PODCAST
Welcome to The Mind Game, the podcast where we dive deep into the power of mental resilience — for athletes, professionals, and anyone looking to overcome the odds and unlock their full potential. In each episode, we explore how to tackle stress, anxiety, and mental blocks with proven strategies, expert insights, and real-life stories.
Ready to master your mind and master your game?
Let’s get started.
Introducing the line up of inspiring guest speakers for the podcast so far:
Something or Nothing: A Chat with Rhodd Hughes:
In this episode, I chat with Rhodd Hughes – personal trainer, physiotherapist, and entrepreneur – about the pressure to be 'perfect' when it comes to training, time management, and running a business. Rhodd shares her ‘something over nothing’ philosophy – a kinder, more realistic approach to health and life goals.
We talk about self-sabotage, learning to say no, and why small steps can make a big difference. If you’ve ever felt like everything has to be 100% before you can even start, this is the episode for you.
Please note: This conversation is in Welsh.
Full Speed, Full Focus: Inside Mikayla Parton's Mind Game.
In this episode, I’m thrilled to introduce Mikayla Parton, a professional downhill mountain biker who has quickly made a name for herself in the competitive world of racing. Mikayla, originally from Fort William, Scotland, has rapidly progressed from a beginner to an elite competitor, securing impressive results in some of the toughest races on the planet.
Mikayla’s journey into mountain biking is an inspiring one – transitioning from skiing to downhill racing at the age of 18, she found her passion and quickly started competing at high levels. In 2020, she placed 5th at the UCI Downhill World Championships, competing against the world’s best and proving her talent and resilience.
In this episode, Mikayla shares how she balances the intense demands of training, racing, and preparation for high-stakes events, while also looking after her physical and mental health. She dives into the challenges of managing pressure, staying motivated, and the mindset required to excel in a sport like downhill mountain biking.
If you're an athlete or anyone who faces high-pressure situations, Mikayla’s story is a must-listen. Her journey is a testament to dedication, overcoming adversity, and pushing through limits. Tune in for her unique insights into building resilience, staying motivated, and performing under pressure – all while pursuing a passion that pushes her to the edge.
Fit for the Fight: Kellie Lambert's journey through cancer & autism parenting.
In this episode, I’m speaking with Kel Lambert, also known as the "One Boob Runner" on Instagram. Kel is a mother of two autistic children, a breast cancer survivor, and someone who has found strength in running and rowing.
Kel doesn’t see her story as anything extraordinary – she just gets on with things. But her journey is one of true resilience. In this episode, she shares how she balances parenting, overcame cancer, and uses sport to keep herself strong – physically and mentally.
If you're looking for an honest, no-nonsense conversation about facing challenges and keeping going, this is for you.
Master of the Dojo:
Master Paul Summers on Discipline, Resilience & the Next Generation
In this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Paul Summers, the owner and head instructor of Seven Star Martial Arts & Fitness in Neath. Originally from Brecon, Paul now resides in Skewen, Neath Port Talbot, and is committed to providing high-quality martial arts instruction to individuals of all ages. His mission is to help students improve fitness, flexibility, strength, coordination, self-confidence.
In our conversation, Paul shares his journey in martial arts, the philosophy behind Seven Star Martial Arts & Fitness, and how Tang Soo Do can positively impact various aspects of life. Whether you're interested in starting martial arts or curious about its benefits, this episode offers valuable insights.
Running Against the Odds: A Conversation with Naz Khan
Training Through Ramadan, Challenging Perceptions, and Normalising Disabled Running
This episode was recorded a few weeks before the 2025 London Marathon with the inspiring Naz Khan – also known as @naztheblindrunner on Instagram. Naz is a visually impaired runner who has made it her mission to normalise disabled running and show what's possible with the right mindset and support.
We talk about her experience training through Ramadan, the unique role guide runners play in her journey, and her incredible challenge of running twelve half marathons in twelve months – all in support of VICTA UK, a charity that empowers blind and partially sighted children and young adults (ages 0–29) and their families across the UK.
If you'd like to follow Naz’s journey, head to Instagram and follow @naztheblindrunner.
From Eczema to Empowerment: Abigail Douglas on Healing, Purpose & Pockets of Wellbeing
How one woman turned chronic illness into a journey of self-discovery, coaching, and everyday joy.
