S6 E2 Wellbeing with Manny in conversation with Lee Mead

TW: Weight and weight loss, men's mental health  You guys know me by now, I am a sucker for a PT called Jonny (longtime listeners will get that joke!) So here is the brilliant Jonny Peterson - personal trainer, entrepreneur, podcast host, fellow parent at the school gate and one of the most insightful voices in the health and fitness space. At school, Jonny was highly academic, an A-grade mathematician with a future that many expected would follow a more conventional path. In this honest conversation, he reflects on the pressure of academic expectations and what he has learned from not pursuing the version of success he once thought was destined for him. It's a powerful reminder that our greatest achievements don't always come from the paths we originally planned. Jonny opens up about his relationship with his body, food and mental health, sharing the challenges he has faced over the years and how those experiences have shaped the coach and person he is today. His vulnerability and self-awareness make for a refreshing conversation about what wellbeing really looks like beyond appearance and performance. As someone deeply passionate about helping people, Jonny is also unafraid to challenge some of the myths, fads and outright "BS" that can be found within the personal training industry. Together, we discuss the importance of evidence-based coaching, realistic expectations and building habits that support long-term health rather than chasing quick fixes. Fast forward to 2026, and Jonny has built a thriving personal training business and is the host of The Everyday Athlete Podcast, where he continues to educate, inspire and challenge the way people think about health and fitness. We also dive into the world of social media - the good, the bad and the ugly. Jonny shares his thoughts on the opportunities social media provides, as well as the dangers of comparison culture, misinformation and the pressure to present a perfect image online. One particularly fascinating part of our conversation focuses on the rise of the so-called "skinny jab" phenomenon. Jonny offers a balanced perspective on the growing popularity of weight loss injections, discussing both the opportunities and the concerns surrounding their use, while emphasising the importance of sustainable lifestyle habits alongside any intervention. For those looking to improve their health, Jonny also shares some practical advice for anyone wanting to start strength training. His message is simple but powerful: fitness doesn't need to be complicated. Consistency beats perfection every time. One of my favourite takeaways from our conversation was Jonny's philosophy that true wellbeing is built on three key foundations: nutrition to replenish, weight training to strengthen and a positive mindset to thrive. It's an approach that cuts through the noise and focuses on the fundamentals that genuinely support long-term health. I LOVE Jonny – he is an expert in his field and to top it all off, he is a really lovely guy. One downside – he's not a major musicals fan but his son is so we’ll let him off!  Follow Jonny on Instagram @jonnypetersonpt  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TW: Addiction, loss, grief This week’s episode is with the incredibly talented and all round lovely human Ore Oduba. Oduba is an award winning broadcaster, television presenter, actor and one of the UK's most recognisable media personalities. Many people know Ore Oduba as the much loved winner of Strictly Come Dancing 2016, particularly for that unforgettable Jive with Joanne Clifton, which earned a perfect score of 40 and remains one of the most iconic performances in the show's history. Since then, Ore has become a familiar face and voice across numerous television and radio programmes. More recently, he has enjoyed a hugely successful career in musical theatre, fulfilling a lifelong passion for performance with acclaimed roles in the West End and UK tours. But beyond the spotlight lies a deeply personal journey that he's now bravely sharing. We explore the realities of p*rn addiction, the crushing weight of shame, and the sheer exhaustion that comes from concealing struggles. Ore speaks openly about reaching a point where he realised, he no longer wanted to live under the burden of secrecy. Together, we discuss how letting go of shame became one of the most important steps in his recovery, allowing space for greater self-compassion, forgiveness and meaningful action.  At the heart of our conversation is family. Ore reflects movingly on his desire to be better for his children and how becoming the father he wanted them to see inspired him to seek lasting change. We also celebrate the remarkable career that has brought so much joy to audiences across the country. Ore shares insights from his journey through broadcasting and television, as well as his lifelong love of musical theatre. Ore has starred in many musicals including his debut in the West End, Curtains, Grease, Rocky Horror, Pretty Woman, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Young Frankenstein. This career path has reignited the passion for musical theatre that had been with him since childhood. We explore the courage it took to step onto the musical theatre stage, the excitement of embracing a new creative challenge, and how performing continues to be a source of purpose, connection and joy in his life. This episode is a powerful reminder that vulnerability is a strength rather than a weakness, and that real transformation begins when we stop hiding and start healing. Ore's story of recovery, resilience and redemption offers hope to anyone carrying the weight of shame and demonstrates the freedom that comes from choosing honesty, self-forgiveness and growth. Ore is a beautiful human! What a privilege this was! I can't imagine the amount of people he continues to help by speaking up and speaking out, we salute you....and we love you!! x@oreodubaofficial Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’m delighted to welcome the incredibly talented Lee Mead to Wellbeing with Manny in conversation with.... Lee first captured the hearts of the nation when he won Any Dream Will Do and stepped into the iconic role of Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. What followed was a phenomenal career that has seen him become one of the UK’s most respected and versatile performers, starring in leading West End productions including Wicked, Legally Blonde