Great British Adventures

What if joy isn't something you earn after you've fixed your life - but the thing that helps you build it in the first place?This week I'm joined by life coach, retreat host and founder of The Joy Project, Meg Holloway.After leaving a corporate career and moving to the Lake District, Meg trained as a coach and built a business around a simple but powerful idea: joy is not the reward at the end of the journey - it's the strategy that helps you navigate it. In this conversation we explore how Meg transformed herself from someone who describes her younger self as "proper glass half empty" into a coach who helps people get out of their own way and take action on the things that matter most. We talk about:Why so many people are waiting for permission before they start the business, launch a project, change careers or pursue the life they really want. Meg's philosophy of "messy action" and how tiny imperfect steps build self-trust far more effectively than endless planning. Fear of failure, fear of judgement and the stories we tell ourselves that keep us stuck.Why community, connection and finding "your people" matters more than ever. Why learning to "date yourself" can be one of the most powerful things you do.Finding joy during one of the most difficult periods of her life following a serious health challenge, and why that experience ultimately reinforced everything she teaches.If you've ever felt stuck, waited for permission, or wondered whether it's too late to make a change, I think you'll get a lot from this one.Follow Meg: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/megg.holloway/⁠Support the podcast: Get a whopping 65% off your first Gousto box at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=TOM42277653⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mentioned in the Podcast:The Joy Project: https://www.instagram.com/thejoyprojectcoach/The Joy Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3guaT24uvN1gky41cYfLe7?si=c1f9d15084674cf4Join the mailing list:⁠⁠⁠https://substack.com/@tombryanyeah?utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page⁠⁠⁠Get in contact:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/tombryanyeah/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/greatbritishadventurespodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@tombryanyeah⁠⁠⁠ChaptersChapters:00:00 Intro01:58 Life in the Lakes16:50 Training to be a Life Coach23:04 Joy is the strategy, not the reward33:03 How to chance a mindset39:08 Overcoming Cringe47:58 The Joy Project52:21 You're not stuck, you're just waiting for permission56:25 Take messy action01:01:15 Pause, pivot, progress01:04:00 The Strech Zone01:11:20 Dating yourself01:22:30 Bossing life on your own01:38:24 Meg's recent health scare01:53:20 Meeting someone01:57:01 The problem with dating apps

Danny Bent has spent years chasing adventure.From ultra-endurance survival challenges to being marooned on a deserted island in the Maldives, he's built a life around pushing boundaries and stepping into the unknown.But recently, his focus has shifted.The next challenge isn't about going further, faster, or enduring more. It's about becoming more human.In this deeply personal conversation, Danny reflects on a journey that began with an ayahuasca retreat and led him towards what he calls his "primal age" - a growing desire to reconnect with the experiences that shaped us long before modern life arrived.We talk about swimming in near-freezing water, spending a week alone in a remote Norwegian cabin, learning to hunt deer, disconnecting from technology, the importance of play, self-love, masculinity, and why shared adversity brings people together like nothing else.At its heart, this is a conversation about stripping life back to its essentials. Less noise. Less distraction. More presence, connection and adventure.Because perhaps the wildest thing we can do in the modern world is return to what made us human in the first place.Listen to Danny's previous recording, here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2jn6zsMXRw2WO61McbEz5y?si=a0b45bc6bb4c40a1Support the podcast: Get a whopping 65% off your first Gousto box at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=TOM42277653⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Danny: https://www.instagram.com/danny_bent/https://www.dannybent.com/Join the mailing list:⁠⁠https://substack.com/@tombryanyeah?utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page⁠⁠Get in contact:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/tombryanyeah/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/greatbritishadventurespodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@tombryanyeah⁠⁠Chapters00:00 Intro02:21: Ayahuasca Retreat17:03 Other ways to go within yourself21:18 Finding ways to soothe27:08 One day a week unplugged37:59 Marooned on an island49:24 The group dynamics on the island01:04:58 Hunting for deer for the first time01:24:42 Cold Water Swimming Championships01:33:54 Tom's magical sea adventure01:42:41 What the sitcom Scrubs taught Tom about Masculinity 01:55:02 Self Love

Charlie Bennett is a regenerative farmer whose passion for history and storytelling transforms seemingly ordinary farming fields into a tapestry of marvels and hidden tales in an episode where wisdom, wit, and wonder converge.When Charlie inherited some farmland in Northumberland, he decided to bring it back to what he calls "common sense farming" - with sustainability, re-wilding and community at its heart.His adventure on the land has seen him plant over 40,000 trees, return stretches of farmland back to nature and persuade Coca-Cola to build him 11 ponds - all part of a bid to boost biodiversity while keeping the farm thriving and productive. Charlie’s storytelling and unyielding curiosity offer a fresh vision for the future - a reminder that sometimes, the most profound journeys begin right at the roots of the land. More information on Charlie: https://charliebennettauthor.co.uk/Mentioned in the podcastWilding by Isabella Tree: https://www.isabellatree.com/booksFat Llama: https://fatllama.com - Use the code 'tomfatlama' when signing up to get £20 free creditSupport the podcast: Get a whopping 65% off your first Gousto box at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=TOM42277653⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get in contact:⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/tombryanyeah/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/greatbritishadventurespodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@tombryanyeah

