Health Oddity Podcast

The show that strips away the jargon and hype surrounding all things health and fitness to help you live a long, strong and energetic life.

#225 Christmas Special 2024 (Part 1) 12/19/2024

#225 Christmas Special 2024 (Part 1) Pete & James don their Christmas attire (& zoom backdrops) for the first of a two part festive special to close out 2024. They discuss their own training as they head into Christmas. Pete’s new Walk Bath / Walking Solves App the recent release of Paul Mcllroy’s new book ‘Perpetual Strength’ & James’ upcoming trip to Iceland to watch the Magnus Classic Strongman Competition. T hey also talk about what they’ve learned from recent guests & their individual focus for 2025. /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/34534640

#224 Becoming Sitting Bull UK with David Walsh 12/12/2024

#224 Becoming Sitting Bull UK with David Walsh We talk to the highly inspirational & incredibly strong David Walsh AKA Sitting Bull UK. The Worlds Strongest Adaptive Athlete 2022/2023, & Britains Strongest Disabled Man 2021, 2023 & 2024. David started competing in Strongman in 2012 & was diagnosed with MS (Multiple sclerosis) in 2014. We discuss pulling trucks, deadlifting 600+kg & the mental journey he has been on since his diagnosis - this is a candid, honest & powerful account of coming to terms with disability & rebuilding a very different life. David also shares how his relationship with his coach ‘Big Loz’ has helped him both physically & mentally in this incredibly tough sport & life as well. /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/34417285

#223 Protein, Sleep, Alcohol & other considerations for Menopause with Helen Hall 12/05/2024

#223 Protein, Sleep, Alcohol & other considerations for Menopause with Helen Hall We are joined by returning guest Helen Hall, who was last with us on Episode 66 (a full 3 years ago). Helen (now 53) updates us on her latest thinking, training, eating & lifestyle modifications around dealing with the menopause. She offers simple, relatable & easily applicable advice based on her own experience & through coaching many women in their 40s & 50s. Helen also talks about her own journey with HRT & highlights the responsibility of the individual to do all they can via lifestyle to complement any medical prescription leading to a truly holistic approach to healthy ageing (which is just as applicable to men as it is for women). /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/34306685

#222 Use It or Lose It with Peter & James 11/28/2024

#222 Use It or Lose It with Peter & James For the first time in 6 weeks Peter & James catch up with each other following another run of great guests. They discuss Paul Mcllroy’s new book; Perpetual Strength, the upcoming STONES 2 documentary from Maximum Iron, the development of Walk Bath & the qualities we all tend to lose as we age (if we don’t make a concerted effort to retain them) - monkey bars/hanging, sprinting, jumping & hill walking. /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/34195995

#221 - Cruising Your Way to Fitness with Daniel Vintila 11/21/2024

#221 - Cruising Your Way to Fitness with Daniel Vintila We are joined by our first ever Romanian guest, Daniel Vintila. Daniel spent 10 years working as a croupier in Casinos onboard luxury cruise ships & in his time has pursued strength & fitness in many forms; Spartan racing, calisthenics, bodybuilding, kettlebells & most recently competing in both Powerlifting & Strongman. Daniel is a Strongfirst Elite Instructor & trains exclusively at home in his well equipped garage gym. We discuss finding your way in fitness, training around long shifts & onboard big ships & the importance of competition to focus the mind & training programme. /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/34097786

#220 Highland Wolf Strength with John Gibb 11/14/2024

#220 Highland Wolf Strength with John Gibb We are joined LIVE from Aberdeen, Scotland by the Highland Wolf - John Gibb. John is a Scottish Stonelifter & Strongman & the day before recording this episode he was crowned Britain’s Strongest Stonelifter 2024! J ohn was the 157th lifter (& walker) of the historic Dinnie Stones & was also featured in the recent documentary ‘STONES’ from Maximum Iron. We discuss training, eating, grip strength, sandbags, atlas stones & even get a tour round his awesome ‘shed of strength’. This is a great conversation with a man who is forging world class strength using rugged & historic methods & has the bruises & trophies to prove it! /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/33935697

