The Immerse Podcast

My guests cancelled on the day, so I went out in Wimbledon and found someone. That's how Lucy Mae Carpenter ended up on the sofa. She said yes without any notice, and it turned into one of the most honest chats we've had.Lucy trained in Actor Musicianship at Rose Bruford College, which means acting while also playing an instrument. She plays saxophone and piano, and a bit of guitar. She grew up in Ashbourne, Derbyshire, and spent her gap year living in France while she auditioned for drama school. Now she's in London, chasing acting and music in a famously tough industry. She also teaches singing and drama to kids and works at STRONG Pilates in Wimbledon, where she's training for her Mat Pilates qualification."Yes and" comes from improv. You accept whatever you're given and build on it. Lucy has lived that way: she says yes to the opportunity, then makes something of it. That includes turning up to record a podcast at a few hours' notice.In this episode:Training as an actor-musician at Rose BrufordMoving to France at 18 while auditioning for drama schoolThe reality of pursuing acting and music in LondonJuggling three jobs while chasing your dreamHow working at STRONG led her to Pilates teachingSaying yes before you feel readyFollow The Immerse Podcast for weekly conversations on mindset, wellbeing and the people doing it differently.

Rugby league player Kruise Leeming joins the Immerse podcast to discuss how loss, travel, and listening to other people can challenge the assumptions that shape a life. He also reflects on returning to Huddersfield, shifting from personal achievement toward mentoring, and learning to support children without forcing them onto your own path. Rugby player and coach he reflects on how fatherhood, faith, and forgiveness shape the person he wants to be, then explains his coaching venture, Soaker, and his decision to live alcohol-free. The hosts, including Alex and another co-host, draw out practical examples of breaking inherited patterns, building honest relationships, and choosing actions that align with personal goals. keywordsrugby league, Huddersfield, personal growth, perspective, grief, travel, parenting, mentorship, mindset Cruz rugby, faith and forgiveness, fatherhood, alcohol-free life, coaching, Soaker, generational patterns, personal growth key topicsKruise describes how losing his father at age eight and thinking about his dad’s short life sharpened his awareness that time is not guaranteed.He uses the image of tinted glasses to explain how upbringing and experience shape perception, and why staying open means being willing to revise your views.A visit to Swaziland and a long drive to Johannesburg showed Cruz how much people can take travel and freedom of movement for granted.Kruise discusses changing his nutrition after high-protein, low-carb eating left him feeling unwell, and adapting food choices to what works for his body and background.After a season with Catalans Dragons, Kruise explains how a relationship with coach Jim Lenehan led to a three-year signing with HuddersfieldChapters00:00 Nutrition coaching starts with what works for the person00:29 Fatherhood as Kruise ultimate measure of success02:27 Three tiers of role models, from family to Jesus04:08 Kruise returns to the Amherst podcast05:04 Faith as a guide to life’s gray areas05:56 How upbringing shapes the lens we see life through08:23 Why forgiveness must be practiced again and again09:44 Losing his father made time feel precious12:36 Travel, roots, and the value of seeing another way of life13:38 Breaking the cycle of anger passed through families15:29 A border crossing changes Cruz’s perspective17:34 The monkey story and questioning inherited habits18:50 How saying hello changed Kruise view of Halifax20:18 Gratitude, possessions, and France’s slower pace22:43 Why Kruise signed a three-year deal with Huddersfield23:16 Soaker: coaching built around honest, personal support25:04 Moving from personal ambition to servant leadership28:15 Connection and contribution over money and trophies29:44 The five-year letter exercise31:06 Nearly three years without alcohol and a changing social circle32:04 Planning with the future in mind while valuing the present34:08 Helping younger players learn from experience35:08 Sobriety, identity, and the quiet work of sorting things out38:41 Written goals help Cruz stay alcohol-free39:11 Alex on fatherhood and learning through mistakes40:36 Evolving as children grow and finding the parenting balance42:32 Choosing connection without making drinking the center45:46 Living for your children, not only saying you’d die for them46:30 Why no book can replace the experience of being a dad