and Chicago, as well as building a hugely successful career in television. Many viewers will know Lee from his much-loved role as Ben "Lofty" Chiltern in Holby City and Casualty, where he spent years on our screens becoming a familiar and popular face with audiences across the country. However, beyond the impressive list of credits, Lee has earned an equally strong reputation within the industry for being one of its genuinely kindest people. Time and again, colleagues, performers and fans speak about his warmth, generosity and humility. In an industry that can often feel competitive and demanding, Lee is proof that talent and kindness can go hand in hand. In our conversation, we explore the realities of life in the spotlight, the challenges and rewards of sustaining a career in the performing arts, and the importance of looking after your wellbeing along the way. Lee shares insights from his remarkable journey, reflects on the lessons he has learned through success and setback, and talks openly about resilience, confidence, staying grounded and maintaining perspective. This is a warm, honest and inspiring discussion with a performer whose career spans stage and screen, but whose greatest strength may well be the compassion and authenticity he brings to everything he does. This was a beautiful conversation, and I am so grateful for your time!  Thank you, Lee x, @leemead_official  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

FRIENDS!!!!! Welcome back to series 6 of Wellbeing with Manny in conversation with........to start the new series I am just dropping in with a few teasers to get us excited for the series ahead! Here’s to another great series! Thank you so much for being by my side.  Wellbeing with Manny in conversation with Series 6....ACTIVATE  I love you all, Manny x  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Many of you know the special relationship I have with the High Performance podcast and how supportive they have been of me and my journey into podcasting. I have appeared as a listener guest on their podcast and joined them on stage for two dates during their 2023 Live Tour. It was a total honour to be able to sit down with Damian and chat for this special series 5 bonus episode.  In this inspiring episode, renowned author, speaker, and co-host of the High Performance Podcast, Damian Hughes explores the intersection of elite performance and personal wellbeing. Damian shares powerful insights drawn from years of studying world-class performers—from athletes to business leaders—and reveals how the principles of high performance can be applied to everyday life to boost mental health, resilience, and fulfilment. We discover the incredibly close parallels between the sporting world and the entertainment industry and Damian, as always generously shares some gems for our listeners.   Damian talks about his childhood and all the incredible lessons his dad taught him through his exceptional career as a boxing coach. We discuss the phenomenal success of the High Performance Podcast and how the mission has changed and evolved over the years.  Damian shares his favourite episode, and I even end the podcast with a taste of his own medicine by asking the closing questions from his own podcast!  Whether you're striving for excellence in your career, personal life, or simply seeking more balance, this conversation offers practical wisdom and uplifting energy to help you live and lead with intention. Thank you to Damian and the whole of the High Performance Podcast team for being such an incredible bunch of humans who really do practice what they preach.  It is not lost of me how lucky I am to have them in my corner being my cheerleaders. Forever Grateful! Thank you Damian x Follow the High Performance Podcast and all its partner podcasts on www.thehighperformancepodcast.com Damian Hughes www.liquidthinker.com Instagram - @liquidthinker @highperformance  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this beautiful and somewhat familiar series 5 finale, Manny chats to our favourite leading man, Matt Mills, for a powerful and uplifting conversation. As the journey of this series comes to a close, Matt reminds us of something simple yet profound: look up. Not just at the destination—but during the journey itself. Because sometimes, the most beautiful moments happen when we lift our heads and take in what’s around us. Matt opens up about the practices that have helped him stay grounded and resilient: ✨ Leading with gratitude 🧠 The transformative power of therapy 💪 The gym as a space for mental clarity and physical strength He shares how therapy has supported him through trickier moments of realisation, and how it’s okay to take up space—others do, and you can too. With honesty and heart, Matt reflects on his journey and the discipline it takes to pursue your dreams. Now stepping into his biggest role yet as a West End leading man in MJ the Musical, Matt talks ambition, future aspirations, and the importance of walking the path you were truly meant to follow. As he says, “Ambition is the idea of the dream you want—paired with hard work and diligence.” Matt Mills, we love you—and we’re so, so proud of your achievements so far. 💫 Stay tuned for the Series 5 bonus episode coming soon!!!  Follow Matt Mills on Instagram @millzilla_   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with florist, creator, and curator Stacey Hartley to explore her personal journey through mental health and the challenges of performance anxiety. Stacey opens up about the pivotal life shifts that guided her away from a once-beloved career and toward a more intentional path rooted in creativity and healing. With grace and vulnerability, she shares how anxiety shaped her day-to-day life—and how she learned to navigate it without letting it define her.  Stacey embraced a simple but powerful mantra: just say yes. That shift led her to discover new rhythms of joy—like her daily, non-negotiable walks, which end at a soul-nourishing choir practice, run by Wellbeing with Manny favourite and Series 2 guest Cat Ogden. Singing once brought anxiety; now it brings freedom.  