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.

#272 Lift for Life 2025 with Mark Tonner 11/13/2025

#272 Lift for Life 2025 with Mark Tonner We are joined by Mark Tonner for the 2nd time. Mark’s last episode with us was 174 (Boxing Day 2023) & we were talking about his upcoming 24hr Deadlift Challenge for Suicide prevention. This year will be the 4th time Mark has organised the ‘Lift for Life’ Challenge & this year it’s bigger & better than ever & raising money for Andy’s Man Club in the UK & Suicide Prevention charities in the other countries taking part. There are 3 options to get involved in this event on 27th December - as an individual lifter, as part of a team of 5 or as a larger gym community. Mark explains all in this inspiring & emotionally raw conversation. /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/39026435

#271 Strength Through Change with Mel Anderson 11/06/2025

#271 Strength Through Change with Mel Anderson We are joined by Mel Anderson from @my.bodyfits a Personal Trainer, Kettlebell Coach, Meno Strength Coach & Nutrition Coach. Mel talks openly & honestly about the challenges she experienced herself both with post natal depression & menopause & how big hormonal shifts can impact both mental & physical wellbeing. It was these experiences that led Mel to want to empower & support women going through similar phases of life & where she gains most fulfilment as a coach. This is very practical conversation around starting your health, fitness & strength journey from the ground up & is just as applicable to men as it is to women. /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/38941115

#270 Ultra Wellness with Theo Newton 10/30/2025

#270 Ultra Wellness with Theo Newton We are joined by Theo Newton from ‘Ultra Wellness’ to discuss all things optimal health & advanced recovery from his state of the art wellness clinic based in Chelmsford, Essex, England. Theo is a Personal Trainer turned Wellness business owner who shares the benefits of Cryotherapy, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Red Light & Near Infra-Red Therapy, Compression Therapy & the LED Cryo-Mask. We talk performance, health & injury (and post op) rehabilitation in a relaxed, down to earth way & learn that many of these therapies are using scientific breakthroughs to supercharge many of the benefits that we get from nature. /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/38845595

#269 Powerlifting, Weightlifting & Strongwoman with Hannah Fitzgerald 10/23/2025

#269 Powerlifting, Weightlifting & Strongwoman with Hannah Fitzgerald We are joined from Cambridgeshire by Hannah Fitzgerald, Personal Trainer, Coach & competitive Strength Athlete. Hannah is the 2024 Under 57kg Strongwoman World Champion AND the 2024 Under 59kg Masters British Weightlifting Champion. She teaches Pilates, Yoga, Barre, Bootcamps as well as other community based classes. She has 2 young children, 1 husband, 1 dog, 2 cats & 3 chickens AND she still somehow managed to find time to talk to us! A great conversation with a lovely & inspiring lady who has her sights set on even bigger things. /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/38760210

#268 Host Catch Up - Focusing On Longevity 10/16/2025

#268 Host Catch Up - Focusing On Longevity After 3 weeks of back to back guests Peter & James catch up, discuss recent thoughts & conversations & what they’re working on at the moment. The conversation shifts to Longevity & a quiz James has been working on. They discuss areas of life that can have a big impact but are often overlooked or undervalued & how looking to the future can inform your current decisions. As Peter often says “What does it look like in years?” /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/38610155

#267 The Art of Coaching with Dan John 10/09/2025

#267 The Art of Coaching with Dan John We are joined for a record breaking 12th visit by the fountain of knowledge AND seemingly discoverer of the fountain of youth, Dan John, all the way from Murray, Utah, USA. We discuss Dan’s recent travels to Australia, his latest book - The Art of Coaching & the concept of ‘Game-changers’ in coaching & life. What is a coach? What are some simple ‘coaching truths’ that Dan has uncovered after over 40 years of experience. How, as a coach (and athlete/client) do you stay focussed & avoid all the noise & distraction that threatens to derail progress. As usual, Dan makes the complex simple (and enjoyable) & we have a lot of fun in this insightful conversation - enjoy. /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/38527610

#266 Strength Travels with Jón Valgeir Williams 10/02/2025

#266 Strength Travels with Jón Valgeir Williams We are joined by a big friendly giant - Icelander turned Londoner, Jón Valgeir Williams. Jon is the founder of ‘Valgeir Strength Trips’, a Personal Trainer & Strongman Coach based in London & the father to a very strong 18 year old son - Erik. Jon was a competitor at the Worlds Strongest Man competition in 2002 & 2003 & was also the mentee & training partner of 4 x WSM & former Health Oddity guest Magnus Ver Magnusson. We discuss training, competing, travelling, stone lifting & what a lifetime of being incredibly strong (& the injuries that come with that) has taught Jon about training the general population & being ‘strong for life’. /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/38445140

