Claim OwnershipHer Spirit 50:50 What is Possible Podcast
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Welcome to a brand new season of the Her Spirit Podcast hosted by Her Spirit Co-Founders Holly Woodford and Mel Berry and powered by Activ.AI
Her Spirit 50:50 What Is Possible is the podcast that doesn’t hold back. We’re here to expose the hard truths and tackle the global women’s health gap head-on!
We’re talking to the movers and shakers in health, tech, business, politics, and sport to ask:
- Why is the gender gap stealing women’s health and well-being?
- Why are women’s health, sports, and physical activity always left out of the funding conversation?
- And most importantly, what could this world achieve if women finally got their fair share?
Together, we’re tearing down barriers, shaking up the status quo, and exploring the bold steps it’ll take to level the playing field for women and girls everywhere.
So, buckle up—it’s time to make the impossible... possible.
This podcast is powered by Activ.AI - https://www.activai.co.uk/
Leading AI Revolution in Physical Activity.
Activ.AI is redefining how communities move and connect by blending advanced AI, wearable technology, and behavioural science. Activ.AI technology empowers individuals to discover personalised fitness opportunities and build meaningful connections.
Her Spirit - is building a global community for women's activity. Her Spirit is powered by Activ.AI.
https://herspirit.co.uk/Download the FREE Her Spirit app at your app store.
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114 Episodes
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In this inspiring episode of Her Spirit 50:50 - What is Possible, ultra runner and SheRaces founder Sophie Power shares her journey from being an unsporty child to becoming a force for change in women's running. Sophie opens up about the challenges women face in sports, the importance of mental health through physical activity, and her mission to make running more inclusive. She discusses the impact of early experiences on female participation in sports and the crucial need for fe...
In this episode of the Her Spirit podcast, we welcome Chris Brindley, an influential leader in sports, business, and community engagement. Chris shares his journey in sports leadership and explores the evolving landscape of the sector. He highlights the transformative impact of technology, the importance of understanding consumer behavior, and the growing role of women in sports and health advocacy. Chris introduces the concept of three revolutions currently shaping the sports sector—technolo...
In this engaging conversation, Kate shares her inspiring journey from being a NCAA Division One basketball player to becoming a pivotal figure in women's cycling. As the director of women's strategy and partnership at Zwift, she discusses the importance of innovation, community building, and investment in women's sports. Kate highlights the challenges women face in cycling and sports in general, emphasizing the need for equal opportunities, visibility, and representation. The disc...
In this engaging episode, we sit down with Professor Greg Whyte, a renowned sports scientist and advocate for women’s health, as he dives deep into the importance of improving women’s health and increasing their participation in sports. Professor Whyte sheds light on how women’s health positively impacts society, discusses the role of media in shaping health narratives, and emphasises the need for personalised approaches to fitness and wellbeing. Throughout the conversation, Professor W...
In this enlightening conversation, Helen shares her journey of raising awareness about menopause and the importance of supporting women in the workplace. The discussion explores the challenges women face during menopause, the need for better education and support systems, and the impact of menopause on the gender pay gap. Helen highlights the role of community, infrastructure, and holistic health approaches in empowering women and improving their quality of life.The conversation also delves i...
In this enlightening conversation, Gareth Presch discusses the critical importance of women's health and the systemic inequalities that persist in healthcare. He emphasises the need for collaboration, cultural change, and increased funding for women's health initiatives. The discussion covers the root causes of health disparities, including societal norms, economic barriers, and leadership gaps. Gareth advocates for a shift towards preventative health measures and encourages women to ta...
In this powerful episode of the 50:50 What is Possible podcast powered by Activ.AI, we sit down with Grace McNamara—founder, CEO, and global advocate for health and fitness innovation. With over 20 years of experience, including 12 years at Apple leading health initiatives, Grace is on a mission to tackle the global inactivity crisis and unlock the potential of female consumers in shaping the future of health. We dive deep into: 🔥 Why women are still being left behind in health and fitness 💰 ...
