Perk and Pace Podcast

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Darrian — a diversity and inclusivity consultant, athlete, and soon-to-be personal trainer — to talk all things fitness, identity, and representation.Bullied throughout his youth for his sexuality, Darrian has turned pain into purpose. He’s now on a mission to make the fitness world a safer, more inclusive space for the LGBTQ+ community and anyone who’s ever felt like they didn’t belong. From completing marathons and HYROX races to speaking out as a proud voice for change, Darrian proves that showing up as yourself is the strongest move you can make.We dive into:The lack of inclusivity in gyms and the fitness industryHow bullying shaped Darrian’s driveThe power of visibility and community in sportWhy we must challenge the status quo in fitness culture Message of the episode: Fuck the bullies. Be yourself. And the fitness industry needs to do better.If this episode hits home — share it. If you believe in making fitness a place for everyone — like it. And if you want more conversations like this — subscribe and spread the word.

In this episode, Lydia and Matt dive into a topic that every dedicated gym go-er wrestles with: rest days. Why is something so essential often so hard to embrace?Whether you're training hard in the gym, pounding the pavement, or juggling workouts around a busy life, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking more is always better. But science—and experience—say otherwise. This conversation explores the psychological barriers that make rest days feel uncomfortable, the internal battles we face when hitting pause, and the real-world benefits that recovery brings to long-term progress.Expect a grounded, honest discussion that blends evidence-based insight with lived experience—perfect for high-achieving people navigating training, careers, and life. If this resonates, don’t forget to share, like, and subscribe—it helps us keep bringing you real conversations that fuel your journey.

 Episode: How to Prioritise Your Health When Time Is Short and Life Is Full OnInspired by our recent chat with the unstoppable Xanthi, Matt and Lydia are back with a punchy, tip-packed mini episode for anyone juggling work, family, and training—and still wanting to prioritise their health.We’re sharing our top strategies for staying consistent, disciplined, and motivated even when life is chaos. No fluff—just real talk, practical tools, and mindset shifts that work in the real world.If you’ve ever thought, “I just don’t have the time”—this one’s for you. Perfect for high-performing, busy people who train hard, strive for more, and refuse to let their health take a back seat.Short, sharp, and seriously useful—don’t miss it. Share it, save it, live it.

This week on Perk and Pace, Lydia and Matt sit down with the unstoppable Xanthi—a proud Greek powerhouse balancing a high-pressure NHS role with a fierce commitment to health, fitness, and personal growth.We talk all things Hyrox: what it’s really like to train for this intense race as a first-timer, how it feels to toe the start line solo, and why doing hard things—alone—can be the fastest path to confidence. From battling fear to booking solo trips, Xanthi opens up about building self-worth, chasing challenge, and finally owning her space.If you've ever felt the pull to push past your limits, this one’s for you. Inspired by Xanthi’s story? Hit subscribe, leave us a review, and check out other episodes of Perk and Pace—your go-to for stories that move you forward.

In this episode of The Perk & Pace Podcast, hosts Lydia and Matt get real about how their relationships with training have evolved—from body image battles and performance pressure to finding strength, purpose, and joy in movement.Lydia opens up about growing up in the “nothing tastes as good as skinny feels” era, how that mindset shaped her early relationship with exercise, and what it took to shift from training as punishment to training for performance and self-worth. Matt reflects on his time as a competitive athlete, where the focus was all about achievements—and how he's now found freedom in training for love of the process.We look back at our 20s, 30s, and Producer Ian’s 40s, unpacking the cultural fads, expectations, and mindset shifts that shaped us—and why we now train for longevity, strength, and health over aesthetics or validation. Whether you're new to training or a seasoned athlete, this one’s for you. Tune in for honest chat, a few laughs, and maybe even a little inspo to rethink why you move. Listen now, share it with a mate, and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave us a review.We’d love to hear your own journey with fitness—message us on socials or tag us in your story!#PerkAndPace #FitnessJourney #TrainingThroughTheDecades #BodyImage #StrongNotSkinny #LongevityTraining #HealthOverHype #MindsetShift #FitnessAtEveryAge #StrengthForLife #PodcastRecs #WellnessChat

Did Q1 go exactly to plan? Or are you staring at those untouched goals wondering what went wrong? In this powerful follow-up to our goal-setting episode from the start of the year, Lydia and Matt get real about what worked, what didn’t, and how to reset without the guilt. Whether you're a business leader, a fitness-driven professional, or a growth-minded business owner, this episode is your permission slip to pause, reflect, and pivot.We talk about the difference between excuses and real-life obstacles, how to spot self-sabotage, and why now is the perfect time to redefine success on your terms. Learn how to build momentum again, ask the right people for help, and actually enjoy the process.🔥 If you're serious about personal growth, performance, and living with intention — this one’s for you.👉 Like, subscribe, and drop us a comment with the goals you're resetting or your biggest lesson from Q1. We’re building a community of high-achievers who keep it real — and you’re invited.#GoalSetting #QuarterlyReset #HighPerformanceHabits #UKPodcasts #BusinessGrowth #MindsetMatters #perkandpace #FitnessAndFocus #PeakPerformance #PodcastForAchievers

