Evolve Pod

Welcome to Episode 2 of our captivating mini-series on Human Performance! In today's instalment, we sit down with the remarkable Ollie Frost, a former professional rugby player turned sports therapist and end-stage rehabilitation practitioner. Ollie's journey is a fascinating exploration of the intersection between elite sports and holistic well-being. Throughout the years, Ollie's diverse skill set and holistic approach to health have woven their way into the fabric of Mindful Elements' wellbeing offerings. His passion lies in optimising the performance of individuals and groups, both in their professional and personal lives, by seamlessly integrating the most effective healing methods. Today's conversation is a deep dive into the multifaceted world of Ollie Frost. We'll be unraveling the chapters of his life as a pro rugby player, navigating the challenging transition from the rugby field to the wellbeing space. We'll also explore the profound impact of chronic inflammation on our overall well-being, delve into the realm of corporate wellbeing, and discover how anxiety, when understood, can become a superpower. I must say, recording this episode with Ollie was an absolute pleasure. His wealth of knowledge and experience were delivered with a calm and engaging demeanour that left a lasting impression. I'm eagerly anticipating the moment when I can listen back to this enlightening conversation. So, without further ado, let's jump into Episode 2 of Human Performance with the incredible Ollie Frost

Episode one of a mini series on Human Performance featuring Jonny Huntington. Jonny is a world class Elite Para skier, climber and explorer, former army officer and ultra runner. Only recently Jonny has finished a 350km 11 day ultra marathon from Manchester to London 2014 was a pivotal point in Jonny’s life after suffering a bleed on the brain, causing paralysis from the neck down to his left side. After vigorous and extensive rehabilitation Jonny was discharged from the Army and trained his way to representing GB in disabled cross country skiing. However the biggest challenge is yet to come. Jonny is setting his sights on becoming the first becoming the first ever disabled person to travel from the edge of Antarctica to the South Pole solo, unsupported and unassisted! Jonny is a sports scientist with a keen interest in psychology, nutrition and physiology. As well as being a performance coach to athletes and leaders alike. ”First and foremost, I’m an athlete. My injury hasn’t changed this. It may cause me to rethink my approach towards training or a certain event, but intrinsically the challenge is the same – with the right attitude and hard work, anything is achievable”

Episode 39 with Andrea Fawell. This episode brings to the pod a very accomplished athlete. Andrea and I have been working together for a while now and as a team, have already hit some notable success, including the Summer Spine race, a 268 mile continuous ultra marathon. But there is so much more to Andrea! Having completed various Ironman triathlons, Ultra runs including the infamous Marathon Des Sables and the Devizes to Westminster Kayak challenge, Andrea is now on a mission to help understand the effects of climate change on the Polar Ice caps and beyond. We talk adventure, challenges, perception of self and much much more. As ever, take a listen, learn and grow.

Episode 38 with pod favourite Dan Walmsley. I wanted to get Dan back on to start to open that box of Wellbeing. I hear the term bounded around quite a lot these days, but what does it really mean and how can we apply wellbeing into our own lives? We have broken it down into 4 key pillars to help you understand the key areas of looking out for yourself and allowing yourself to grow. Have a listen to Dan and I talk through: Physical Wellbeing Nutritional Wellbeing Emotional Wellbeing Financial Wellbeing How do these affect you? Listen, learn and grow.

Episode 37 with Nick Kershaw. What an energetic and positive episode this proved to be! Nick is the founder and dynamism behind Impact Marathon, a running events business on a mission to use the simple power of running to uplift and empower runners and communities all over the world. In this episode we get into the driving forces behind impact marathon and the impact one can have on global communities. We also get into the real life challenges of running your own business and transitioning from full time employment into self employment and how keeping on top of ones wellbeing is a key marker to succeed. We finish on the importance of sticking to your core values, both personally and professionally. Loved it. Listen, learn, grow. https://www.impactmarathon.com/ instagram: @impactmarathon @nkjershaw

Episode 36 with Darren Edwards. I've been looking forward to this chat for quite some time. Darren's story is one of trauma, pain, growth success and much much more! In 2016 Darren suffered life changing injuries in a climbing accident in North Wales. Adventure was a massive part of Darrens identity pre accident. we discuss what adventure means to Darren now and how he has managed to undertake some insane challenges thus far such as Kayaking from Lands End to John O'groats, with more on the horizon such as the Iconic 7 in 7 in 7 (7 marathons, 7 days, 7 continents). We also talk quite openly about the journey of emotional rebuild and setbacks as Darren has adapted over the last 7 years. Tragically Darren lost his dad to suicide in 2021 and as ever, it's fantastic to hear someone turn such tragedy into amazing positivity. I look forward to sharing this pod with you. Take a listen, learn and grow.