What a result! In our final check in with the incredible Donna and Amy, we learn about their spectacular successes over the past 12 weeks. From women who felt like they had lost their way in the world of exercise, with the help of the Her Spirit Community, they have achieved brilliant results beyond anything either of them expected! Her Spirit founders Mel Berry and Holly Woodford share advice and tips around technique, kit and staying on track! In this episode: We hear about the tricky...
“When we are tired, we're very susceptible to sleep procrastination. So try and make decisions about sleep when you are not tired.” Ten weeks into their Her Spirit Challenge, Donna and Amy discuss how much their lives have changed! The Sleep Scientist Dr Sophie Bostock joins Louise Minchin to share her expertise on how to sleep well. In this episode: Amy has completed her first 10km run! How running for the first time after a two year break has changed her lifeHow to deal with those tri...
Donna and Amy are now more than halfway through their commitments to feeling fitter and healthier and are seeing great results, but face some new challenges too. Her Spirit founders Mel Berry and Holly Woodford share advice and tips around technique, kit and staying on track! In this episode: How to mentally prepare for an eventHow to get back on track with exercise if you fall off the wagonThe difference great kit can make to confidence and performanceHow to get fitted for the right saddle o...
Poor fuelling can completely derail your exercise goals. Make sure you make the right decisions! A new week brings new challenges for Donna and Amy, but some breakthroughs too. Top nutritional expert Anita Bean joins the conversation and shares her knowledge on best practice around fuelling for all types of exercise In this episode: “Bad’ runs and PB's - why both of those things happen when we’re trainingThe difference correct fuelling can make to your training and performanceThe best Pre an...
Transformation can seem hard, but results can happen fast! The fitness journey continues with Donna and Amy - two women who, like so many of us, have faced tough challenges to their health and huge demands on their time over the last couple of years. Both of them wanted some help and support in changing their lives and feeling stronger, fitter and healthier. For 12 weeks, we’re following their journeys - the highs and lows, the successes and the challenges - and we&...
It's time to put yourself first in 2023! In this episode meet Donna and Amy - two women who, like so many of us, have faced tough challenges to their health and huge demands on their time over the last couple of years. Both of them wanted some help and support in changing their lives and feeling stronger, fitter and healthier. For next 12 weeks, we’re going to follow them on their journeys - the highs and lows, the successes and the challenges - and we want you to c...
Host Louise Minchin speaks to Dr Annice Mukherjee, top UK hormone specialist & Endocrinologist, Amanda Thebe, Fitness & Menopause Expert & Best-Selling Author: Menopocalypse, Sam Walker, Journalist, Broadcaster, Podcaster & Her Spirit Community Member and Mel Berry, Her Spirit Co-founder. In this episode you will learn: Common symptoms of the menopause.How alcohol affects menopause symptoms.Why lifestyle is so important.You are not alone.Click here to listen to our last...
This episode is about wearing what makes you feel good during exercise. Host Louise Minchin speaks to Richard Edmonds, CEO & Co-founder of Runderwear, Charlotte Thomas, International Brand & Marketing Manager for ZOGGS, Sarah Porter, Her Spirit Open Water Swimming Coach & Runderwear Ambassador and Mel Berry, Her Spirit Co-founder. In this episode you will learn: Why we chafe.How Runderwear works.The importance of a good sports bra.How ZOGGS created their swimsuit fo...
This week is all about the EPIC Lakes to London challenge for Breast Cancer Now. Host Louise Minchin speaks to Her Spirit Co-Founders Mel & Holly about their experience over the three days of intense exercise. Dr Liz O'Riordan, Breast Surgeon, endurance athlete and Lakes to London fundraiser joins the chat along with Breast Cancer Now CEO Delyth Morgan to remind us what the money raised will do for breast cancer patients. Listen now for an incredible story of inspiration. Her Spir...
