#166 - The Unknown Feels Less Scary Now: Abi Jones On 6 Months That Changed Everything

Abi Jones joins Ben Sheppard on The RunThrough Podcast to share her journey from the UK to Sydney and the life lessons she learned along the way.What began as a move in search of independence quickly became a crash course in resilience. Abi opens up about arriving in Australia and unexpectedly finding herself homeless on day one, navigating long distance relationships, dealing with loneliness and learning to build a life completely from scratch.Alongside her work as a physiotherapist, Abi talks about growing a social media following by sharing the realities of her life, from moving abroad and adult acne to fitness, rehab and running. She reflects on how running became a huge part of her identity and why stepping outside her comfort zone has changed her outlook on life.Now preparing to move back to the UK, Abi looks back on six transformative months in Australia, the friendships she's made, the challenges she's overcome and why sometimes the bravest thing you can do is take the leap, even when you don't know where you'll land!Run With Us In Australia - https://runthroughaustralia.com/Abi Jones - https://www.instagram.com/absjfit/Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/

From her first EVER race at Colchester Zoo, to a BRAND NEW race in Melbourne with RunThrough, Hannah Moore joins Ben Sheppard on The RunThrough Podcast to share her journey from competitive swimmer as a child to taking on some of the toughest endurance challenges in the world.After stepping away from swimming, Hannah rediscovered her love for the water, which eventually led to open water events, marathon swims, and now training towards her first Ironman in December. In this episode, Hannah reflects on growing up in competitive swimming, moving to Australia, finding confidence through sport and how even though swimming could be perceived as a solo sport, for her it was the people that made it.She also shares the story of preparing for a 20km swim, only for the event to be cancelled at the last minute, and how she dealt with the disappointment after months of training and sacrifice. They also explore Hannah’s "why not?" mindset has helped her take on challenges she once thought were out of reach.Hannah Moore - https://www.instagram.com/hannahmoore.fitness/Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/

Leon Scott is an entrepreneur, boxer, model, former footballer and co-owner of eyewear brand Circular.From humble beginnings, Leon went on to play football at a high level, become the face of global brands, build a successful business, step into the boxing ring at almost 40, and complete his first marathon.In this episode of The RunThrough Podcast, Leon joins Ben Sheppard to talk resilience, fatherhood, self-belief, entrepreneurship, boxing, mental strength and why keeping promises to yourself can change your life.From modeling campaigns and business success to having a war in his first boxing fight and coming back stronger, Leon’s story is proof that growth happens when you lean into discomfort.🎧 Subscribe for more episodes of The RunThrough Podcast.Leon Scott - https://www.instagram.com/leon3scott/Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/

James Warnock joins Ben Sheppard on The RunThrough Podcast for a candid conversation about marathon running, grief, identity and building a life around purpose.Fresh off an 8 minute PB at the London Marathon, James reflects on finally enjoying the marathon after years of difficult experiences with the distance. From cramping issues and failed race goals to learning how to fuel properly and trust the process, this episode dives deep into the reality of endurance sport beyond the highlight reel.James also opens up about the loss of his father and how that moment completely changed the direction of his life. From leaving the corporate world to building a career through running and social media, this is a conversation about taking risks, identity and finding meaning through movement all while building his business. 🎧 Subscribe for more episodes of The RunThrough Podcast.James Warnock - https://www.instagram.com/jwarnockk/?hl=enBen Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/

In this episode of The RunThrough Podcast, Sophie Butler joins host Ben Sheppard to share her powerful journey from becoming paralysed at 21 to completing the London Marathon.Sophie opens up about the gym accident that changed her life, the long road through hospital and rehab, and how she rebuilt her confidence, strength and independence. She talks about returning to the gym after trauma, finding purpose through content creation, and why sharing her story has helped others feel seen.The conversation also dives into her London Marathon experience, the emotion, the crowd support and what it meant to cross that finish line. Sophie reflects on resilience, accessibility, identity and the importance of moving forward, even when the next step feels impossible.Sophie Butler - https://www.instagram.com/sophjbutler/Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/

