Give Me Strength with Alice Liveing

What makes a strong person? Is it how far you can run, how much you can lift or is it how far you've come mentally to overcome something?  Each week I will be chatting to extraordinary people about how they live their lives physically and mentally and discuss the importance of resilience and how it's shaped them into the person they are today.  Together we will discuss the positives of living a stronger life physically and mentally and my aim is to inspire you to do the same.  Welcome to Give Me Strength! Give Me Strength is an Insanity Podcast Production.

As someone who started her public facing career as a 15 year-old, Fearne Cotton has really grown into her skin over the years; keeping acceptance, kindness and positivity at the top of her priorities. Fearne speaks to Alice about the power of an open mind, her growth and self discovery since she became a mother and how she focuses on the day to day task of being kinder to herself in the pursuit of happiness. They also discuss the topic of strength, specifically with regards to the power breathing can provide during mindful practices such as Yoga. As the author of three self-help books: Calm, Quiet and Happy, and host of the highly successful podcast series Happy Place, Fearne has become an expert in the wellbeing space making this a really thoughtful and inspiring conversation.

Singer, dancer, Strictly Come Dancing royalty and now business owner - Alesha Dixon joins Alice to talk about what strength means to her. Alesha discusses how exercise has always been a big part of her life, as before she chose a career in the music industry she studied sport at college in order to become a PE teacher. She also mentions how exercise supported her though some of the more difficult times in her life and helped her feel more herself after her two pregnancies. She also discusses her recent wellness venture NobleBlu which is launching in June, and why balance is all part of being strong.

Dr Amal Hassan aka Sport Exercise Doctor on Instagram and cofounder of Umi Health, speaks to Alice about building strength for life through rest, recovery and listening to our bodies. Amal talks about her experience of burnout from overexercising, and how commonplace this is in the fitness world. For Amal, this happened whilst she was training to become a doctor and is one of the reasons why she spends her career spreading the important message of rest and recovery as a sports exercise clinician. Amal also talks about why she co founded Umi Health, as she experienced pelvic floor dysfunction following her pregnancy. She is passionate about supporting women with the knowledge and tools to build core, pelvic floor and functional strength for life.

From the Gladiator TV series, to now a media medic and tv presenter, Zoe Williams is an advocate of an active and healthy lifestyle. Alice and Zoe discuss how the last year has impacted movement in a global way, and why it’s so important to encourage, especially, young girls to find a sport they love at an early age. Zoe chats about how she's prioritising a healthy lifestyle whilst being pregnant, and how the last year has impacted her work as a frontline GP worker at NHS Nightingale Hospital. 

Ella Mills, founder of Deliciously Ella, speaks to Alice about the work-life balance she’s cultivated over the years of growing her business with husband Matt, whilst raising her young family. Placing an emphasis on creating discipline in order to be happy, Ella discusses how she had consciously carved out boundaries in her work and private life in order to make this a priority. Whether that’s with the working relationship with her husband, creating purpose with the Deliciously Ella brand, or her daily practice of meditation which allows her to check in with herself every morning. Ella makes the point of bringing all this back to the importance of kindness, especially to ourselves and that we can’t be everything to everyone. This uplifting and motivating conversation is one not to miss!

What does health actually mean? On today’s episode, Alice speaks to leading sports dietitian, Renee McGregor, about the misleading and damaging narratives the online fitness and health community perpetuates. Together Alice and Renee chat about how multifaceted our approach to health should be; whether that’s what we’re eating, how much we’re moving, how many positive relationships we’re nurturing and the lifestyles we lead in our daily lives - each of these pillars contribute to a holistic indicator of our health. With a firm emphasis on individualised nutrition, this episode touches on a movement away from ‘good’ and ‘bad’ foods, towards looking at health as a standard we create for ourselves in all aspects of our lives.

Representing Team GB as a triple jumper at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Michelle Griffith-Robinson went in with a winning attitude: regardless of whether she won a medal or not. In this candid conversation with Alice, Michelle talks about how sport gave her a wealth of mental strength and determination that helped her rise through some of the most challenging times of her life - from the loss of a loved one, to leaving an abusive partner. Now a life coach and mentor for disadvantaged young people, Michele puts compassion and kindness at the heart of her work today. *Trigger warning - mention of abusive relationships in this episode

This episode sees Alice interviewing her good friend, colleague and mentor, Andy Vincent. A well-known voice in the space and a knowledgeable personal trainer, Andy has worked in the fitness industry for over 20 years, so who better to debunk some of the biggest fitness myths around? From weight loss through exercise to the confusion around calories, the real benefits of HIIT to can you really trust the stats on your smartwatch? This episode has all the answers to some of the burning questions of the day.