1This episode is about fuelling your body through your exercise. Host Louise Minchin speaks to Renee McGregor, a leading Sports dietitian, specialising in Eating Disorders & author, Jesse Lambert-Harden, a nutrition expert & fuel coach for Her Spirit, Jane Haden, a Her Spirit community member and Holly Woodford, Her Spirit co-founder. In this episode you will learn: Why carbohydrates are so misunderstood.When to fuel.The importance of your salt balance.How to get involved with Lakes To...
This episode is about breast cancer awareness and the Lakes to London challenge for Breast Cancer Now. Host Louise Minchin speaks to Donna Fraser OBE, four time Olympian sprinter and Breast Cancer Now ambassador, Dr Liz O'Riordan, Consultant Breast Surgeon and Author and Her Spirit community member Lynne Tomlinson How to check your breasts.Why exercise is the key to recovery and remission.How to get involved with Lakes To London.Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the UK. One ...
This episode is all about the exercising through the menopause. Host Louise Minchin speaks to female athlete performance expert, Dr. Stacy Sims, NHS GP and women's health specialist, Dr. Nighat Arif and Her Spirit Co-founder Mel Berry. In this episode we discuss: What the menopause is.Why less time exercising is more beneficial.How to prioritise your exercise.Why strength training really is the number one priority.Couch2Kilos is a free strength challenge designed to help EVERY women get stron...
This episode is our guide to your cycling journey. Host Louise Minchin speaks to cycling coach Michelle Sharland, Her Spirit Community Member and Yorkshire Lass sportive Founder Judith Worrall, World Endurance Athlete and cycling convert Mimi Anderson and Her Spirit Co-founder Mel Berry. In this episode we discuss: How to change a tyreFeeling in control whilst going downhill.Road safety and how to deal with motorists.Working out if cleats are for you.This summer we have teamed up with Rutland...
This episode is our guide to your running journey. Host Louise Minchin speaks to running and triathlon coach and PT Karen Weir, Journalist Bryony Gordon, Presenter and Mental Health Campaigner Shareefa J and Her Spirit Co-founder Holly Woodford. In this episode we discuss: How to decide if running is for you.Practical, professional tips for starting out.Embracing mediocrity and taking the pressure off your running times.Focusing on your running purpose.Give Me 5 https://herspirit.co.uk/give...
This episode is all about open water swimming and host Louise Minchin speaks to Olympic Silver Medallist Keri-anne Payne , Her Spirit Co-founder Mel Berry and Her Spirit community members Gillian and Anna, about: Facing and embracing the fears that open water swimming can bring.Practical, professional tips for beginners and more advanced open water swimmers alike.How to motivate yourself to exercise when work and family demands your time and attention!The positive impacts open water swimming ...
In series 5 of the Her Spirit podcast, journalist and endurance athlete Louise Minchin sits down with members of the Her Spirit community who are taking on extraordinary things, phenomenal coaches who will be supporting them to achieve there dreams, and the co-founder of Her Spirit. This episode is all about swim - bike - run AKA triathlon and Louise speaks to Helen Jenkins Two-time triathlon world champion (2008 & 2011), Her Spirit Co-founder Holly Woodford and Her Spirit community memb...
In this special Feet First February episode of the Her Spirit podcast former BBC Breakfast presenter and podcast host Louise Minchin, talks to Co-founder Mel Berry, Dr Nighat Arif and Hannah Ingram-Moore. Hannah is the the Co-Founder of Maytrix Group and The Captain Tom Foundation, which along with her father and her family, established to ensure the message of hope and kindness he ignited becomes a lasting legacy. Nighat is a family is a GP with a specialist interest in Women’s Healt...