#219 Weight Loss Surgery 5th Anniversary with Steve Bush 11/07/2024

#219 Weight Loss Surgery 5th Anniversary with Steve Bush We are joined by returning guest Steve Bush, who was last with us on Episode 127 (Why Weight Loss Surgery Fails for the Majority of People). That was nearly 2 years ago so we thought it was about time to check in with Steve again. The release of this episode coincides with the 5th Anniversary of Steve’s gastric sleeve surgery & Steve updates us on his latest thinking, recent physical achievements & plans for the future. This is an honest, open & inspiring conversation with a man who was given a second chance at life & how he is choosing to live it. /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/33839397

#218 A lifetime of sport with Sue Collins 10/31/2024

#218 A lifetime of sport with Sue Collins We are joined by Sue Collins (formerly Mapstone) as she reflects on a lifetime of sport & how an ever evolving love of sport, activity & movement have developed through the decades as commitments, circumstances & challenges arose. Sue represented England at the 1974 & 1978 Commonwealth Games (as a 17 & 21 year old respectively) in the Pentathlon. She won the Silver medal in Edmonton, Canada in 1978. Subsequently, Sue had a family, a long career in teaching & continued sport & training throughout. Now, at 67, we discuss Sue’s training post a fairly recent knee replacement. This is a down to earth, engaging & relatable conversation with a funny, self deprecating lady whose attitude towards life we could all learn from. /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/33710352

#217 Strength & Menopause with Claire Booth 10/24/2024

#217 Strength & Menopause with Claire Booth We are joined by returning guest Claire Booth; Strongfirst Senior & Elite Instructor & head of Strongfirst GB. We last spoke to Claire WAY back on episode 33 (about 3.5 years ago) so it was great to catch up. In this episode we discuss mixing & balancing the three training modalities of Barbell, Kettlebell & Bodyweight, the impact of menopause & the importance of getting the right HRT balance & why ALL women should be engaging in regular structured strength training - especially in their 40s, 50s & beyond. /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/33603522

#216 Host catch up with Pete & James 10/17/2024

#216 Host catch up with Pete & James For the first time in 7 episodes Pete & James get an opportunity to discuss recent events & the guests we’ve met over the last few weeks. Britains Disabled Strongman/Strongwoman, the recent documentary ‘Stones’ from Maximum iron, the development of Walk Bath & the planning of the 2025 Unique Results Ski trip are all up for discussion & well as what we’ve learned & implemented over recent weeks. /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/33504267

#215 HYROX & Becoming a Hybrid Rockstar with Clare Rafferty 10/10/2024

#215 HYROX & Becoming a Hybrid Rockstar with Clare Rafferty We are joined by London based Scot, Clare Rafferty, a HYROX coach & athlete, Member of the Official Global HYROX Master Team, Race Director, Strength & Conditioning Coach & Running Coach with over 10 years experience. We learn about Clare’s journey from the Bodybuilding stage to Running start line to Hybrid Fitness Athlete & the lessons she’s learnt along the way. This is a great conversation about embracing change, seizing opportunities & finding your calling. There’s also some great advice for those training for HYROX & Hybrid Fitness Events & how to avoid making some common mistakes & maximising your performance on race day. /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/33409807

#214 The Fabric of Strength with Stevie Shanks 10/03/2024

#214 The Fabric of Strength with Stevie Shanks We are joined from Belfast, Northern Ireland by Stevie Shanks; Drummer with Flash Harry & Clann an Drumma, Multiple World Record Weight Lifter (about 40 on last counting), Stone lifter & organiser of the annual Donald Dinnie Day Gathering in Scotland. We discuss the history of the Dinnie Stones & Stevie’s father - Jack Shanks - an old time Strongman & the first to lift the Dinnie Stones since Donald Dinnie himself, the evolution of stone lifting & how Stevie has shifted the focus of his own training now that he is in his 60s. We also learn a cool way to trick the step-counter on your Fitbit! This is a fascinating & inspiring conversation with a man whose passion for physical culture & the history of strength is palpable. /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/33319472