Ella Dove is commissioning editor for Red, Good Housekeeping, Prima magazine and author of Five Steps To Happy. Today, Ella speaks to Alice about her personal story of trauma - the moment she became an amputee after a freak fall whilst out for a run that cut off blood supply to her leg. Ella talks about the crucial moments she and her sister painfully waited for a passer by to help them call for an ambulance, and how forgiveness has played as big a part in her emotional and physical recovery. As a journalist and now author, Ella talks to Alice about being a force from the inside in changing the narrative around disability in the media. Ella is living proof that there is always positivity in the wake of adversity.

Aicha McKenzie came to managing talent and teaching breath-work in a unique way. As a former child British Commonwealth Rhythmic Gymnast, Aicha learnt early on in her career that the sports industry is high pressured. Whether it was from the toxic daily weigh-ins between her training sessions or the racist comments she subconsciously absorbed when competing, she speaks to Alice about setting out to care for her talent in a holistic way. Whether that’s encouraging an open dialogue on mental health with the people she works with, or to what she’s known most lately for - the use of breath work for greater wellbeing. Aicha explains how the simple act of awareness of the breath, useful exercises and the connection of the breath with movement can help support everyone when they’re in high pressured moments.

Joslyn Thompson Rule knows a thing or two about fitness. Whether that’s from her seventeen years experience as a personal trainer, to being a Nike Master - she’s an enduring overachiever in the industry. She found her passion for movement after signing up to her University rowing club and after realising the power of her own strength she now wants others to find this in themselves - now mentoring female fitness trainers through her annual Women in Fitness Summit. Alice and Jos speak about how loud the fitness industry is, how to find clarity and clear advice and of course, what it means to be a strong woman. Motivational, honest and an open conversation about fitness industry from one of the best trainers in the UK.

Adrienne Herbert has many strings to her bow. She's been a West End performer, PT and is currently host of the uplifting and positive conversation that is Power Hour Podcast. Adrienne kicks off this third season of Give Me Strength with a moving account of some of the moments she's used her strength to get her through life. Speaking to Alice about one of the reasons she started Power Hour - Adrienne speaks of her loss from miscarriage and three painful years of IVF treatment, and wanting to use the podcast to give herself a fresh start. Adrienne places a firm emphasis on the positive messaging that she endorses in Power Hour - the importance of self-worth, and how by simply reclaiming an hour for ourselves, we can really transform our day-to-day. Full of ‘lightbulb’ moments in this positive, honest and uplifting conversation - this episode is one not to miss.

This week Alice is joined by acclaimed British actor and producer, Suranne Jones who opens up about how growing up in the North of England shaped her as a person and also her career. Hitting our screens as Karen McDonald in Coronation Street, Suranne talks about her ascent into the limelight and how making the decision to step away from her big break in Corrie affected her and the incredible career that she's forged since. Through some very challenging times in her life and a mental health battle, Suranne reflects on how she made it through and how honesty with yourself is key to it all.This season of Give Me Strength is sponsored by Pronamel toothpaste. Buy yours now from your retailer of choice here: https://get.adimo.co/gsk-sp14To shop via Voice, you’ll need to create a free Adimo account and login to your favourite supermarket, so your tube of Pronamel can be added to your basket. This only needs to happen once, after that simply use your voice to ‘add Pronamel toothpaste to your favourite’ as and when you need it.

This week Alice talks to editor-in-chief of Stylist Magazine, Lisa Smosarski, about how over the course of ten years she has managed to change the face of feminism in media. From the resistance she faced at the start of her journey to how she's now constantly striving to give women of all backgrounds a platform in order to be seen and heard, this episode takes a look at how the discussion around gender inequality has changed during her time at the helm of Stylist and why the conversation is still so important.This season of Give Me Strength is sponsored by Pronamel toothpaste. Buy yours now from your retailer of choice here: https://get.adimo.co/gsk-sp13To shop via Voice, you’ll need to create a free Adimo account and login to your favourite supermarket, so your tube of Pronamel can be added to your basket. This only needs to happen once, after that simply use your voice to ‘add Pronamel toothpaste to your favourite’ as and when you need it.

Kimberley Wilson is an author, a Chartered Psychologist and a Governor of the Tavistock & Portman NHS Mental Health Trust. In this episode, Kimberley talks to Alice about the incredible and complex organ that is our brain, how it's possible to maintain a healthy brain, what we can do to improve our brain health and why all of this matters. From anxiety to dementia, this episode explores just how important our brain functions truly are.This season of Give Me Strength is sponsored by Pronamel toothpaste. Buy yours now from your retailer of choice here: https://get.adimo.co/gsk-sp12To shop via Voice, you’ll need to create a free Adimo account and login to your favourite supermarket, so your tube of Pronamel can be added to your basket. This only needs to happen once, after that simply use your voice to ‘add Pronamel toothpaste to your favourite’ as and when you need it.

