#127 - REINFORCING 'NORMAL': Overcoming Self-Doubt & Embracing Your True Self W/ Emily Barker #bodypositivity

In this episode of Gone Running, host Ben Sheppard is joined by Emily Barker, who shares her inspiring journey from life at university during the COVID-19 pandemic to becoming a fitness coach and advocate for body positivity. What began as a simple fitness accountability page on Instagram grew into a platform that not only supported her own growth but also connected her with a wider community.Emily talks candidly about self love, the realities of self doubt, how positivity can be a powerful tool for change and how running has become central to Emily’s life and identity. From the grit of preparing for the New York City Marathon to the emotional rollercoaster of the London Marathon, she opens up about the highs, lows, and everything in between.Throughout the conversation, Emily emphasises the importance of focusing on health and performance over appearance, dismantling negative body image, and embracing authenticity. Her story is a reminder that confidence is built step by step, and that the journey towards body positivity is one many of us share.Follow Us.Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/Emily Barker - https://www.instagram.com/emxbarker/

In this episode of RunThrough Presents Gone Running, host Ben Sheppard sits down with Rachel Woolford, owner of North Studio, a boutique fitness studio, to hear how she transformed her love for movement into a thriving business. What started as a way to lose weight soon became a powerful tool for mental clarity, shaping her approach to both fitness and entrepreneurship.Rachel shares why she believes fitness should be enjoyable rather than a chore, and how North Studio was built around creating a community focused, social experience. She opens up about societal pressures around body image, the evolution of fitness culture, and the importance of connection both in exercise and in business.We also dive into her experience as the winner of The Apprentice, sharing behind the scenes stories and lessons learned from the show.  And for anyone wanting to start their own business or side hustle, Rachel offers practical advice, from learning about the power of delegation to taking risks that lead to meaningful rewards.💡 What you’ll learn in this episode:- How running can evolve from weight loss to a source of clarity and focus- Why enjoying fitness leads to lasting motivation- The role of community and connection in building a business- Insights from Rachel’s experience winning The Apprentice- Why risk-taking and delegation are essential for growthWhether you’re passionate about fitness, curious about entrepreneurship, or need a dose of motivation, Rachel’s story is filled with insights and inspiration.👉 If you enjoy this conversation, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories from entrepreneurs and change makers!Follow Us.Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/Rachel Woolford - https://www.instagram.com/rachelwoolford/

This week on RunThrough presents Gone Running, Ben Sheppard is joined by Singer, songwriter and now runner, Ivy. Ivy has been performing since childhood, starting with family shows before discovering that music was her therapy. From writing her first song at eight years old to building a career on YouTube, her songwriting process has evolved over the years, shaped by life experiences, mental health challenges, and a drive to create music that resonates with others.In this conversation, Ivy opens up about balancing creativity with real life, reflecting on her past struggles with anxiety and depression, and finding joy in how her music impacts people. She shares how running became a new passion after being inspired by the London Marathon, helping her mentally and physically, and even sparking ideas for songs connected to her running journey.Looking ahead, Ivy gives us a glimpse into her future music projects, including plans for a headline show in London, while also encouraging others to see running as a form of therapy.Follow Us.Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/IVY - https://www.instagram.com/ivy/

In this episode of RunThrough presents Gone Running, host Ben Sheppard sits down with Emma Kirk-Odunubi to explore her multifaceted journey in the running world, from childhood competition to navigating grief and rediscovering running as a powerful coping mechanism.Emma shares how running became her survival kit, helping her heal, build resilience, and reconnect with her identity. She reflects on the therapeutic power of running, the importance of community, and the evolving landscape of the sport, from the influence of social media to the advancements in footwear technology.Alongside her personal story, Emma opens up about her coaching philosophy, which focuses on empowering runners by providing them with knowledge, understanding individual needs, and making informed decisions about training, recovery, and footwear.✨ Key takeaways from this episode:🏃 Running as a tool for healing and resilience💭 Navigating grief and life’s toughest challenges🤝 The power of community and connection📲 Social media’s role in shaping running culture👟 The evolution of running shoes and the importance of gait analysis💡 Coaching as empowerment through knowledgeThis is an inspiring and deeply personal conversation that goes beyond the miles, offering lessons for runners and non-runners alike.Follow Us.Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/Emma Kirk-Odunubi - https://www.instagram.com/emmakirkyo/

In this inspiring episode of RunThrough Presents Gone Running, host Ben Sheppard sits down with Austyn Farrell, a professional dancer who has taken the online world by storm and discovered a new purpose through running. What started as a passion for movement evolved into a deeper mission of spreading positivity, raising mental health awareness, and pushing physical and emotional limits. From the stage to the streets, Austyn shares how embracing vulnerability, showing up authentically, and chasing big goals have completely transformed his outlook on life.💬 Together, they explore what it means to grow, give back, and stay grounded in the present moment even when the road gets tough.✨ Key Highlights from the Conversation:* 🏃‍♂️ The powerful connection between running and mental well-being* 🎭 How Austyn transitioned from professional dance to marathon training* 💬 Why self-reflection and staying present have become his biggest tools* 💖 The joy of giving back and using your platform for goodWhether you're into running, personal growth, or love a good transformation story, this episode will leave you feeling inspired and energised.👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring conversations on Gone Running!Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/Austyn Farrell - https://www.instagram.com/austyn_farrell/?hl=en