#213 Kettlebell Athletics with Del Wilson 09/26/2024

#213 Kettlebell Athletics with Del Wilson We are joined today by Del Wilson. A Personal Trainer, Kettlebell Athlete & Coach - someone who has been at the forefront of kettlebell sport in England for many years. Del talks about his background in Formula 1 engineering, competitive Bodybuilding, Endurance Running & his transition into Kettlebell Sport where he found his true calling. Del competes in Kettlebell Pentathlon, Marathon & Long Cycle (all explained in this episode) & holds Master of Sports World Class ranking across 7 events. He also continues to travel & compete internationally in his late 50s & has no plans to slow down. /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/33223067

#212 Improve Running Performance, Build Strength & Manage Injuries with Aidan O’ Flaherty. 09/19/2024

#212 Improve Running Performance, Build Strength & Manage Injuries with Aidan O’ Flaherty. We are joined from Putney in London by Aidan O’ Flaherty AKA @theirishphysio ahead of his ‘Running Injuries & Performance Master Class’ in Essex on Saturday 5th October. Aidan is a former pro football player, competitive rower & runner who now works with high level endurance athletes (up to Olympic level) & recreational runners of all shapes, sizes & abilities. In this fascinating conversation we discuss all things running, Training mileage, building running specific strength, foot striking, common injuries, biomechanics & more. An essential episode if you run yourself or are an Physio, Osteo, Therapist or Coach who works with runners. /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/33128022

#211 Addiction, Chronic Pain & Redemption with Allen Willis 09/12/2024

#211 Addiction, Chronic Pain & Redemption with Allen Willis We are joined all the way from New South Wales, Australia by Allen Willis for a hard hitting, honest & challenging conversation with a man who has faced many demons & trials in his life & is certainly on an upwards trajectory of strength, resilience, empowerment & redemption. We hear how Tim Anderson’s Original Strength & the work of Dan John formed a pathway for Allen to rebuild his life (physically & emotionally) & how he has managed to go from being in constant pain & barely able to walk to competing in Strongman & now coaching & helping others. Parts of this conversation are uncomfortable, but Allen holds nothing back & what we are left with is a sense of hope, promise & hopefully a brighter future ahead. /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/33026977

#210 Gary Clarke - London Calling 09/05/2024

#210 Gary Clarke - London Calling We are joined for the third time by Disabled Strongman pioneer & organiser of Britains Disabled Strongman & Strongwoman Competition Gary Clarke. This year the prestigious competition is being held at the Indoor Athletics Centre at Brunel University in London on the weekend of 14th/15th September & is going to be bigger than ever! Health Oddity are sponsoring the event, Magnús Ver Magnússon is the head referee & it is FREE for spectators to watch the incredible & inspiring strongmen & strongwomen in action (plus Pete & James will be there all weekend signing autographs lol). /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/32924207

#209 Staying on track while away from home, English rambles & meeting King Arthur 08/29/2024

#209 Staying on track while away from home, English rambles & meeting King Arthur Peter & James return from their summer vacation (not together) & debrief their experiences of exploring the English countryside & mountainous terrain & discuss how they stayed on track with training while away from home. The importance of deciding on your outcome & strategy BEFORE you go away & how to hit the ground running on your return. James also visits the birthplace of King Arthur & has a chance meeting on a cliff. /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/32799127

#208 Cultivating Crossover Strength with Sven Rieger 08/22/2024

#208 Cultivating Crossover Strength with Sven Rieger We are joined by our first ever German guest, the strong & mighty Sven Rieger from Stuttgart (dialling in from a family vacation in the idyllic Tuscan countryside). Sven is the 204th lifter of the Dinnie Stones in Scotland (as referenced in Episode 203 with Andrew Russell) a Strongfirst Team Leader & Elite level instructor. He has also passed the incredibly tough ‘Sinister’ challenge & is a Functional Movement FMS1 Certified Coach. We discuss strength, how to develop it, train it & adapt it for many varied challenges requiring different implements, skill sets & nuances. Sven is a jovial giant of a man & it was great fun getting to know him better. Enjoy. /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/32696937