Episode 35 with Pete Crocombe. Pete and I seem to be cut from similar cloth. We're both heavily involved in sport and in particular, running. However we both see the massive value that sport and participation plays in mental health and wellbeing. Tragically and suddenly Pete's father Paul took his own life in February 2020. This is a story of how something truly harrowing has been turned into a beautiful mechanism for change, for influencing and inspiring people to make changes to habits and lifestyle through sport, exercise and physical health. Starting on 26th March 2022 and finishing less than 7 days later, Pete, Gus, Liam and Jack ran 90 minute shifts from Lands end to John O'Groats covering 1450kms and roughly twice the elevation of Everest. What an epic and amazing feat of endurance! we discuss the reasons why and what drives Pete to continue to live his life in the memory of his amazing father Paul. If you would like to find out more, please follow this linkhttps://linktr.ee/mentalmiles where you can donate to help more people improve their mental and physical wellbeing. Listen, learn and grow.

Episode 34 with Graeme Walker, fellow snowboarder, outdoor enthusiast and mountain lover. In this episode we go pretty deep. it's always good chatting with like minded people about the good things in life, such as snow sports, adventure and mountains. But it's equally inspiring to confront less discussed themes, imposter syndrome, stress and how Graeme manages the day to day grind and pressure of the corporate world. Graeme is the founder of https://www.theforgeblog.co.uk/ an inspirational hub showcasing that greatness, resilience and perseverance are around us all the time. Through adventure, through conversation and through being active Graeme has literally forged his way about life and it really is quite refreshing! Have a listen, learn and grow

Just before Christmas I spoke with Chris, Phil, Si and Sonny as they were days away from setting off for their mammoth challenge, rowing across the Atlantic. It's February now and they have been back on land for a couple of weeks so I took the opportunity to get 3 of the guys back on the pod to find out how the row went. We talk the highs and lows of ocean rowing, the hardships endured, particularly for Phil, and how teamwork plays a huge roll in achieving great successes. The whole challenge was undertaken to raise money for The starlight foundation who supported Phil's daughter, Isla, through her Leukaemia treatment. Phil undertook this challenge personally to bring himself closer to Isla, to understand the hardship she went through as a young girl being treated for such an awful disease. It's great to hear Phil talk so openly about his bond with his now very healthy and flourishing daughter. To find out more about the team, Starlight UK and how to donate, please visit https://www.atlanticflyers2021.com/ Great to have the boys back on the pod, take a listen, learn and grow. The Evolve Pod is hosted and produced by TriSwimCoaching.com - the home of expert swimming, open water and triathlon coaching for all abilities in Oxfordshire!  the pod is also powered and supported by Notepad! They are a kickass Birmingham based branding agency who formulate crystal clear strategy alongside jaw-dropping design to make your brand truly UNBEATABLE! Check them out via their website @notepadstudio.com As a little bonus for you, I have also team up with The Fell Store, an independent business created in lockdown to inspire more people to enjoy the mental and physical benefits of nature and the outdoors. Providing tasty, lightweight, dehydrated and freeze dried meals. Ideal for any outdoor adventure. Use promo code Evolve15 on checkout to get 15% off all meals

Jason Lewis, explorer, adventurer and author, was the first person to ever complete a Global circumnavigation by human power - A 13-year, 46,505-mile journey across five continents, two oceans, and one sea using human power: walking, cycling, and rollerblading the landmasses, and kayaking, rowing, swimming and pedalling a boat across the oceans. In amongst this are stories of survival, resilience and fulfilment. Jason and I get into what it means to have an adventure, what resilience really means and what he has learnt from far flung and remote cultures that shape his view on global change and sustainability. More recently, Jason and his wife Tammie succeeded in their unique Cymru 360 - A 650-mile zero carbon circumnavigation of Wales exploring inspiring examples of sustainable living solutions. These individuals exemplify our belief that transition to a sustainable future starts with ordinary people taking local action and driving change from the bottom up. I hope we can all make changes on an individual level to start making big changes in the inevitable fight against climate change and making sure this planet has a bright and blossoming future for us all. Listen, learn and grow