In this episode of The RunThrough Podcast, Lola Clinton-Hayward joins Ben Sheppard to share how running, wellness and community have completely changed her life.Lola opens up about discovering self development during lockdown, studying psychology, and how one small step into running eventually led to marathons, major races and the creation of Stride and Thrive Club, an all girls running and wellness community in London.She talks honestly about confidence, mental health, building “brain evidence”, the fear of being seen trying, and why starting small can change everything. From nobody turning up to her first run club to building a thriving community, Lola’s story is a brilliant reminder that one run, one decision or one moment of courage can shift your whole direction.Lola Clinton-Hayward - https://www.instagram.com/_lolach/Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/

In this episode of The RunThrough Podcast, Damien Hall joins host Ben Sheppard for a brilliant and honest conversation about ultra running, ageing well, adventure and what it really means to keep going.Damien reflects on his ongoing career in the sport, from lining up at his first half marathon to representing GB, finishing fifth at UTMB and taking on some of the toughest races in the world, including the Barkley Marathons. He shares how curiosity around distance turned into a deep passion, and why chasing adventure has always been just as important as chasing results.They dive into the realities of DNFs, the lessons that come from failure and how those moments have shaped him as both an athlete and a coach. Damien also opens up about getting older in the sport, the small changes he has noticed in performance, and why experience, patience and perspective can actually become powerful advantages over time.The conversation also explores his record attempts and FKTs, the mental challenge of racing versus solo adventure, and why breaking things down into smaller moments is key when facing huge distances.They also chat about his new book Run Forever, what the title really means, and how runners can stay consistent, healthy and motivated for years to come.A thoughtful and inspiring episode packed with insight, honesty and a real love for the process of running.Get A Copy of Damien's New Book 'Run Forever' here.Damien Hall - https://www.instagram.com/ultra_damo/Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/

What happens when life feels too overwhelming to keep up with?Mindset and behavioural change speaker and author Lily Silverton joins Ben Sheppard on the RunThrough Podcast for a powerful conversation about stress, burnout, priorities, movement, and navigating modern life.Lily shares her journey from the fashion and magazine industry into coaching and wellbeing, opening up about mental health, identity shifts, and the experiences that shaped her work. Together, Ben and Lily explore why so many of us feel constantly overwhelmed, how social media and modern working life affect our attention and wellbeing, and why prioritising the things that truly matter has never been more important.They also discuss the connection between movement and mindset, the role running and yoga can play in mental health, and why the habits we often drop first are usually the ones that help keep us grounded.The conversation also dives into Lily’s new book, 'Prioritise This', a practical guide for thriving in a world that won’t slow down.Lily Silverton - https://www.instagram.com/lily_silverton/Website & Link To Purchase 'Prioritise This' - https://www.lilysilverton.com/Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/

On this episode of The RunThrough Podcast, Iain Ward, better known as The King of Chemo, joins host Ben Sheppard for a proper, open conversation that goes way beyond running.At 31, Iain was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, but instead of letting that define him, he flipped it on its head. He is now on a mission to break a charity world record by building a huge social media following and turning that into sponsorship money for good causes, rather than asking the public to donate.Ben and Iain chat through everything from marathons in carrying 20KG of weight in wild costumes, to the reality of hearing that diagnosis and how it changes your outlook. They get into mindset, pressure, relationships, social media, and what it actually takes to keep going when things feel overwhelming.There are serious moments, plenty of honest reflections, and also a lot of humour along the way. Iain’s perspective on life, and the way he approaches it, makes this one really stand out. A genuinely powerful watch, you will be thinking about long after it ends.The King of Chemo - https://www.instagram.com/thekingofchemo/Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/

Sian Westley is a content creator, social media strategist, and new mum whose journey spans body confidence struggles, IVF, pregnancy, and navigating identity through motherhood, all while building a thriving digital career rooted in authenticity and real life experience.In this heartfelt and honest episode of the RunThrough Podcast, Sian joins host Ben Sheppard for a powerful conversation about the realities behind confidence, change, and resilience. From starting out making early YouTube content and curated outfit folders, to finding her voice in body positivity online, Sian opens up about the evolution of her career and self image.She also shares her deeply personal fertility journey, including IVF, the emotional toll of uncertainty, and the life changing moment she became a mother. Together, Sian and Ben explore what it really means to go through “journeys within journeys”, from body image and career pivots to parenthood and rediscovering priorities.This is an uplifting, relatable, and honest conversation about learning to be kinder to yourself, embracing change, and finding purpose in every stage of life.Sian Westley - https://www.instagram.com/imsianwestley/Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/