#207 Canoeing, Breaking Records & Becoming World Class with Keith Moule 08/16/2024

#207 Canoeing, Breaking Records & Becoming World Class with Keith Moule We are joined from Poland (between races at the European Canoeing Championships) by 20 year veteran International Canoeist turned ultra-runner & motivational speaker Keith Moule. Keith describes the chance passing of a local canoe club at around 10 years of age that led to an international competitive career that saw him travel the world. We hear about Keith’s record breaking race in 2023 that saw him & his partner break the 44 year standing record for the 125 mile DW (Devizes to Westminster) canoe race - paddling for over 15hrs non stop! Keith also shares what it takes to become world class (in anything) & what his competitive career taught him about life in general & how it educates his corporate career now. A fascinating meeting with a focused & driven athlete with plenty of relatable advice for us all. /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/32385312

#206 Overcoming Setbacks with Ben Morris 08/09/2024

#206 Overcoming Setbacks with Ben Morris We are joined by returning guest Ben Morris (last seen on Episode 80: Less is More) Coffee Junkie, Sports Dabbler & a man strangely attracted to trying to lift heavy things. In this engaging conversation we talk about overcoming setbacks in training & life - an inevitability if you adopt training as a lifelong pursuit. Dealing with injuries both mentally & physically as we age & reframing setbacks as just another challenge to be overcome & an opportunity to learn about oneself & to plan our next steps. A relaxed & thought provoking catch up with one of the original ‘friends of the show’. /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/32384972

#205 A Hobby That Got Out of Control with Lucy Underdown 08/01/2024

#205 A Hobby That Got Out of Control with Lucy Underdown We are joined today by Lucy Underdown - Europe's Strongest Woman 2023, Britain's Strongest Woman 2024, the first woman to deadlift 700lb (318kg) AND full time serving Police Officer. We discus Lucy’s early athletics career in Shot Put & Discus. Her talent for (& love of) deadlifting, dealing with pressure & anxiety, discovering that training LESS actually produced better results for her, juggling a demanding career with elite performance & how her hobby somehow got out of control. A lively chat with a down to earth & relatable lady - who just happens to be historically strong! /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/32384722

#204 Walking, Wimbledon & Modern Wisdom 07/26/2024

#204 Walking, Wimbledon & Modern Wisdom In this breather episode Peter & James take a focused ramble through some recent events & discussions. James returns from his walking weekend surprisingly sore & fatigued. We discus what Wimbledon tennis can teach us about training & lifestyle management & we review a recent episode of the Modern Wisdom podcast where Dr Mike Israetel gives his Masterclass on losing fat. /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/32293592

#203 Lifting the Dinnie Stones with Andrew Russell 07/18/2024

#203 Lifting the Dinnie Stones with Andrew Russell Andrew Russell is a Fitness Trainer, Strongfirst SFG1 Kettlebell Instructor, Shift worker AND the 274th person to lift the legendary Dinnie Stones in the Scottish Highlands. Andrew (from Northern Ireland) discusses his training history, setting up his garage gym to allow him to train around his challenging work pattern, programming his training to take into account tiredness & lack of sleep & training to lift the Dinnie Stones. This is a fascinating, down to earth conversation with a strong but humble family man which will be relatable to many of our listeners. /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/32204832

#202 Pavlo Kordiyaka 07/11/2024

#202 Pavlo Kordiyaka We are joined live from Lviv, Ukraine by the man mountain (6ft 5inch, 135kg) Pavlo Kordiyaka. Pavlo is the 2023 Europe’s Strongest Man & has also won The Official Strongman Games World Title. He will be competing this weekend in London at the historic & iconic Royal Albert Hall in the Giants Live Strongman Classic. Prior to getting involved in strongman, Pavlo had taken part in many different sports, including football, acrobatics, dancing, boxing, wrestling & even mixed martial arts. At only 29 years of age Pavlo has achieved so much in Strongman already (& he will achieve much more in the future). This is a fascinating conversation with advice & pearls of wisdom that can be applied to your own training & approach to life. Just don’t try to replicate Pavlo’s breakfast! /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/32102927