Poorna Bell is a best-selling author, award winning journalist and keen weightlifter. In this episode, she talks to Alice about some of the hardest moments in her life that have forged her resilience. From moving to England from India as a young child and dealing with racial intolerance through to the tragic suicide of her late husband, Rob; Poorna shares insight on what's led her to where she is now and how she found her inner strength through weightlifting.This season of Give Me Strength is sponsored by Pronamel toothpaste. Buy yours now from your retailer of choice here: https://get.adimo.co/gsk-sp7To shop via Voice, you’ll need to create a free Adimo account and login to your favourite supermarket, so your tube of Pronamel can be added to your basket. This only needs to happen once, after that simply use your voice to ‘add Pronamel toothpaste to your favourite’ as and when you need it.

This week we are turning inwards and focussing on a different type of internal strength - your pelvis.  Whether it's improving your sex life, keeping you upright or ensuring all your internal organs are where they're meant to be - put simply, a strong pelvic floor is good news! This week's guest Helen Keeble, a physiotherapist and leading specialist in pelvic health, talks us through this vital and often overlooked area of our bodies, sharing some home-truths on why it's so important.This season of Give Me Strength is sponsored by Pronamel toothpaste. Buy yours now from your retailer of choice here: https://get.adimo.co/gsk-sp6 To shop via Voice, you’ll need to create a free Adimo account and login to your favourite supermarket, so your tube of Pronamel can be added to your basket. This only needs to happen once, after that simply use your voice to ‘add Pronamel toothpaste to your favourite’ as and when you need it.

Josh Lewellyn-Jones was born with cystic fibrosis and as a child was given the life expectancy of just thirty years old. He talks to Alice about how he hasn't let this define him and how now, aged 32, has defied the doctors and spent his life dedicated to raising awareness of the condition by undertaking monumental physical challenges to raise money for the cause as well as setting up CF Warriors to provide a community for young people with cystic fibrosis for which he earned an OBE.For more information, please visit: www.cfwarriors.org.ukThis season of Give Me Strength is sponsored by Pronamel toothpaste. Buy yours now from your retailer of choice here: https://get.adimo.co/gsk-sp5To shop via Voice, you’ll need to create a free Adimo account and login to your favourite supermarket, so your tube of Pronamel can be added to your basket. This only needs to happen once, after that simply use your voice to ‘add Pronamel toothpaste to your favourite’ as and when you need it.

In this special live recording of Give Me Strength, Alice talks to Anita Mitra; also known as the Gynae Geek. Anita is an NHS Doctor working within obstetrics and gynaecology and is an outspoken pioneer of everything relating to women's health. In this episode Anita speaks about her career so far, debunking some medical myths along the way and through her insight shows us how we can all be that bit more empowered with some knowledge behind us.This season of Give Me Strength is sponsored by Pronamel toothpaste. Buy yours now from your retailer of choice here: https://get.adimo.co/gsk-sp4To shop via Voice, you’ll need to create a free Adimo account and login to your favourite supermarket, so your tube of Pronamel can be added to your basket. This only needs to happen once, after that simply use your voice to ‘add Pronamel toothpaste to your favourite’ as and when you need it.

When life throws unexpected challenges at you, it’s hard to know how you’d react. Our guest today is someone who’s had some of the worst that life can challenge you with, from cancer diagnoses to multiple miscarriages, but along the way has found the strength and courage to overcome each of these in her own unique way. A close friend of Alice's, Charlie Barker is a pre and post natal personal trainer, an ex GB gymnastics champion and the founder of hugely successful company Bumps & Burpees, Charlie talks about the positivity, strength and gratitude she found during the hurdles she has had to overcome.This season of Give Me Strength is sponsored by Pronamel toothpaste. Buy yours now from your retailer of choice here: https://get.adimo.co/gsk-sp3To shop via Voice, you’ll need to create a free Adimo account and login to your favourite supermarket, so your tube of Pronamel can be added to your basket. This only needs to happen once, after that simply use your voice to ‘add Pronamel toothpaste to your favourite’ as and when you need it.

This week, Alice is joined by guest Henry Fraser who bravely shares how his life was changed forever after a freak accident in 2009 left him paralysed from the shoulders down, ending his dream of becoming a rugby player. Henry talks about his desire to use his platform to inspire others to shift their mindset by practising gratitude everyday and shares how he expressed his pain through mouth art as well as his book, which won him many celebrity endorsements, including JK Rowling.Visit Henry's website at: http://www.henryfraser.org/This season of Give Me Strength is sponsored by Pronamel toothpaste. Buy yours now from your retailer of choice here: https://get.adimo.co/gsk-sp2

Kicking off the second series of Give Me Strength will be former British boxer and double Olympic champion Nicola Adams who hung up her gloves in November last year, retiring as an undefeated world champion. Fighting against cuts to funding and backlash in the media, Nicola shares the immense responsibility she felt to pave the way for fellow women in boxing, as well as the strength in a winning mentality.This season of Give Me Strength is sponsored by Pronamel toothpaste. Buy yours now from your retailer of choice here: https://get.adimo.co/gsk-sp1

What makes a strong person to you? Bestselling author and personal trainer Alice Liveing interviews extraordinary people about the importance of building mental and physical resilience and how this can empower us to live happier, stronger lives.