In this inspiring episode of RunThrough presents Gone Running, host Ben Sheppard is joined by Therese O’Callaghan, a health and fitness coach who shares her journey from poor health and low self-worth to helping others transform their lives.Therese opens up about how the cycle of self-sabotage once felt like an addiction and how acceptance and accountability helped her turn things around. Her story proves that real change is possible with the right mindset and support.She delves into the power of consistency, demonstrating how it can either keep us stuck or help us grow, depending on the habits we cultivate. She also explains why it’s so important to focus on how you feel, rather than just chasing numbers or external goals.💡 Key Takeaways:🔄 Self-sabotage can feel like an addiction—but it can be broken.🧠 Consistency is powerful, but only when built on healthy habits.💬 Real coaching impact comes from lived experience.❤️ Start with self-acceptance and take accountability for change.📊 Don’t obsess over numbers—focus on how you feel.🤝 Community support makes a huge difference.🧩 Everyone’s journey is unique—find what works for you.🔁 Persistence beats perfection. Keep going.🎧 Listen now for honest, uplifting insight and motivation to take that next step in your journey.Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/Therese O'Callaghan - https://www.instagram.com/thereseocallaghan/

🎙️ Gone Running Podcast | Episode #121In this episode of RunThrough presents Gone Running, host Ben Sheppard is joined by Jacob Ward, creator of the ‘Better’ brand—a platform dedicated to mental health, personal growth, and building real community through fitness.Jacob reflects on how the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped his sense of connection and identity. He shares how therapy has helped him navigate social anxiety, stay grounded amid the noise of online life, and stay true to himself. From supporting Sophie through her first 5K to chasing his own goal of running the London Marathon, Jacob speaks openly about the emotional rewards of showing up for others.This episode explores how movement can be a gateway to connection, how growth happens in the messy middle, not just at the finish line and why vulnerability and authenticity matter more than ever.Hear how,💬 Therapy gave Jacob the tools to separate self from personal🏃‍♀️ Supporting others brought unexpected meaning to his journey🌍 COVID-19 magnified loneliness despite constant digital connection🌱 Progress comes from embracing the process🤝 Real growth happens through community and showing upHit play to dive into an honest, relatable chat that will leave you thinking about how you connect with yourself and the people around you.Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/Jacob Ward - https://www.instagram.com/jacobwardd/

🎙️ Gone Running Podcast | Episode #120In this powerful and thought-provoking episode of The Gone Running Podcast, host Ben Sheppard sits down with Benji Haldon — a personal trainer and passionate advocate for men’s mental health — for an open and honest conversation about identity, vulnerability, and the power of showing up for yourself and others.Benji shares his personal journey navigating the complexities of modern masculinity, how social media shaped his early identity, and the emotional strength it takes to speak openly about mental health. From the transformative World Record Farmer’s Carry to the importance of environment, routine, and visualisation, Benji offers insight into how he continues to grow — and help others do the same.🎙️ Episode highlights:🧠 Why empathy is a game changer for men's mental health💬 The value of open, honest communication📱 How social media can distort identity🔄 Reclaiming your sense of self through adversity🌱 The role of change and growth in mental resilience🏞️ Why your environment matters more than you think💞 Building meaningful relationships that support you🛠️ Looking after yourself so you can support others🧘 Visualisation as a tool for focus and successWhether you’re deep in your own mental health journey or supporting someone else on theirs, this episode will leave you feeling seen, heard, and inspired.👇 Hit play, subscribe, and drop a comment with your biggest takeaway.Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/Benji Handon - https://www.instagram.com/mycoachbenji/

🎙️ Gone Running Podcast | Episode #119In this powerful and personal episode, we’re joined by Annie Openshaw, who shares her transformative journey through gut health challenges, injury recovery, and her return to competitive squash!Annie opens up about years of digestive issues, the impact it had on her identity and well-being, and how she rebuilt her health by reducing ultra-processed foods, embracing plant diversity, and committing to consistent, sustainable changes.She also discusses the mental aspect of recovery, the connection between gut health and emotional well-being, and how she found her way back to the squash court — rediscovering joy and performance in a sport she loves.🎙️ Episode highlights: 🥦 The role of plant diversity in gut health ❌ Cutting down ultra-processed foods 📉 Why quick fixes don’t last — and what really works 🧠 How gut health links to mental resilience 💪 Strength training for injury recovery 🌀 Rebuilding identity after setbacks 🏆 Annie’s return to competitive squash 🤝 Balancing social life with wellness goalsThis episode is for anyone on a journey to better health — physically, mentally, or emotionally. Annie’s story reminds us that healing isn’t linear, but with patience and purpose, it’s possible.Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/Annie Openshaw - https://www.instagram.com/annieopenshaw/?hl=en

🎙️ Gone Running Podcast | Episode #118In this special episode, we sit down with RunThrough Trails' very own James Tilley for an honest, insightful, and inspiring conversation in collaboration with the RunThrough Trails podcast.Together with host Ben Sheppard, James reflects on his time in Canada, the roots of his passion for the mountains, and the challenges of turning trail dreams into reality on race day. The duo dive deep into what went into organising one of the most emotional and ambitious events on the RunThrough calendar: Morzine.Also hear,🏞️ How James designed and raced his own trail course💥 The behind-the-scenes chaos of delivering an event📈 RunThrough’s vision for European expansion🤯 Navigating setbacks, mental fatigue & last-minute changes🤝 The power of community, connection, and the RunThrough team spiritThis episode pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to run a successful trail event — not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. From planning courses to managing crises, it’s a candid conversation about passion, purpose, and the people who make the sport so special.💬 Whether you're a runner, a race director, or someone who loves a good story about grit and growth, this one’s for you.👇 Hit play, subscribe, and drop us a comment about your own favourite trail experience!Ben Sheppard - https://www.instagram.com/bensheppard93/James Tilley - https://www.instagram.com/jtrunsuk/?hl=en