#201 What’s changed in the last 25 years? 07/04/2024

#201 What’s changed in the last 25 years? Recently James was reflecting on his 25 years in the fitness industry & how the world (& our daily lives) have changed over that time. He & Pete discuss the changes in habits, food, technology, lifestyle & the convenience culture & how despite having so much more knowledge, opportunity (& supposedly) time, we, as a collective, are unhealthier & less active than we were a quarter century ago. Is there a way to go back to a healthier time? Possibly - Back to the Future? /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/32016367

#200 Armour Building with Dan John 06/27/2024

#200 Armour Building with Dan John We are joined for this very special 200th episode by ‘record holding’ return guest - Dan John - for his 10th appearance with us! We talk about Dan’s latest book ‘The Armour Building Formula’. The genesis of this programme & how it exploded in popularity (along with many of Dan’s other ‘apparently’ simple programmes). We discuss the nature of training itself, our inherit desire to find complexity in all things & how to use Dan’s programmes in a logical & systemised manner. As always, this is an insightful & thought provoking conversation with one of the most respected strength coaches in the world. /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/31918247

#199 In Love with Strong with Alison Young 06/20/2024

#199 In Love with Strong with Alison Young We are joined by returning guest & 2 x Tactical Strength Challenge WINNER Alison Young. Alison is an SFG1 (Kettlebell) & SFL (Barbell) instructor through Strongfirst & is also a Level 3 Personal Trainer embarking on a new career within the fitness industry - transferring from the world of I.T. In this fascinating conversation Alison shares how she’s finding her way in the fitness industry in one of the most populated & competitive cities in the world - London. How she’s learning & adapting her training to cater for the ‘general population’ & how she’s transferring her skills & insights from her former tech career into helping her clients get stronger & move better. /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/31828422

#198 The Confrontation with Yourself with Mark Reifkind 06/13/2024

#198 The Confrontation with Yourself with Mark Reifkind We are joined (following a 3 year gap) by returning guest Mark Reifkind, from San Jose, California. At 67 Mark has his training ‘dialled in’ & knows from experience what works for him, his body - & what his current goals are. We discuss what it takes to remain consistent for nearly 60 years, rehabbing after joint replacement surgery, rucking, overhead pressing, weight maintenance (or permanence) & how your pillow lies to you! This is an insightful & inspiring catch up with an athlete & coach who has just about seen (and heard) it all. /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/31738542

#197 Finding Your Strength with Alex Nicoll Bennett 06/06/2024

#197 Finding Your Strength with Alex Nicoll Bennett We are joined today by competitive Strongwoman & SFG1, SFG2 Kettlebell Instructor Alex Nicoll Bennett. Alex shares her personal fitness journey with us & her progression into the world of kettlebells, lifting & learning to embrace & nurture her own unique ‘strengths’. We discuss breaking free from the prevalent ‘calorie burning’ mindset that categorises many people’s relationship with exercise & finding a way to train that you love & excites you. This is an open, honest & frank conversation with a lady, who through training has found a way to grow in confidence, belief, ability & is now more comfortable than ever to stand out. /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/31637097

#196 Pressure is a Privilege with Oli Mell 05/31/2024

#196 Pressure is a Privilege with Oli Mell We are joined for the second time by Oli Mell, International Kettlebell Sport athlete from Team England & owner of Wolfpack Fitness. We kick off the conversation by discussing Oli’s recent performances at the World Championships in Denmark then move on to discuss training in general as we age. The toll that high level performance has on the body & mind, the importance of focus when training & competing & we even talk about weight management & diet strategies in a ‘weight class’ sport & life in general. A fascinating chat with a driven, disciplined & dedicated man. /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/31540867

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