In this special Couch2Kilos episode of the Her Spirit podcast Louise Minchin talks to Co-founder Holly Woodford and the three Her Spirit coaches Becks Oladele, Elle Linton and Mel Young about all things strength. Couch2Kilos challenge, supports our #IAMWOMAN campaign and helps us to shatter some of the taboos around strength training and healthy eating for women. Its a free strength challenge designed to help EVERY women get stronger in 6-weeks. It's a great conversation around all the bene...
In the eighth episode of season four of the Her Spirit podcast BBC Triathlon presenter Annie Emmerson and Her Spirit co-founder Mel Berry talk to Her Spirit co-host Louise Minchin about her life in I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here , leaving the BBC Breakfast Sofa in September and how Her Spirit has supported her in so many ways. Louise is a well-known and respected broadcaster and journalist. Louise presented the UK’s most watched Breakfast programme BBC Breakfast on BBC One for 20 y...
In the seventh episode of season four of the Her Spirit podcast BBC Triathlon presenter Annie Emmerson and Her Spirit co-founder Mel Berry talk to Hannah Ingram-Moore the daughter of Captain Sir Moore. Overnight, Hannah Ingram-Moore became an integral part of 'The World's Greatest Philanthropic Lightning Strike' that saw her late father, Captain Tom Moore, raise £38.9m in three and a half weeks, with donations from 163 countries. In the darkness of the pandemic, the event became a glob...
In the sixth episode of season four of the Her Spirit podcast BBC Triathlon presenter Annie Emmerson and Her Spirit co-founder Mel Berry talk to author and broadcaster Clare Balding, Clare is the winner of the BAFTA Special Award and RTS Presenter of the Year Award for her expert coverage of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Clare Balding is one of Britain's leading broadcasters. She is also a best-selling and award-winning author of numerous books and children’s nove...
In the fourth episode of season four of the Her Spirit podcast Louise Minchin and BBC Triathlon presenter Annie Emmerson talk to Dr Megan Rossi. Dr Megan Rossi, founder of The Gut Health Doctor, is considered one of the most influential gut health specialists internationally. A Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist for the last decade with an award-winning PhD in gut health, which was recognised for its contribution to science, receiving the Dean’s Award for outstanding research. ...
In the fourth episode of season four of the Her Spirit podcast Louise Minchin and BBC Triathlon presenter Annie Emmerson talk to World, European & Two Time Paralympic Rowing Champion Lauren Rowles. Lauren’s remarkable journey began in 2012 at the age of 13 when she woke up one morning paralysed from the waist down. From there She spent the following eight months in hospitals and rehabilitation units trying to regain the use of her legs. Despite being left physically impaired from T...
In the third episode of season four of the Her Spirit podcast BBC Breakfast Louise Minchin and BBC Triathlon presenter Annie Emmerson talk to Olympic open water silver medalists, double world champion and founder for Straight Line Swimming Keri-anne Payne. One of the UK’s best-known open water swimmers, Keri-anne is an Olympic silver medalist and double world champion for the 10km marathon open water event. She has spent a fair bit of her life in the water and is passionate about encouraging...
In the second episode of season four of the Her Spirit podcast BBC Breakfast Louise Minchin and BBC Triathlon presenter Annie Emmerson talk to Paralympic Paratriathlete Champion Lauren Steadman. Lauren is the current Paralympic, World & European Champion – a title which she has won 3 and 6 times respectively. Lauren was born missing her lower right arm, however this has challenged Lauren to be the best she can be, and she relishes the chance to overcome barriers. She has competed at two ...
In the first episode of season four of the Her Spirit podcast BBC Breakfast Louise Minchin and BBC Triathlon presenter Annie Emmerson talk to presenter and author Frankie Bridge. Best known as one-fifth of the UK's leading girl band The Saturdays, it's hard to believe that twenty-nine-year-old Frankie Bridge has been in the entertainment industry for over 15 years. Outside of music, Frankie has established herself as a TV Presenter & Digital Influencer. She hosted ITV1’s Cannonball...