Charlie Wild is one half of The Travel Project, a creative duo on a mission to showcase the very best of UK travel and adventure. Together with his wife Jess, Charlie has spent years exploring hidden gems, wild landscapes, and thrilling experiences—all without leaving Britain’s shores. We go behind the scenes of life as a travel content creator, from capturing the perfect shot to the realities of turning a passion into a career. Charlie also breaks down his 52 Achievable Adventures - a challenge-turned-book designed to inspire anyone to experience more of the UK, no matter their budget or experience level.From the best-kept secrets in the British countryside to the ideal time of year to visit them, Charlie shares his top tips for uncovering the UK’s hidden gems. Whether you’re looking for a coastal escape, a wild swimming spot, or a breathtaking hike, this episode is packed with practical advice and seasonal travel inspiration.52 Achievable Adventures Book: https://geni.us/achievableadventuresFollow The Travel Project: https://www.instagram.com/the.travel.project/Mentioned in the Podcast: The Outside Studio: https://theoutsidestudio.com/Sailing in Norfolk: https://coastalexplorationcompany.co.uk/Fell Pony Trekking: https://fellpony.co.uk/Cairngorms Reindeer: https://www.cairngormreindeer.co.uk/Support the podcast: Get a whopping 65% off your first Gousto box at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=TOM42277653⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get in contact:⁠https://www.instagram.com/tombryanyeah/⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/greatbritishadventurespodcast⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@tombryanyeahCHAPTERS00:00 Intro01:20 Recent winter trip to Scotland03:03 Is a holiday ever a holiday as a travel content creator?09:03 The world's first instagram powered adventure16:30 Finding greater purpose through travel19:21 The changing perceptions on the UK as an adventure destination21:39 Celebrating the UK Coastline23:33 Local knowledge26:42 Canoeing the length of the Thames31:05 How adventure changes your mindset35:18 Being full present outside39:27 Achievable Adventures42:39 Sailing the salt marshes of Norfolk43:45 Fell pony trekking in the Lake District48:13 Turning 52 adventures into a book49:54 Tom's current writing project56:16 Carving own path in life58:57 The husband / wife dynamic01:04:00 Breakfast outside once a month01:08:14 Collating a map of everywhere they have been01:12:33 How to deal with bad weather in the UK01:18:28 Seasonal highlights01:23:44 The Cairngorms in winter01:25:11 Feeding reindeer01:27:55 Bringing Children into Achievable Adventures01:30:00 Fusing science to champion the benefits of the outdoors01:33:18 Going places series of amazing places to stay01:34:22 Adapting adventure for children01:36:30 Charlies favourite place in the UK01:37:39 Next adventures

How far would you be willing to go to achieve a target marathon time?For Nick Bester - his journey became a three-year quest, across 7 marathon attempts, to break the sub-2:20 marathon - a target he'd set himself once he broke 2:25A relentless competitor and motivator, across 10 years, Nick has transformed from a recreational runner and corporate banker into a sub-elite marathoner and one of the most dedicated figures in the UK running scene. As running coach, founder of Best Athletics, and Adidas Runners London Captain, Nick unpacks his extraordinary story of how he has pushed his body and mind to the limit, facing failures, self doubt and constantly re-tweaking his approach after each race to finally achieve his goal.He takes us through every step of the journey: the races where things fell apart, the pivotal changes he made, and the mindset shifts that ultimately led him to success. But this isn’t just a story about running fast - Nick opens up about quitting his corporate life to pursue his passion for coaching, the struggles he faced setting up his own brand and business, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and he reveals a mind-blowing marathon stat that I believe is far more impressive that breaking 2:20.This is a story of grit, resilience, and the pursuit of something bigger than just a finishing time. Whether you’re a runner chasing your own PB or someone looking for a lesson in perseverance, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.Follow Nick:https://www.instagram.com/justalilbester/Best Athletics:https://www.bestathletics.co.uk/Support the podcast: Get a whopping 65% off your first Gousto box at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=TOM42277653⁠⁠⁠⁠Get in contact:https://www.instagram.com/tombryanyeah/https://www.facebook.com/greatbritishadventurespodcasthttps://www.threads.net/@tombryanyeahCHAPTERS00:00 Intro01:30 Nicks New Age Category04:38 Who is Nick?07:42 The balance between weight and enjoying food13:35 Nick's First Marathon in 3:1717:40 Consistent and Accountable Training20:05 A mind blowing stat about Nick's marathons24:18 From Banker to Run Coach31:06 The first year struggles32:59 Hustling to build a brand37:59 Dealing with negativity42:23 Launching Best Athletics50:23 Affiliation with Adidas56:44 1st attempts at 2:2001:04:29 Full sending a half marathon within training01:09:29 Mistakes made while being the fittest01:14:01 3rd attempt - 9 seconds out01:22:01 Dealing with self doubters01:26:19 Finding marginal gains01:29:42 2024 Berlin Marathon01:36:43 Transcending into the wider community01:39:15 Nick's reason for running01:41:52 Future running goals