#265 Stone to Shoulder with Andy Crawford 09/25/2025

#265 Stone to Shoulder with Andy Crawford We are joined by pound for pound probably the strongest stone lifter on the planet. Andy Crawford lives in far North East Scotland & is making waves around the globe from his home garage gym. We learn about Andy’s athletic background, including running a near 5 min mile, 18 min 5km & throwing before getting into barbell training, going ‘all in’ on stone & sandbag lifting & niching down even further into the art of lifting VERY heavy stones to shoulder & even having a ‘Limbo’ off with Luke Stoltman! For fans of 80s/90s movies, we also discuss the Jean-Claude Van Damme classic A.W.O.L - and yes, there is context behind that as well. /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/38357225

#264 Dealing with Injuries in training & host catch up 09/18/2025

#264 Dealing with Injuries in training & host catch up After 5 weeks of fantastic guests & the summer break Pete & James reconvene to discuss what they’ve taken from recent guest conversations & events such as The Donald Dinnie Day & Chloe Brennan workshop at Unique Results. They also discuss the upcoming Walking Solves retreat, Britains Disabled Strongman & Strongwoman Competition & how to mentally deal with niggling injuries that get in the way of training & your usual routine. /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/38271580

#263 - 50 Years in the Iron Game with Steve Gardner 09/11/2025

#263 - 50 Years in the Iron Game with Steve Gardner We are joined from Barton Under Needwood, Staffordshire by Steve Gardner to discuss his 50 years in the Iron Game & Strength Sports. We met Steve when he was M.C at the recent Donald Dinnie Day in Scotland & spent a couple of evenings with him where we started to hear about his experiences over the last 50 years. In this podcast we discuss Weightlifting, Strongman, Highland Games, Tug of War, Arm Wrestling, training with Geoff Capes, coaching & how Steve’s life has been shaped & directed by physical culture & a love of lifting. (& YES, that is a picture of Steve with the great Jón Páll Sigmarsson in 1985 - before beating him in the World Lorry Pull Championships!) /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/38184665

#262 The Secret to Staying Fit & Healthy in your 60s with Janette & Roger Dunridge 09/04/2025

#262 The Secret to Staying Fit & Healthy in your 60s with Janette & Roger Dunridge We are joined from Aberdeenshire, Scotland by Jeanette (61) & Roger (65) Dunridge. A couple who are defying the stereotypes of ageing by leading an incredible active lifestyle & still challenging themselves through high level competition. Janette is a competitive Natural Bodybuilder & Roger is an extreme endurance runner (& they both walk their dogs twice every day in the rugged Scottish landscape as well) Hear about their back story & their simple tips for staying fit & healthy as you age - & maybe be inspired to try something new or set yourself a challenging goal! /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/38087810

#261 Longevity, Resilience & Powerful Habits with David Amerland 08/28/2025

#261 Longevity, Resilience & Powerful Habits with David Amerland We are rejoined by David Amerland (last with us on Episode 243) for a wide reaching conversation including what is required to live to 100 (according to the most recent science), Building our mental resilience, coping with everyday stress & a simple way to gain control of our day from the moment we wake. /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/38005010

#260 Listener Q&A with Dr Nancy Allen 08/21/2025

#260 Listener Q&A with Dr Nancy Allen We are delighted to be re-joined on our 5th Birthday episode by recent popular guest, UK NHS GP of 25 years - Dr Nancy Allen. Dr Nancy answers listener (& host) questions on all things health related including; cholesterol, statins, training with Kidney Failure, the importance of tracking & personal responsibility & what to look for when getting a blood test done privately. We also learn how the NHS quantifies patient risk & how you can track & reduce your own risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease. An interesting, informative & relaxed conversation with Health Oddity’s resident medical expert. /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/37911100

#259 A Strong Woman with Andrea Thompson 08/14/2025

#259 A Strong Woman with Andrea Thompson We are joined from Woodbridge, Suffolk by Andrea Thompson; 2018 Worlds Strongest Woman, 2023 Worlds Strongest Masters & 4 x Britains Strongest Woman (2016-2019). Andrea is also one of the stars of the documentary ‘A Strong Woman - The truth behind the world’s strongest women’ alongside former Health Oddity guests Lucy Underdown & Chloe Brennan. We discuss Andrea’s life, training, being one of the pioneers of UK Strongwoman & finding one’s true identity through personal struggle both mentally & physically. /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/37823240

#258 The Magic Of Walking 08/08/2025

#258 The Magic Of Walking In this breather episode Pete & James reflect on the last 6 weeks of guests & debrief after the Unique Results Walking Weekend in Bath, Somerset joined forces with Walk Bath & Walking Solves. We discuss walking & the simple but profound difference it can make in people’s lives (& how it ‘fixed’ James’ plantar fasciitis!) UK’s Strongest Man finals are also discussed & the wisdom & lessons we have taken & applied from our recent run of guests. /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/37530700