In the twenty fourth episode of season three of the Her Spirit podcast BBC Breakfast Louise Minchin and BBC Triathlon presenter Annie Emmerson talk to former swimmer and coach to Adam Peaty and 8 Olympic medals. Melanie Marshall’s extraordinary international career as a British swimmer started over two decades ago, at the 1995 European Youth Olympics in Bath, where she achieved four gold medals aged only 13. In 2000, her journey with us at Loughborough began when she came here to study...
In the twenty third episode of season three of the Her Spirit podcast BBC Breakfast Louise Minchin and BBC Triathlon presenter Annie Emmerson talk to sailor Tracy Edwards MBE. Tracy was expelled from school at the age of 15 and with no exams or qualifications she left to travel the world. She began working on charter yachts in Greece at the age of 17 and learned how to sail. Tracy took part in her first Whitbread Round the World Race as cook aboard ‘Atlantic Privateer’ in 1985/86 becoming th...
In the twenty second episode of season three of the Her Spirit podcast BBC Breakfast Louise Minchin and BBC Triathlon presenter Annie Emmerson talk to five-time Paralympic Champion, and one of Britain’s best-known para-athletes Hannah Cockcroft MBE. Hannah suffered two heart attacks within the first 24 hours of her life. These cardiac arrests left her with multiple areas of brain damage and a collapsed lung, with doctors questioning how the damage would affect her quality of life. Yet,...
In the twenty first episode of season three of the Her Spirit podcast BBC Breakfast Louise Minchin and BBC Triathlon presenter Annie Emmerson talk to BBC weather presenter Carol Kirkwood. Carol Kirkwood is a British weather presenter, trained by the Met Office, and employed by the BBC, in particular on BBC Breakfast and Victoria Derbyshire. In 2015, she participated in the 13th series of BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing, finishing in 10th place. Her BBC career began when she became par...
In the twenteeth episode of season three of the Her Spirit podcast BBC Breakfast Louise Minchin and BBC Triathlon presenter Annie Emmerson talk to Para climber Anoushé Husain. Anoushé is a champion for all those experiencing barriers and self-limiting beliefs. Born missing her right arm below the elbow, living with multiple health conditions, a cancer survivor, a Muslim and coming from an ethnic minority, Anoushé has never let what society or culture thinks she should do limit her or dictate...
In the nineteenth episode of season three of the Her Spirit podcast BBC Breakfast Louise Minchin and BBC Triathlon presenter Annie Emmerson talk to adventurer Jasmine Harrison. Jasmine is the youngest solo female to row the Atlantic Ocean, and the youngest woman to make the 3,000-mile journey alone. She relished the freedom of doing it all by herself. At just 21, she's the youngest female to have rowed solo across any ocean; she's a trailblazer, a pioneer, somebody that will inspire women an...
In the eighteenth episode of season three of the Her Spirit podcast BBC Breakfast Louise Minchin and BBC Triathlon presenter Annie Emmerson talk to Professional Triathlete Lucy Charles-Barclay. A former competitive swimmer, Great Britain's Lucy Charles-Barclay made the switch to Ironman triathlons and is now a regular contender for top titles. In 2014, Lucy Charles-Barclay decided to enter a triathlon after a 10 year competitive swimming career that included an Olympic Trials final for Great...
In the seventeenth episode of season three of the Her Spirit podcast BBC Breakfast Louise Minchin and BBC Triathlon presenter Annie Emmerson talk to The Sleep Scientist, Dr Sophie Bostock. The Sleep Scientist was launched by Dr Sophie Bostock with the aim of helping more people to sleep well, and thrive. Sophie is a scientist and speaker with a bias for action. Sophie has always been intrigued by why what makes us feel good and function well. She studied medicine at Nottingham Universi...
In the sixteenth episode of season three of the Her Spirit podcast BBC Breakfast Louise Minchin and BBC Triathlon presenter Annie Emmerson talk to Emmy Brunner. Emmy is a Personal Empowerment and Transformation Coach, Psychotherapist, Hypnotherapist, CEO, Author and Speaker with more than 20 years of experience in both the business and clinical worlds. She believes that we’ve all experienced trauma in our lives and that what we refer to now as ‘mental illness’ is actually our response to tho...