In this episode, Alex and Louise explore the transformative power of breathwork, its impact on mental and physical health, and how it can be integrated into daily life for greater well-being. They also discuss upcoming retreats, community building, and the importance of self-awareness and acceptance. keywordsbreathwork, mental health, physical health, self-awareness, retreats, community, nervous system, emotional regulation, holistic health, personal growth key topicsThe physiological sigh and its benefitsBreathwork as a tool for nervous system regulationThe impact of breathwork on emotional trauma and unregulationCreating safe spaces for vulnerability and healingUpcoming retreats and community initiatives in the North of EnglandThe role of self-awareness and acceptance in personal growthBreathwork for stress reduction and sleep improvementThe integration of holistic and medical approaches to longevity sound bites"Breath is our only autonomic system we can control""You don't have to fix anything, just connect""Trust your body's instinctive knowledge"Chapters00:00 Introduction to the episode and guest02:33 The physiological sigh and lung expansion06:30 Controlling the autonomic nervous system through breath12:51 The importance of connection over fixing32:19 Trusting your body's innate wisdom36:32 The global need for breath awareness and mental health44:43 Creating safe spaces for vulnerability54:16 Breathwork in schools and children’s emotional regulation01:04:33 Retreats in Marrakesh and future plans01:06:59 The power of community and collaboration

In this episode, Dan Lanigan shares his inspiring journey from a challenging youth to becoming an Iron Man athlete and mental health advocate. Discover how mindset, support, and resilience can transform lives and inspire positive change. keywordsmental health, resilience, Iron Man, triathlon, mindset, recovery, motivation, coaching, charity, self-improvement key topicsDan Lanigan's early life and challengesTransition from boxing and football to triathlonThe role of mindset and visualization in successThe impact of support systems and relationshipsThe importance of mental health awareness and giving backThe benefits of sauna and recovery in trainingThe significance of community and social connectionLessons learned from adversity and griefThe journey to becoming an Iron Man and coaching othersThe importance of purpose and passion in life sound bites"It's about acting as if I am already there.""Sharks don't swim backwards, they die.""Everyone's got something worth living for."Chapters00:00 Introduction and breathing ritual00:29 Dan Lanigan's background and early days02:15 From football and boxing to challenges in youth04:14 Transition from boxing to life struggles07:33 Facing serious environment and decisions09:26 Turning point and moving to Yorkshire11:21 Discovering Iron Man and setting new goals13:20 The power of visualization and self-belief16:07 The importance of mindset and resilience20:22 Balancing grief, training, and purpose23:19 The significance of community and giving back27:37 Involvement with Andy's Man Club and mental health37:38 Dealing with personal loss and mental health awareness44:46 The social and health benefits of saunas01:00:03 Saunas as recovery and mental health tools01:03:25 Unlocking potential through diet, recovery, and mindset01:04:24 Future goals and ongoing impact01:05:22 Parting message and encouragement

In this episode, Emiliano Castroni shares his journey from childhood trauma and family struggles to building a successful coffee business and becoming a dedicated father. We explore themes of resilience, mental health, and the power of love and support in overcoming life's challenges. keywordspersonal growth, mental health, family, coffee business, resilience, fatherhood, overcoming trauma, support systems, emotional healing key topicsEmiliano's childhood and family strugglesThe influence of heritage and culture on his journeyThe role of coffee in social connection and communityHis approach to fatherhood and breaking cyclesThe importance of mental health and vulnerability takeawaysLove and support are crucial in overcoming childhood trauma.Building a business can be a form of healing and legacy.Authenticity and vulnerability foster deeper connections.Support systems and community are vital for mental health.Turning pain into power is possible through resilience and purpose. sound bites"Love and support are crucial in overcoming childhood trauma.""Turning pain into power is possible through resilience and purpose.""Support systems and community are vital for mental health."Chapters00:00 Introduction and Emiliano's background02:01 The influence of family and heritage06:57 The role of coffee in social connection11:52 Childhood trauma and its impact20:03 Emiliano's journey to building Castrone Coffee29:51 Parenthood and breaking cycles44:46 The importance of vulnerability and support01:00:04 Forgiveness and emotional healing01:15:06 Future goals and legacy01:19:56 Final thoughts and advice for listeners

In this episode, Leia Guest shares her journey from multiple jobs to running a successful coffee trailer in Halifax, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, community, and continuous learning. Discover insights on entrepreneurship, self-awareness, and living a purpose-driven life. keywordsentrepreneurship, coffee business, self-awareness, community, personal growth, small business, mental health, authenticity, reinvention, purpose key topicsLeia Guest's journey through 29 jobs to entrepreneurshipThe importance of authenticity and community in businessLiving with purpose and continuous self-improvementThe role of mental health and therapy in personal growthBalancing stability and risk in entrepreneurshipThe influence of cultural and personal background on successThe significance of emotional intelligence and self-awarenessLessons learned from building a coffee trailer and community sound bites"Manners and a smile will never fade.""You're not everyone's cup of tea.""Words are so powerful and it's so cool."Chapters00:00 Introduction and guest background5194:26:34 Meet Leia Guest and her business Nowhere to Bean7583:19:54 The story behind the sauna and building community11999:59:54 Leia's diverse job history and love for giving things a go17638:53:14 The importance of change and self-awareness22555:33:14 The role of curiosity and living in the present26666:39:54 Balancing stability and excitement in life and work33388:53:14 The significance of internal purpose and self-trust38944:26:34 Travel, growth, and embracing change45277:46:34 Gender roles, cultural influences, and personal identity50777:46:34 The value of community, connection, and authenticity62749:59:54 Handling negativity and self-acceptance73888:53:14 Tools for mental health and emotional intelligence91277:46:34 Overcoming challenges and personal resilience100666:39:54 The power of connection and human interaction112166:39:54 Creating a community space and future aspirations123916:39:54 The importance of curiosity, learning, and myth127861:06:34 Closing remarks and where to find Leia