Stacey generously shares how reclaiming joy through creativity, nature, and community helped her bloom again. A tender reminder that healing isn’t always loud, but it’s deeply felt. Join us as Stacey weaves beauty, purpose, and connection into every petal of life. This episode is a gentle reminder that growth often blooms in unexpected places. Stacey, you’re a joy—thank you for gracing the podcast with your presence. May your journey continue to blossom beautifully – that's enough of the flower puns don’t you think?!!! Connect with Stacey via: www.staceyhartley_florals @staceyhartley_florals    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ellie from Ultimate Health by Ellie is the perfect guest for Wellbeing with Manny in conversation with.......she is a ray of sunshine on any day! Ellie’s passion for supporting people to live their best lives is steeped in her mission to educate, support and advise people to assist with boosting energy, helping support gut health, build lean muscle, look and feel younger and help with sustainable weight loss.  Ellie has been on her own journey to uplevel her life over the past few years. From a girl with a dream of becoming a vet to becoming a primary school teacher, Ellie has learnt much along the way that has brought her to a life of service and purpose in the wellness space. Ellie’s refreshing non-judgemental, moderation approach is accessible, inclusive and importantly, achievable.  She specialises in supporting women, especially those over 40, with science-based evidence. Ellie has such a passion and care for what she offers and is a wonderful role model within a difficult industry flooded with what we SHOULD and SHOULDN’T be doing! The nutrition and fitness space can feel inaccessible for some but not with Ellie. Ellie shares her top tips for making small changes to your health and lifestyle. We touch upon unhelpful messaging from our youth including some of the food myths out there and importance of finding the right exercise for you! We talk about how food makes you feel as opposed to ‘good’ and ‘bad’ labels (just like our good friend Jonny Landels, WWM favourite!) Ellie is also the queen of making healthy food choices on a budget....making it truly accessible for all! Ellie you gorgeous Nicole Kidman lookalike you!! We love you! (Go see her she's the double!)Thank you for the inspiration! Find Ellie on Instagram @ultimatehealthbyellie    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emma is both my Leeds lass sister and my sister in wellbeing, as we go from Wellbeing with Manny to Wellbeing with Emma! Emma and I met in the crazy time that was summer 2020 when we were forced to complete our wellbeing training online! Despite that, it was a beautiful journey with an amazing and supportive group of women.  Emma is a wellbeing coach, energy healer and yoga teacher who also runs retreats......dreamy!! She supports women who are feeling low in energy, uninspired and stuck, to find their reset and recharge, ready for more focus, more joy and more action.  Emma generously shares her inspiring story which began 10 years ago when Emma had a high powered, stressful corporate job and found herself extremely unwell with stress and chronic pain. Emma was also suffering from recurring laryngitis, unable to speak for weeks on end.  Having reached absolute breaking point Emma enrolled on a mindfulness course which was to result in life changing consequences. Her mindfulness teacher was also a yoga teacher so in a bid to slow down and listen to her body more, Emma enrolled on that too and within a matter of weeks, Emma realised ‘it wasn't her body that was broken, it was her brain’. More validation of this was to come when her speech therapist to whom she was referred regarding the laryngitis, further stated that this was a clear case of stress. During the course of this reflection during her mindfulness and yoga classes Emma found that she was being called more and more to this work and the passion to support other women in burn out felt like a whisper from the universe requesting her to follow this purpose led life of service.  Emma now works as a full-time wellbeing coach, energy healer, reiki master and yoga teacher who has designed some the best packages for women who need support, including some fabulous reset retreats.  Emma also shares with us the magic of crystals and how to begin to harness their power.....something I LOVE so much!  Emma this conversation was like a huge hug from a best mate from high school. Full love, full inspiration and full-on Yorkshire!  Thank you Queen! To find out more and to access some FREE support from Emma go to: Wellbeing With Emma Instagram - @wellbeing.with.emma    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Polite warning: Whilst we do not believe that sex should be taboo – hence this next conversation, I do acknowledge that some of you may listen in the car or on a speaker at home so just politely letting you know that we explicitly talk about sex in the conversation.  Carla Crivaro is one of my newest and most favourite friends that I have found over the past year. I love being in her company and she really has been an absolute gem from day one of our friendship. Carla primarily supports couples who maybe feel disconnected sexually and would like more emotional and physical intimacy, maybe they used to enjoy sex and would love to find that long lost spark and create more pleasure.   Carla supports people who want to find love however find themselves in a pattern where they are repeating negative cycles, therefore having some issues when selecting a ‘good’ long term partner.  It was really important to me to be reminded, and remind the listeners, that there should be no stigma when it comes to sex. Sex is normal and a part of our human connection, if we so choose it to be. More than that, sex should be something pleasurable and that we feel we can open up conversations about in order for us to truly advocate for what we want, something that for a long time women especially find hard to do. We talk about the shame women carry around sex and its origins and how opening up about desires can be liberating and in turn increase the ability to fully let go and unleash the goddess within! Carla talks about the differences between men and women's needs in the bedroom and has some really good practical help around how to start those conversations.  This is a brand new sidestep for me and truly a one of kind conversation for Wellbeing with Manny in conversation with.....and I am thrilled that we can bring this conversation to the listeners, safe in the knowledge that it will help break down any unnecessary barriers. As Carla says, With pleasure! We love you queen x Reach Carla on Instagram @the.sexuality.sanctuary Or her website www.carlacrivaro.com  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.