After two years away, the podcast is finally back and this isn’t just a return, the journey never stopped

This is Episode 16, and it felt right to come back with someone who’s been there from the very beginning.

I’m joined by Mike Pyman for a real life catch-up. Not a highlight reel. Not a polished version of events. Just an honest conversation about where we’ve been, where we’re at, and where we’re going.

This episode was recorded back in November, capturing a raw snapshot in time, what had already been done, what we were chasing next, and the mindset required to keep moving forward when things aren’t perfect.

We get into:

• Mike’s journey into fighting, the preparation, the pressure, the discipline, and what it actually takes to step into that environment
• My experience completing a 15K Tough Mudder, the physical challenge, the mental battles, and what it really demands when you push yourself
• What’s still ahead: Mike taking on Endure 24, and me stepping into the Spartan Series, with bigger challenges still to come

But this episode isn’t really about events.

It’s about what sits underneath all of it.

We talk about discipline, not the version people post online, but the real version. The early mornings. The tired sessions. The days where nothing feels good and you still show up anyway.

We talk about motivation and how it’s not something you can rely on. It comes and goes. It fades. It disappears when you need it most. And that’s where discipline has to take over.

We talk about inspiration, how it isn’t found, it’s built. Through reps. Through consistency. Through doing the work long before you feel ready.

And then we get into something deeper.

What success actually feels like.

Because everyone talks about the moment you win. Very few talk about what happens after.

What it feels like to chase something for years… To finally achieve it… To stand at the top of the mountain you once looked up at and realise the feeling doesn’t last.

The noise fades. The excitement drops. Life gets quiet.

And in that silence, you’re faced with a different challenge:

Who are you without the goal? What do you do next? And can you keep going when there’s no external reward waiting for you?

This episode is about that.

About learning to fall in love with the process, not just the outcome. About building something bigger than a single goal. About becoming the kind of person who shows up regardless of how they feel.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not about one race, one fight, or one achievement.

It’s about who you become in the process of chasing it.

No hype. No shortcuts. No pretending it’s easy.

Just the reality of what it takes and what it actually feels like along the way.

The podcast is back.

And this time, we’re building something that lasts.

In this exhilarating episode, we dive into the inspiring story of Bridget Lynn, a once self-proclaimed fitness avoider who transformed into a world champion powerlifter in just two years. Join us as Bridget shares the pivotal moments that sparked their fitness journey, from the struggles of self-doubt and intimidation at the gym to discovering the empowering world of strength training.

Through candid reflections and motivational insights, Bridget discusses the importance of setting clear goals, building a supportive community, and finding the right coaching. We explore the ups and downs of their training, the mental resilience required to overcome obstacles, and the exhilarating feeling of achieving a personal best.

Listeners will be inspired by Bridget's relentless dedication and the life lessons learned along the way, including the power of believing in oneself and the impact of perseverance. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just starting your fitness journey, this episode is a testament to the incredible transformations that can occur when passion meets determination. Tune in and get ready to be motivated to chase your own dreams!

In this episode myself and Mike delve into the world of how to hack your mindset to live your true Abel Lifestyle. This is an episode you truly don't want to miss as the amount of "golden nuggets" that you will take away from this will truly help elevate your life to a whole new level.

What do you feel are issues in today society? Is there an identity crisis and lack of purpose in todays world that are causing all these issues? Just how important routine and habits can be towards mental clarity? Can embracing the uncomfortable lead to greater experiences and relationships? How should you handle confrontation and what is the one single piece of advice you need to hear that will change how you have conversations going forward?

This is hands down the most important and influential conversation you could listen to that will help expand your mindset and self awareness that could change your life. A massive thank you to Mike for coning onto todays episode as he is full of lots of wisdom and knowledge.that will no doubt have a huge positive impact.

In this episode we delve deep into the art of running, how to unlock your unbreakable mindset and get to know the woman who helped coach me for my recent Manchester Marathon Success. We also explore COPD and the positive effects that running can have on respiratory management.

This was an incredibly interesting chat as we got to pick the brains of Ruth Barker who is highly successful within her professional career as well as her reasons as to why she has been so successful within her running career currently. If you want to know how you can start your running journey then this is the episode for you!

A huge thank you to Ruth for not only coming and having an open and realistic surrounding running but, also for all she has done for myself throughout my short running career. Ruth has the most fascinating and positive mindsets there is and has experienced plenty of adventures and stories throughout her life. If you want to be inspired then this is the episode for you!

In this episode we discuss Annie's journey to becoming one of the most feared goal scorers within the Women's National League. We delve deep into all the trials, tribulations and blessings about becoming a mother as well as the stigma behind how it can affect a women's career, that most don't think about. We also speak about Annie's battle with alopecia and scoliosis.

What would you do if you were made to choose between stopping something you love and becoming a parent? Growing up can be difficult enough but, when you're diagnosed with an auto immune disease that makes this more difficult, how does one cope? What does it really feel like when you have that "Pinch me, this doesn't feel real" moment?

A huge thank you to Annie for coming onto the podcast to talk about challenges and successes that many women face which I know no doubt, will help break stigmas, inspire many and get more people talking. Hopefully Annie has paved the way for not only women to continue to go and pursue their dreams regardless of the environment but also for more women to come onto the podcast to tell their incredible story.

In this episode we discuss mens mental health and the ways we can create a better and more supportive environment for them to be more authentic. We delve deep into the simple balance todays generation misunderstand the motto "It's okay not to be okay." Is there a trend with those that struggle with addiction and what is the recovery process like?

What is the simple thing men do that they think is right however, get so wrong? What can you do to support a man you love that is struggling to open up? Do men really need to be strong all the time?

A massive thank you to Seb for this empowering, enlightening and real honest conversation that reiterated to me just how crucial communication and our authentic morals are. If you can take a few things away from todays episode its: Tell someone close to you, that you're grateful for them, organise a coffee with someone and encourage a real honest conversation. Finally stop being so stubborn and "strong" all the time, be vulnerable as all you're doing is affecting your relationships negatively.

In this episode we discuss the challenges that women's football faces and what makes the game truly special. We delve into the life of all the struggles Jamie has faced off the pitch with loss and how he found a new positive perspective from what was his worst day.

How far can one act of generosity go? Just how important is it to be truly self aware and to question deeply why things actually happen in our life? What is the catalyst that will help grow the women's game to another level?

This was an incredibly inspiring conversation with Jamie that made me ask myself more deep and meaningful questions and reaffirmed why we should be more grateful every single day. If there's two things you can do from this episode its "Ask yourself what you are truly grateful for today. Secondly if you've had one person that's given you an opportunity out of nowhere, let them know that you are grateful for it."

In this episode we discuss exactly what you need to know to hack your mindset, how to be your most authentic self as well as build happier and more successful relationships. We also discuss Carltons passions as well as the legacy he is trying to leave through his business ventures.

How do you know when you're experiencing unacceptable behaviours within your relationships? What should we be asking ourselves each and every day to help ourselves feel happier and more fulfilled? Should you accept income for your business if it doesn't sit right with your values?

This conversation completely changed the way I think as well as given me a new perspective on questions I should be asking myself each and every day. If there's one thing you can take away from this episode is... Each and every thing you do, always ask yourself "Does this sit within my own values?"