This episode follows Ella Grace Grows, a local runner and marketer whose story moves from childhood pressure and food anxiety to marathon training, entrepreneurship, and landing in a role that actually fits her personality. It is a conversation about health anxiety, self-image, consistency, and learning how to build a life around what matters most.We discuss Ella’s early school years, how running became the thing she could be good at, and how her relationship with food and exercise shifted over time. We also get into her career path, her move away from restrictive fitness culture, and why people and purpose matter more to her than labels or job titles.Key topicsElla’s early identity as a high achieverWhy year 7 felt like a shockHow running startedStrength training, aesthetics, and the start of disordered eatingWhat her eating disorder looked like in real lifeOrthorexia and the obsession with “healthy” eatingHealth anxiety and emetophobiaThe thyroid scare and a broader perspective on healthWhy she’s careful with online fitness adviceCareer pivots that actually made senseWhy she left corporate environmentsWhere she is nowIf you are struggling with food, exercise, or health anxiety, look at the patterns behind the behaviour, not just the behaviour itself.Be cautious of fitness content that promises dramatic results in unrealistic timeframes.If you feel yourself spiralling on symptoms, reduce the Googling and give yourself time to wait for proper answers.Timestamps00:00 - Catching up, breathwork, and welcoming Ella02:17 - Introducing Ella Grace Grows and her local connection04:06 - Who Ella is beyond the online content05:57 - Why her content feels real and unfiltered07:25 - Going back to childhood and school pressure08:15 - Losing out on grammar school and the impact on year 712:10 - How running entered her life at 1413:08 - The mile run leaderboard that changed everything14:32 - Parkrun, first 5K, and building a running habit15:29 - Strength training, lockdown, and the start of food issues16:14 - Being referred into eating disorder support18:38 - Lunch anxiety and feeling judged around food20:00 - Calorie tracking and the 1500 calorie ceiling21:59 - Online advice, dieting culture, and why less is not always better22:28 - CAMHS, dietitian calls, and family support24:24 - Why running ended up helping more than stopping movement25:22 - Advice to younger Ella and trusting her mum more26:18 - Why quick-fix fitness content is harmful29:10 - Naming orthorexia and understanding the disorder31:07 - Why prescriptive nutrition needs careful handling32:06 - Health anxiety, emetophobia, and panic spirals33:31 - The caffeine, HIIT, and heart rate scare35:22 - Thyroid issues, lump discovery, and radioactive treatment36:50 - Chest lump, biopsy, and waiting for results38:17 - Messaging another Ella Grace going through cancer treatment39:42 - Memento mori and learning what actually matters40:36 - How health anxiety affects friendships too42:29 - A&E, anxiety, and how thoughts can drive physical symptoms43:57 - Triathlon dabbling and keeping running as the priority46:16 - Why endurance challenges are hard for her body type47:15 - First marathon at Leeds and raising money for family48:40 - Why sub-four became a target and Chester Marathon at 3:3349:42 - Knowing when to keep going and when to stop52:34 - Likely next races and Valencia being on the horizon54:11 - Choosing marketing over sports science58:29 - Why transformation culture can go too far60:51 - Landing at OTA and building confidence in a new niche62:19 - Quitting at the right time and pivoting without guilt63:16 - How she joined UMA and what made it feel right65:08 - Building side projects with Connor and staying in fitness66:32 - Loving the new role and being closer to home

In this episode, we sit down with Gabe Moore to unpack the real story behind building a business while juggling pressure, identity, and long-term ambition. =Gabe opens up about leaving barbering after nearly 10 years, why he made the leap into supplement brand building, and how a failed first version of the product forced a pivot that changed everything. He explains how his Reload brand evolved from mushroom coffee into a high-dosage electrolyte formula, why customer feedback mattered, and what it takes to keep going when traction is slow.We also get into the mindset behind going “all in,” the reality of burnout, the importance of structure, and why having the right people around you can make or break a business. Gabe shares candid thoughts on trust, delegation, social media, small-town mentality, mental health, and what freedom really means when you’re trying to build something meaningful.Key topics:Leaving barbering after nearly a decadeStarting and rebuilding a supplement brandWhy feedback and iteration matterThe pressure of going all inBurnout, balance, and daily structureSmall-town mentality and personal growthBuilding trust in business partnershipsWhy social media and personal branding matterIf you’re building a business, navigating a pivot, or trying to turn pressure into progress, this one is packed with honest lessons and practical perspective.