Deo Kato made history as the first person to run from Cape Town to London - a journey of truly epic proportions. Over 518 days and across 21 countries, he pushed the limits of human endurance to achieve what most would consider impossible.In his first in-depth interview since completing this monumental feat, Deo opens up about a harrowing chapter of his journey: being illegally detained in South Sudan for three weeks, with his loved ones left in agonising uncertainty about his safety and whereabouts.We delve into Deo’s inspiring mission to trace the story of human migration from Africa to the rest of the world, uncovering how his incredible odyssey mirrors the struggles and triumphs of contemporary migrant journeys.This episode is a celebration of the unbreakable human spirit and the transformative power of adventure. From moments of profound connection with strangers to the raw physical and emotional challenges he overcame, Deo’s story will leave you awestruck, inspired, and deeply moved.Follow Deo: https://www.instagram.com/deoruns/Support the podcast:Get a whopping 65% off your first Gousto box at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=TOM42277653⁠⁠⁠Get in contact:https://www.instagram.com/tombryanyeah/https://www.facebook.com/greatbritishadventurespodcasthttps://www.threads.net/@tombryanyeahChapters:00:00 Intro01:30 How is Deo upon his return?05:57 The stats behind Deo's journey10:40 The reason behind Deo's journey14:37 Deo's 381 Running for Justice campaign18:13 How Deo operated day by day20:18 Deo's team back in the UK21:38 Fundraising from Deo's community23:15 Others running Africa and how Deo is playing the long game27:48 The migration of humanity 31:32 Witnessing people flee war zones37:19 No one willingly leaves their home40:23 Facing death threats from farmers49:58 The complex situation in South Africa53:14 Deo's Legacy of Hope56:02 Receiving hospitality through strangers57:44 Struggles at Ugandan border01:01:59 Struggling to work out the best route forward01:04:11 Going missing in South Sudan01:09:18 The difficulties being African travelling through Africa01:11:56 Arrested under fabricated charges.01:18:42 Conditions in jail01:21:31 Getting information from jail to Alice01:26:55 Released from jail01:30:17 A renewed sense of purpose 01:34:33 Following the migrant journey through Europe01:37:50 Travelling alone01:39:50 Hearing first hand experiences from refugees01:41:53 Being stopped by police multiple times01:46:53 Difference in border crossings in Europe01:49:45 Experiencing goodwill in Europe01:54:39 Final push to exit Europe in time01:57:11 Deo's last day02:00:15 Taking the power back from Downing Street02:02:37 How Deo's journey mirrors his Mums own migration02:07:58 How Deo wants to be remembered02:12:09 The team behind the journey02:16:40 Would he do it again?