In this powerful and refreshingly real episode of the Perk & Pace Podcast, Lydia & Matt with down with Giwa - Gymshark ambassador, fitness influencer and content creator with a massive following - to talk about what truly matters.From the outside, Giwa's life looks like the dream: brand deals, a loyal fanbase, and viral content. But behind the fitness and filters, she opens up about choosing purpose over popularity, and how her faith in God has grounded her through it all.We get into: Why clout doesn’t equal clarity How Giwa’s faith gives her direction in a noisy world What finding true purpose looks like — even in the influencer space Her evolving relationship with social media Big plans for the future (and how she’s keeping it meaningful)Whether you’re chasing influence or chasing intention, this episode will make you rethink what success really looks like. Subscribe now for more unfiltered, purpose-driven convos every week.Your future self will thank you. #PurposeOverPopularity #FaithAndFitness #GiwaOnTheMic #Gymshark #FaithJourney #InfluencerLife #PodcastDrop #FitnessWithFaith #SocialMediaRealTalk #LydiaAndMattPod #NewEpisode #ViralPodcast #GodFirst #FindingPurpose #ContentCreatorLife

Perk & Pace is back with Season 2!In this episode of Perk & Pace, Matt & Lydia take you behind the scenes of their unforgettable weekend in Toulouse, where the highs and lows of their Hyrox races provided both chaos and triumphs. From tough workouts to unexpected moments of hilarity, they share everything that went down, the lessons learned, and the laughs along the way. You don't want to miss this one if you're racing this seasons, it's packed with great tips for your Hyrox race day.Whether you’re a Hyrox competitor or just a fan of fitness, Matt & Lydia’s Toulouse tales will keep you hooked. Expect funny stories, race day reflections, and a sneak peek into the reality of competing at Hyrox.🔥 Highlights of this episode include:Matt & Lydia’s intense race day experience 🏃‍♂️🏋️‍♀️Funny moments and bloopers from their weekend in Toulouse 😂Valuable tips and lessons learned for your next Hyrox challenge 🎯Behind-the-scenes chaos and triumphs that you won’t want to miss!If you're passionate about Hyrox, fitness, or just want to hear about some epic adventures, hit play and join Matt & Lydia for this wild ride!👉 Don’t forget to subscribe to Perk & Pace for more fitness stories, tips, and adventures straight from Matt & Lydia! 🔔#Hyrox #HyroxToulouse #FitnessJourney #HyroxUK #MattAndLydia #HyroxRaces #Toulouse2025 #FitnessPodcast #HyroxExperience #UKFitness #FitnessMotivation #HyroxCommunity #RaceDayChaos #TriumphsAndLows #FunnyFitnessStories

In this episode of Perk & Pace, we go behind the scenes at Birmingham’s coolest pizza joint, Otto, with its passionate owners, Chris and George. From humble beginnings to running a thriving business, they share the highs, the lows, and the biggest mistakes they made along the way. Discover the challenges of expanding a restaurant, the joy of building a loyal customer base, and the sense of community that makes Otto more than just a place to eat. Chris and George also teach Lydia and Matt how to make pizza from scratch – a fun and insightful experience you won’t want to miss! Tune in to hear their stories of passion, perseverance, and pizza-making magic. If you love pizza, entrepreneurship, or want to learn what it takes to run a successful restaurant, this episode is for you! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave us a review – your support helps us bring more inspiring stories to the table! 🍕🎙️ HIT THE YOUTUBE LINK TO SEE THE FULL PIZZA MAKING EXPERIENCE AND TO FIND OUT WHO WON THE PIZZA CHALLENGE #OttoPizza #BirminghamEats #RestaurantOwners #PizzaLovers #Entrepreneurship #BusinessStruggles #CommunityVibes #Podcast #LikeAndSubscribe Links ⁠Lydia⁠ ⁠Matt⁠ ⁠Podcast⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠

In this episode of The perk & pace podcast, hosts Matt and Lydia dive into the powerful connection between physical fitness and mental resilience. They explore how developing strength, endurance, and discipline in the gym translates to greater mental fortitude in both personal and professional life. Through insightful discussions and real-life stories, they share how fitness has not only boosted their mental health but also enhanced their ability to navigate challenges in business and everyday life. Whether you're looking to build mental toughness, improve your well-being, or gain practical tips for integrating fitness into your routine, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable advice. Matt and Lydia open up about their own experiences, showing how fitness isn’t just about the body—it’s about fortifying the mind. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on how physical activity can transform your mental state and help you thrive, no matter the obstacles in your way. Don’t forget to subscribe to The perk & pace podcast for more stories, strategies, and inspiration to build your mental strength and improve your overall well-being. Links Matt Lydia Podcast Youtube