In this episode, Grace Ramsden shares her incredible journey from professional rugby to fitness influencer, highlighting her mindset shifts, lessons from failures, and upcoming ultra endurance challenges. Discover how she navigates setbacks, refines her training, and stays motivated through honesty and resilience. keywordsfitness journey, mindset, failure, endurance, rugby, ultra marathon, motivation, self-belief, training, social media influence key topicsGrace Ramsden’s transition from rugby to fitnessLessons learned from multiple Hyrox competitionsThe importance of mindset and failure in growthNutrition mistakes and lessons from ultra marathonsBalancing life, family, and high-performance trainingThe role of honesty and authenticity in social mediaStrategies for overcoming mental and physical burnoutThe significance of purpose and setting short-term goals sound bites"You can't always stand on that pedestal""It's about being able to repeatedly fail to succeed""Get the first five minutes out of the way"Chapters00:00 Introduction and guest background00:05 Grace’s journey from rugby to online fitness01:00:24 Supporting others and staying authentic

Crazy Auntie Anne on sobriety, self-acceptance, and turning kitchen videos into a DJ career Crazy Auntie Anne shares the story behind her rise from college lecturer to viral creator, full-time DJ, and family-run business owner. This conversation covers the mindset shifts that helped her rebuild after addiction, why authenticity matters more than perfection, and how taking bold leaps led to Tomorrowland, brand work, and a growing music career.We discuss sobriety, faith, manifestation, and the practical side of building a creative career from scratch. Anne also explains how her family is now part of the business, and why helping even one person is the real measure of success.Key topicsCrazy Auntie Anne’s origin storyWhy not caring what people think changed everythingSobriety, addiction, and rock bottomPeople-pleasing versus being yourselfFaith, higher power, and spiritual growthHow TikTok became a real careerFamily business and redemptionFrom pots and pans to real DJ setsWhy music mattersWhat’s nextTimestamps00:00 - Opening in the studio and introducing Crazy Auntie Anne02:24 - TikTok numbers, kitchen videos, and becoming a DJ03:20 - Manifestation, Tomorrowland, and ignoring judgment05:13 - The cream bun theory and why guilt is often social07:30 - Rock bottom, recovery, and addiction as control09:27 - Learning to be yourself after years of people-pleasing11:43 - Building discipline from sobriety and education14:04 - Why authenticity beats perfection online15:51 - Recovering from alcohol identity and rebuilding self-worth18:12 - Gratitude after addiction and seeing life differently19:40 - Nearly losing everything and valuing family now21:03 - Charity shop skirt, early sobriety, and small wins22:02 - TikTok grows into a full-time income23:24 - Brand deals, tax, and turning the work into a company24:22 - Hiring her sons and making it a family business25:53 - Song promotion, music labels, and helping artists break through27:12 - Why helping one person matters more than money29:37 - How unexpected success changes your life31:29 - Earning in a day what teaching paid in a year33:24 - Leap of faith as action, not wishful thinking34:51 - Leaving work, taking the home care job, and trusting the path38:12 - Why experience teaches you not to slow down too early40:07 - Slumdog Millionaire, timing, and being in the right place43:06 - Higher power, faith, and a universal core of kindness44:36 - AA, God language, and why spirituality is not religion47:26 - The Power of Now and separating self from thoughts49:15 - Self-talk, self-love, and realizing you are still loved51:41 - Reframing religion and making peace with the past55:33 - How the DJ story began with pots and pans57:25 - Learning real DJ skills and building live sets59:15 - LA party, Justin Bieber, and surreal career moments61:12 - House music legends, Tomorrowland, and being part of the scene62:40 - The feeling of playing to a crowd64:19 - Being a safe space for people to be themselves66:18 - What comes next: gigs, festival sets, and a podcast68:23 - Closing thoughts and why the story mattersNotable quotesCopy“I don’t care what anybody thinks.”Copy“I’m not my thoughts.”Copy“You get back what you put out, but only if it’s genuine.”