In this deeply personal and inspiring episode, I sit down with Abigail Douglas, a holistic life coach and founder of The Wellbeing Garden, to explore her powerful journey from burnout and chronic eczema to self-healing and a life of purpose.
Abigail shares how a life-changing yoga retreat in Italy opened her eyes to the importance of tuning inwards, and how simple but consistent tools like journaling, meditation, and "pockets of wellbeing" transformed her health, career, and mindset.
We talk about learning to listen to your inner wisdom, navigating career changes, the reality of self-care as a mum, and how small, intentional steps can nurture even the biggest dreams.
Whether you’re feeling stuck, juggling too much, or just ready for a shift, this episode will give you the motivation—and the practical tools—to reconnect with what lights you up.
Into the Margins: Crack Climbing, Mindset & Resilience with Tom Randall
World‑class crack climber Tom Randall on tackling extreme routes, embracing pain, mastering mental toughness and coaching performance.
In this episode of The Mind Game, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Tom Randall — one of the world’s leading crack climbers and co-founder of Lattice Training.
Tom’s known for pushing himself to the edge physically and mentally, whether that’s hanging upside down on a horizontal roof crack or dreaming up wild endurance challenges that most of us wouldn’t dare attempt. But what struck me most in our conversation was his honesty about fear, failure, and how mindset plays a central role in every climb he takes on.
We spoke about:
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How a finger injury led him down the unlikely path of crack climbing
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What it really means to train for pain tolerance and not just strength
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How he reframes discomfort, fear, and failure
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The mental side of elite climbing — and how Lattice Training is changing the way athletes train for psychological performance
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Why enjoying the process matters more than any result
Whether you’re an athlete, a coach, or just someone who’s fascinated by the mental side of performance, I think you’ll love this episode. It’s a raw, inspiring look into what it takes to operate at the edge — and to keep coming back for more.
Dean Hall: The Wild Cure – Swimming Back to Life
From cancer patient to record-breaking open-water swimmer, a story of courage, nature, and second chances.
In this episode of The Mind Game, I’m joined by Dean Hall — all the way from Oregon, USA — author of The Wild Cure and a man whose story will inspire you to rethink what’s possible. After being diagnosed with two forms of cancer and told there was no cure, Dean turned to open-water swimming and nature as a way to heal, both physically and mentally. His journey took him from hospital beds to record-breaking swims in some of the world’s wildest waters. We talk about resilience, finding purpose when life feels impossible, and how the mind can guide the body to achieve extraordinary things.
From Near-Death to Ultra Endurance: Tim Pigott’s 25-Year Journey to UTMB
How a car crash survivor defied the odds to become an elite ultra-runner and record-breaking athlete.
In this inspiring episode of The Mind Game, I sit down with endurance coach and elite ultra-runner Tim Pigott, just days before he takes on the legendary Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB). Tim’s story is extraordinary: 25 years ago, he was told he would never walk again after a devastating car crash left him with multiple fractures and a 10% chance of survival. Against all odds, Tim not only relearned how to walk but went on to complete Ironmans, break course records in ultramarathons, and become a sponsored Scarpa athlete.
We talk about resilience, mindset, and the mental strategies that carried him from a hospital bed to some of the toughest races in the world. Tim shares his techniques for staying focused under pressure—like chunking, reframing setbacks, and visualising success—and offers practical advice for anyone facing injury, setbacks, or self-doubt.
If you’ve ever wondered how far the human mind and body can be pushed, this conversation will leave you rethinking what’s possible.
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Mindset, Marathon, and Mastery: Jess Piasecki on Thriving Under Pressure
Olympian and academic Dr. Jess Piasecki shares her journey, mindset strategies, and how to thrive under pressure.
In this episode of The Mind Game, I speak with Dr. Jess Piasecki, Olympian marathon runner and Associate Professor of Female Physiology. Jess takes us through her incredible journey from playing hockey as a child to representing Team GB at the Tokyo Olympics, and balancing elite sport with an academic career.
We dive into her mental strategies for coping with the pressures of elite competition, how she finds joy in sport even after retiring from professional running, and the lessons she’s learned about resilience, preparation, and staying true to your values. Jess also shares insights from her work in the Female Athlete Development Program at Nottingham Trent University, helping the next generation of athletes thrive both mentally and physically.
Whether you’re an athlete, a professional looking to improve focus and resilience, or someone navigating high-pressure environments, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you master your mind and your game.