Get a two week free trial to Coopah by signing up with the code ‘GBA’ here: ⁠https://coopah.onelink.me/PFli/ha2l5cpt⁠Running has the power to transform our mental health, but let’s face it - it's not easy. It takes effort, discipline, and dedication.For many, staying motivated and making running a consistent habit can feel like an uphill battle.So, how do you turn running into something positive that sticks?Pete Cooper believes he’s cracked the code.As the co-founder of Coopah, a personalised run coaching platform, Pete has made it his mission to make running more accessible, enjoyable, and sustainable for all.Pete’s journey to launching this app is deeply personal—rooted in grief, mental health struggles, and profound loss.At 23, Pete faced the unexpected loss of his mother and best friend. Two tragedies compounded by his struggles with OCD which caused him to suffer grief and depression.His battles were so intense that he came close to taking his own life.But Pete’s story is also one of transformation, where he turned his own pain into a source of inspiration for others facing their own battles.In this episode Pete opens up about living with suicidal thoughts, managing his OCD, and navigating life with a heart condition, all while finding solace in running and community.Pete shares his recent experiences running with communities in Pakistan where running is an expensive sport, and he reminisces of the profound joy he had when he was younger, watching his mum blossom into a great runner.Beyond his personal story, Pete discusses how he was able to build the Coopah running app with no prior tech experience, his mission to encourage more people to take up running, and his role in establishing a refugee run club - a testament to his belief in running as a force for connection and healing.Support the podcast:Get a whopping 65% off your first Gousto box at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=TOM42277653⁠⁠⁠Follow Pete: https://www.instagram.com/petecooperruns/Mentioned in the PodcastIslamabad run with us: https://www.islamabadrunwithus.com/Islamabad Running Club: https://islamabadrunningclub.com/Lahore Marathon: https://lahore-marathon.com/Refugee Run Club: https://www.refugeerunclub.com/Donate your kit - please follow Coopah Running for updates on their next kit drop dates: https://www.instagram.com/coopahruncoach/Support the podcast: Get a whopping 65% off your first Gousto box at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=TOM42277653⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get in contact:⁠https://www.instagram.com/tombryanyeah/⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/greatbritishadventurespodcast⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@tombryanyeah⁠Chapters:00:00 Intro02:31 Connecting with run clubs in Pakistan06:12 Running is expensive in Pakistan10:55 Building bridges with connections in London14:13 Kit donations to refugees17:04 Pete's first experiences running20:40 Pete's early memories of his mum running23:06 Running like an elite25:03 Running first marathon alongside mum27:17 His mums tragic passing29:43 The lack of support Pete receieved33:17 Struggling in wake of his mum's death38:01 Being diagnosed with Depression, OCD and anxiety41:22 Struggles with OCD45:27 Giving up cricket47:37 Friends as therapy48:43 Pete's heart condition52:44 Battling suicidal thoughts57:00 Tom's experience with depression01:01:27 Pete's list he keeps on his phone01:03:45 Coopah's evolution from run club to digital app01:09:35 Raising investment01:19:51 Word of mouth marketing 01:21:58 The flexibility of the app01:25:47 How the app adapts to the runner01:28:48 Protections against gamification01:31:54 Keeping runners active post-events01:37:30 Coopah and AI 01:41:04 Refugee Run Club01:48:33 Humanising refugees01:51:26 Refugee Run Club Locations01:53:28 Running has never been more open to beginners01:55:49 Lessons from an entrepreneur

In loving memory of Dean Jones, a much beloved member of the Midnight Runners Community who sadly passed a few days after this recording.Ben Palmer joins the podcast in the first of a new regular series of check-ins where we dive into his and Tom's latest adventures—and misadventures.As a highly skilled runner and founder of Trailside Coffee, Ben brings the perfect blend of insight and humour to which I know will be a great addition to the podcast. Together, we'll take a lighter view on life, while also digging into topics that matter to us deeply.In this inaugural episode of the series, Ben shares his secrets to breaking the 2:40 marathon barrier and reveals what makes a truly great coffee.We also celebrate Tom’s recent personal milestone -completing his 1,001-day run streak, and discuss how he feels after finally giving it up, with a few listener questions thrown in for good measure.We also discuss Tom’s recent cycling tour across Europe, where he passed through 9 countries across 29 days. But while his photos and videos may have looked great, did he really enjoy it?And finally, we check in with two podcast alumni who are on their own incredible journeys. We play exclusive update from Deo Kato, currently running from Cape Town to London, and Jonty Brown, fresh off the launch of his exciting new venture, RunLimited.Support the podcast:Get a whopping 65% off your first Gousto box at:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=TOM42277653⁠⁠⁠Mentioned in the PodcastTrailside coffee:https://trailsidecoffee.co.uk/Wilding:https://www.isabellatree.com/booksDr Greger’s Daily Dozen:https://nutritionfacts.org/daily-dozen/Sean Conway’s new book:https://amzn.eu/d/8KGACNsFollow Deo Kato’s Journey:https://www.instagram.com/deoruns/Jonty’s RunLimited:https://runlimited.co/Chapters:00:00 Intro02:34 Who is Benny P?06:48 Advice from a sub 2:40 marathoner14:15 Ben’s Trailside Coffee and Renee20:14 The key to a great coffee24:49 Tom’s Current Nomadic Lifestyle28:45 Learning hard lessons on where to focus your energies37:32 Future Podcasts Guests39:22 Six Inches of Soil Success on YouTube44:00 Hustling for more guests48:41 Tom’s 1,001 day run streak01:10:31 Listener question: Knees01:14:34 Listener question: Shoes01:18:42 Listener question: Protein01:24:02 Tom’s recent cycle across Europe01:38:25 The hardest part of the trip01:46:32 Update from Deo Kato01:59:42 Update from Jonty & RunLimited02:06:34 Ben’s winter running goals02:08:19 Tom’s winter writing challenge