walked away from content entirely. Aaliyah also talks about influencing major brands, the growth of representation in the fitness world, and what running the London Marathon taught her about resilience and identity.This conversation is honest, grounding and full of moments that anyone on a personal journey will connect with. A reminder that intention, community and self-belief can change everything.Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/Aaliyah Unia - https://www.instagram.com/aaliyah.unia/

Join host Ben Sheppard on this moving episode of the RunThrough Podcast as he talks with Poppy May, aka Poppy May Fitness, about her extraordinary journey. As a teenager, Poppy faced a life-changing situation that left her in a wheelchair, but she refused to let it define her.She opens up about her struggles with mental health, accepting her new reality, and finding purpose through fitness and community. From racing in the London Marathon to inspiring thousands on Instagram, Poppy’s story is a powerful testament to resilience, hope, and determination.Discover how she turned what could in her words have been her 'anchor' into her 'wings' and learn how to find strength and beauty in life’s toughest moments.Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/Poppy May - https://www.instagram.com/poppymayfitness/The Samaritans - https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/talk-us-phone/