#257 How To Finally Enjoy Running with Samuel Stow 08/01/2025

#257 How To Finally Enjoy Running with Samuel Stow We are joined all the way from The Sunny Coast, Australia by Sam Stow a movement specialist focused on technique, efficiency & injury-free running. We discuss Sam’s approach to helping everyday people find joy & ease in running including ‘The Functional Step’ & ‘POP! Running’. We talk about the importance of training (& using) the GO muscles rather than the SHOW muscles, drills to help you find your glutes & the benefits & potential drawbacks of barefoot running. We also hear about Sam’s experience of running 100 miles while wearing a 10kg weighted vest - NOTE: Don’t try this at home! /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/37530630

#256 Feet Matter More Than You Think with Jack Kirby 07/25/2025

#256 Feet Matter More Than You Think with Jack Kirby We are joined for the first (but not the last) time by Jack Kirby from Essex Podiatry Clinics to talk all things feet, ankles & lower limbs. We discuss the complex natural engineering of the foot, what a healthy foot looks like, how to strengthen your feet, how to care for your feet, how to prevent common foot injuries & problems & why an expensive pair of running shoes or arch supports may NOT be the answer. This was a fun, lively & interesting conversation about something most of us give very little thought to - our points of contact to the ground beneath us. /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/37517900

#255 Stonelifting, The Gathering & Connection Through Strength with Stevie Shanks 07/17/2025

#255 Stonelifting, The Gathering & Connection Through Strength with Stevie Shanks We welcome back the endlessly energetic Stevie Shanks to the podcast as he finalises the preparation for the 9th running of ‘The Gathering’ Donald Dinnie Day in Potarch, Scotland on Sunday 3rd August. We discuss what is in store & look forward to both Pete & James being there this year as well as some ‘behind the scenes’ news & insider secrets. We also discuss the recent meeting of ‘friend of the show’ Sven Rieger with Stevie & his Father Jack. A powerful example of a love of strength forging connection & friendships around the world. /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/37441405

#254 Dealing with Common Training Injuries with Dave Adkins 07/10/2025

#254 Dealing with Common Training Injuries with Dave Adkins We welcome back Dave Adkins from Principle Physiotherapy to the podcast for a fun & informative episode where we discuss 4 common training related injuries; Lower back pain, plantar fasciitis, knee pain & tennis/golfers elbow. Dave talks about causes, symptoms, management & rehab of each condition in an episode that probably has something applicable for everyone (unfortunately). /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/37365305

#253 True Grit with Jonny Skinner 07/03/2025

#253 True Grit with Jonny Skinner We are joined by Jonny Skinner AKA @rockstardaduk - 11 x Kettlebell Sport World Champion, 1 x Team Relay World Champion & 1 x European Champion as well as father & musician. We discuss grassroots Kettlebell Sport. The wide variety of disciplines & avenues open to athletes now. The importance of focus, discipline & going ‘all in’ if you want to truly excel at an event or pursuit & Jonny’s upcoming Guinness World Record attempt at 24hrs lifting with a 24kg Kettlebell. Also, how it was actually his mum who got him involved in Kettlebell lifting! You will be inspired - & also possibly think he’s slightly mad! 🙂 /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/37276820

#252 Athletic Movement with Ben Glasscock 06/26/2025

#252 Athletic Movement with Ben Glasscock We are joined from Hampshire, England by Ben Glasscock AKA - The Notorious BLG (to some of his friends at least). Ben is an online & in-person Strength Coach at ‘Athlete Movement’ & a rising star in the world of Strongman. He recently came 5th at Britains Strongest Man & over the next few weeks will be competing at Giants Live shows in the iconic & historic Royal Albert Hall in London & at Englands Strongest Man in York. We discuss Ben’s background in Rugby & Powerlifting & how he made the transition over to Strongman. We also discuss the power of consistency, adherence, community & enjoyment in training & how self belief & psychology plays such a huge part in performing at the highest level. /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/37166030

#251 Rings, Stones & Sandbags 06/19/2025

#251 Rings, Stones & Sandbags In this breather episode Peter & James discuss what they’ve taken away from recent episodes & what they’ve been working on themselves & with their clients. The Rogue Stoneland documentary, the upcoming Stones 2 film, lifting Sandbags with Terry Hollands & Pete’s new biometric tracking ring (as recommended by Dr Nancy Allen in Episode 249) are all covered, as well as the upcoming Health Oddity/Unique Results/Walking Solves walking weekend in Bath & Pete & James’ trip up to Scotland for The Gathering. /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/37080660