As a double Olympic gold medalist, Dame Kelly Holmes’ story still continues to capture the hearts of the nation. But what did it really take for Kelly to succeed? In this season finale, Kelly talks to Alice about her most incredible achievements during a time when her mental health was at its lowest. Kelly speaks out about building her mental strength and how her dream to become the best athlete in the world probably saved her life.

With a personal mantra of ‘let’s make the impossible, possible’, Sophie is a T10 spinal cord injury survivor who has documented her recovery process through social media. As Gymshark's first ever disabled affiliate and a recent winner of the Cosmopolitan Fitness Influencer of the Year Award, Sophie is a massive advocate of visibility and ableism. In this episode, Sophie talks to Alice about her journey of extreme hardship, strength and resilience as she shares the story of her accident and how reigniting her passion for the gym ultimately reignited her passion for life as a whole.

With sport in her veins, Gabby Logan is undoubtedly one of the most influential names out there when it comes to women in sport. With a career that begun in competitive, rhythmic gymnastics and has since evolved into an extensive broadcasting portfolio including the London Marathon, The Invictus Games, 2012 Olympics, Match of the Day... the list goes on! Alice and Gabby cover everything from Gabby's young dreams of being a tennis player to the value of sports in schools as well as Gabby’s ambition for move coverage of women in sports.

In this week's episode, we hear from Claire Sanderson whose impressive 20 year career in national media titles has brought her to the role as Editor-in-Chief of Women's Health magazine. Leading by example, Claire bravely speaks out about her ongoing mental health challenges, as well as the positive media shift in language around visibility and diversity in the health and fitness industry.

Following Mental Health Awareness Week, Alice chats to mental health campaigner, journalist and bestselling author Bryony Gordon about her marathon journey which paved the way to sobriety. Bryony opens up about past struggles, why she believes that exercise should be about gains over losses, as well as the inspirations behind her latest book 'You Got This: A Fabulously Fearless Guide to Being YOU' written to empower young teens. This episode acts as a reminder of the incredible healing powers of exercise which extends far beyond the physical.

Martine Wright, MBE is a British sitting volleyball player who lost both her legs in the 7/7 London bombings in 2005. In this extended episode, we discover the healing and transformative influence sport had in Martine's life, how she draws strength from the memory of the 52 lives lost in the attack, and how her journey to the 2012 Paralympics has instilled in her a belief like no other. From the liberation she feels on the court, to the wonder of flying solo, Martine Wright is a force to be reckoned with.

Often referred to as the 'Queen of the Heptathlon’ Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill is a 2012 Olympic gold medalist, three-time world champion and 2010 European champion. Together Jessica and Alice talk about her ascent to the top of the podium, as well as how she battled through injury and came back stronger than ever before. Jessica also shares how her own experience with training whilst pregnant has led to the launch of her latest project - the creation of a brand new app, Jennis, which is designed to help pre and postnatal mothers train effectively in the comfort of their own home.

Tally Rye is a personal trainer, founder of Best Me Retreat Series, co-founder of Girl Games, and co-host of the Fit and Fearless podcast. In this refreshingly honest interview, Tally chats frankly to Alice about how her own relationship with exercise has evolved over the years, and how letting go of previous restrictive habits has opened her up to a world of confidence, truth and strength.

This week Alice interviews top netball player and Commonwealth gold medalist Jade Clarke about her ascent to netball stardom. As the most capped English player of all time, Jade shares her journey to success, as well as her passion for promoting and celebrating female achievements in sport.

Alice talks with coach and long time friend Cathy Brown who paved the way for women in boxing throughout her 10 year professional career. As the second woman to receive a boxing licence in the UK, Cathy discusses how her deep connection to the sport has pulled her through some serious trauma and shares why staying true to her ‘why’ has been integral in the face of adversity.

Asma Elbadawi, celebrated basketball player and coach, shares how we can be the change we want to see in our lives. From successfully campaigning to lift the hijab ban in pro basketball to using spoken poems to find her voice, this is a story of fearlessly speaking the truth and empowering others to do the same.

What makes a strong person to you? Bestselling author and personal trainer Alice Liveing interviews extraordinary women about the importance of building mental and physical resilience and how this can empower us to live happier, stronger lives.