In the fifteenth episode of season three of the Her Spirit podcast BBC Breakfast Louise Minchin and BBC Triathlon presenter Annie Emmerson talk to 4 time Olympic medalists Rebecca Adlington OBE. Becky first got into swimming at the age of 3 when her parents wanted her to learn a life skill. She fell in love with it straight away and knew that I wanted to be a swimmer. She has two older sisters who Becky has always looked up to and who inspired her to become competitive but she didn’t th...
In the fourteenth episode of season three of the Her Spirit podcast BBC Breakfast Louise Minchin and BBC Triathlon presenter Annie Emmerson talk to 3 x Winter Olympian Sarah Lindsay. Sarah is a British short track speed skater who has competed at the Winter Olympic Games on three occasions. Lindsay made her debut for the Great Britain team in 1996 and from 2000 was British Ladies Champion for nine consecutive years. A three-time Olympian is now a personal trainer like no other. A European g...
In the thrirteenth episode of season three of the Her Spirit podcast BBC Breakfast Louise Minchin and BBC Triathlon presenter Annie Emmerson talk to founder of MegsMenopause Meg Matthews. Meg turned fifty and began to experience the first symptoms of the menopause. She was shocked at the lack of support and understanding shown to women during this time in their lives and made it her mission to break the stigma around the menopause. An icon of the nineties Brit Pop scene, Meg Mathews is...
In the twelfth episode of season three of the Her Spirit podcast BBC Breakfast Louise Minchin and BBC Triathlon presenter Annie Emmerson talk to former international athlete turned broadcaster Jeanette Kwakye. Jeanette started out in athletics aged 15. Born and bred in East London, she began running for her local club Woodford Green with Essex Ladies. She soon realised her potential and worked her way through the junior ranks to compete for Team GB in her first major junior internation...
In the first of two anniversary episodes of the Her Spirit podcast BBC Breakfast Louise Minchin and BBC Triathlon presenter Annie Emmerson talk to Claire Danson, Deborah James, Stacey Copeland and Maxine Peake. All four guests talk about there challenges over the last twelve months from Stacey Copeland's retirement from boxing, Maxine Peake's acting industry suffering catastrophic affects, Deborah James battles with bowel cancer and the 3am feeling of loneliness and Claire Danson adapt...
In the first of two anniversary episodes of the Her Spirit podcast BBC Breakfast Louise Minchin and BBC Triathlon presenter Annie Emmerson talk to Dr Nighat Arif, Dr Zoe Williams and Prof Greg Whyte. Twelve months on from the start of season two hosted by Louise and Annie, they talk to Nighat, Zoe and Greg about life over the last year and predications for the years ahead. An informal but very informative discussion with three of the UK leading physical activity and medical professionals ab...
In the ninth episode of season three of the Her Spirit podcast BBC Breakfast Louise Minchin and BBC Triathlon presenter Annie Emmerson talk to Mimi Anderson. Mimi is one of the world’s most inspirational female distance runners, having made an incredible journey from stay-at-home mother of three to multiple Guinness World Record Holder. With hard work and determination Mimi has shown that it’s never too late to fulfil your dreams and achieve the impossible. Pushing herself to the limits has ...
In the eighth episode of season three of the Her Spirit podcast BBC Breakfast Louise Minchin and BBC Triathlon presenter Annie Emmerson talk to award winning writer Kate Mosse. Kate is the author of nine novels & short story collections, including the No 1 multimillion selling Languedoc Trilogy - Labyrinth, Sepulchre and Citadel - and No 1 bestselling Gothic fiction including The Winter Ghosts and The Taxidermist's Daughter, which she is currently adapting for the stage. Her books have b...
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