#250 Performance to Longevity with Dan John 06/12/2025

#250 Performance to Longevity with Dan John We are joined for the 11th time on our 250th Episode by long time ‘friend of the show’ Dan John from Utah, USA. Dan is one of the most experienced & widely respected Strength Coaches & Strength Authors in the world & in this very personal episode he shares his own journey from Discus Thrower, Olympic Weightlifter & Highland Games athlete to grandfather approaching 70. He talks about his change of focus, his body re-composition lessons, mobility practises & practical tips to ageing around sleep & nutrition - all delivered with his trademark warmth & wit. A must listen for anyone wanting to live a long, strong & energetic life! /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/36976225

#249 Midlife Renaissance with Dr Nancy Allen 06/05/2025

#249 Midlife Renaissance with Dr Nancy Allen We are joined Dr Nancy Allen, the medical director of Renaissance Reset for Menopause. Nancy has been a practising NHS GP for the last 25 years & is a proud member of the Royal College of General Practitioners & the British Menopause Society. Nancy’s career has been dedicated to supporting women through every stage of their health journey, particularly during the transformative phase of menopause. In this episode we discuss many health & lifestyle challenges people are having in our modern society & take a deep dive into dementia along with the most recent research. This is our first conversation with Dr Nancy Allen & it definitely won’t be our last If you want to ask Dr Nancy any questions please fill out the form and she will answer them on her next visit /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/36871935

#248 An Ambassador of Strength with Sally Moss 05/29/2025

#248 An Ambassador of Strength with Sally Moss We are joined from London, England by Sally Moss, owner & founder of Strength Ambassadors. A gym which focusses on teaching, coaching & building strength through Powerlifting, Olympic Weightlifting & Strongman training. We discuss the importance of Strength for all, especially women, the changing landscape of strength training over the last 20 years & the wisdom & benefit in getting stronger as an end goal without it being tied to aesthetics, weight loss, fitness or dieting. A fascinating conversation with a pioneer & ambassador of female strength training in the UK. /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/36774665

#247 London to The Lakes with Vicki Farrington 05/22/2025

#247 London to The Lakes with Vicki Farrington We are joined from Kendal in The Lake District, England by Vicki Farrington a former member of the MET Police turned Sports Therapist, Strength Coach & Ultra Endurance Cyclist. We talk about open water swimming, fell running, mountain biking & Vicki’s recent conquering of the Mega Mallorca 312 challenge! We also discuss the stark change of lifestyle moving from London in a highly pressurised & stressful career to a life in the countryside, spending much time outdoors & a totally different pace of life. This is a wide reaching conversation that I guarantee will make you want to spend more time in nature (& possibly visit The Lakes). /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/36680645

#246 Finding your connection to exercise 05/15/2025

#246 Finding your connection to exercise Pete & James recap 7 weeks of fantastic guests & pick up some of the themes & conversations that have sparked thoughts & discussions within our businesses. Staying grounded & anchored through times of stress & turmoil & what it REALLY means to find a deep connection to movement, exercise & our physical being are among the topics discussed. /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/36583380

#245 Strength & Transformation with Terry Hollands 05/08/2025

#245 Strength & Transformation with Terry Hollands We are joined by a legendary figure of UK (& World) Strongman from Kent in England - Mr Terry Hollands AKA Big Tel. Terry is one of Britain’s best known & most successful strongmen. He competed at the Worlds Strongest Man 15 times, reached the final on 9 consecutive occasions & podiumed twice. We discuss the current Strongman scene, the upcoming 2025 Worlds Strongest Man in USA. Terry’s sporting background, training history & current focus. A fascinating conversation with a man who has pushed his body to the brink in the name of performance & is now focused on being strong, fit & healthy for the decades ahead. /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/36491130

#244 Ballet, Barbells & Balance with Elise Ball 05/01/2025

#244 Ballet, Barbells & Balance with Elise Ball We are joined by Elise Laura Ball from Bristol in Somerset, England for an open & raw conversation about Ballet, professional dancing, body image, eating disorders, alcohol & recovery. Elise is a Strongfirst Elite trainer, Kettlebell & Strength Coach & a Ballet teacher who now focuses on teaching Ballet to adults & passing on her love of dancing without the pressure & pain from her past. /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/36396945

#243 Built to Last with David Amerland 04/24/2025

#243 Built to Last with David Amerland We are joined for the first time live from Greece. David Amerland’s new book ‘Built to Last - How to get stronger, healthier & happier at every stage of life.’ Is NOT your standard health & fitness manual & David is certainly NOT your standard health & fitness expert. At 60 years of age his understanding of ‘why we do what we do’ is vast & is informed by a diverse professional & educational background. Authenticity & finding a deeper connection to what ‘fitness’ means to us individually is foundational to maintaining healthy practises for life. This is a thought provoking & deep conversation which may help you see fitness through a different lens. /episode/index/show/healthoddity/id/36299350

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