It's a technique to boost confidence and self-esteem and is easy to replicate.

The jar is for Annie who will start 2026 taking on an endurance challenge and it's there to dip in to when there are moments of doubt.

You'll hear Josie asking Annie about her strengths, skills, setbacks she's overcome and successes she's proud of.

We'd just like to say a big thank you for all of your support during the last 12 months. We wish you a Happy Christmas and a braver 2026! Please keep in touch on insta @bebraverpod and we'll see you in a couple of months.

His story is one about taking on the norm from an early age. His parents fought hard to get him to be able to do school sport. He then went on to work in sports coaching. He's a charity fund-raiser, an active volunteer and has carried out humanitarian work in some of the world's troubled areas. A great believer in giving back to society.

Thanks for listening and supporting our podcast. You can follow us on instagram too on @bebraverpod

Siri's family life was shaken as a young girl when her parents separated and she and her sister found their mother trying to commit suicide.

Siri's suffered anxiety and OCD during her life and being diagnosed with acute myeloid eukaemia left her with another harrowing time.

But she remains so positive and wanting to make a difference.

She and her wife set up Believe Ranch and Rescue to save former rodeo horse that were heading to slaughter

So much to take from this - the power of gratitude, redefining fear and looking for meaning.

We'd love you to subscribe and follow the podcast and connect with us on instagram @bebraverpod

Charlie Hodgson is a former England international rugby player. He marked his debut with a national record-breaking 44 individual points...just missing out on a world record. He ended up with 38 caps. It would have been many more but he suffered from some serious injuries, including 2 ACL's, which kept him on the sidelines for long periods.

Charlie now uses his elite sport experience to support businesses and he founded rugby buddy, an academy offering mindset training and skills coaching.

He tells Annie and Josie about being brave at rugby, which at times is sink or swim. He draws on his experiences to give thoughts on life, sport and parenting...he's got 5 children! The chat moves on to dealing with pressure, the importance of breathing and taking control.

Thanks for listening. We'd really appreciate a review and rating if you have time. And please keep in touch with us on instagram @bebraverpod

Michael has quite a story. He developed an early love of horse racing and went on to work in a stable yard before a chance meeting saw him become Chief Executive of the Professional Jockeys Association.

After 15 years in the job he retrained as a Sports Psychologist following a conversation with champion jockey AP McCoy.

Michael calls himself a 'dustman' in his work - he takes the rubbish away from the clients he works with. He has a very authentic view of life and tries to make it simple...with a great belief in face to face communication and conversation.

We love to hear from you on instagram @bebraverpod

Thanks for listening!

Joakim is one of those who fly through the air doing twists and tumbles and he talks about how he got their and the sort of bravery it takes to perform new skills.

Josie met him when she got an opportunity to visit their training centre and this chat lifts the lid on the acrobatic entertainment world. He talks through the parental support he got as a child and about his motivation to perform potentially dangerous routines every day. It's a very revealing chat!

Thanks for supporting out podcast. Please follow us on Instagram at @Bebraverpod

Dr Liz O'Riordan is a former breast surgeon, who, at the age of 40, was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. She realised just how little she knew about the treatment she used to offer her patients.

She began using talks and social media to improve the quality of cancer care.

Her own cancer returned and left her unable to move her left shoulder...which ended her career as a surgeon.

Liz talks with great honesty about the challenges she's face having now been diagnosed with cancer 3 times and how she has found purpose in her life.

Liz has written a number of books including The Complete Guide to Breast Cancer, Under the Knife and The Cancer Roadmap.

Thanks for your support and please connect with us on instagram @bebraverpod

In October 2019 he became the BBC's first Cyber Correspondent - a long way from the early days of presenting on CBBC's Newsround.

Annie first met Joe as a triathlon commentator. Joe's competed in Ironman and talks about how long-distance training has helped him in life.

But he's made his name as a journalist and he gives a fascinating insight into life working in the challenging area of cyber crime including being offered potentially millions of pounds by hackers to infiltrate the BBC IT system.

His journalistic mantra is - if you're not going to be first, be the best.

And his Be Braver tip is something he's used in live TV and in public speaking - it's the Power Pose and Josie explains what this is and how it works.

Joe's book Ctrl+ Alt+ Chaos chronicles the life of a teenage internet hacker who became the most wanted cybercriminal in the world. And his new podcast series on BBC Sounds is Cyber Hack Evil Corp.

We'd love to hear from you - we're on instagram @bebraverpod

Dr John Coumbe-Lilley specialises in relationship therapy and sports psychology.

Ceci Craft is the mental performance coach for the Philadelphia Phillies Baseball team.

Dr Peter Olusaga works in high performance looking at burn out, stress and well-being.

Lani Silversides works on building mental health stregth through mental skills.

Lloyd Emeka focuses on chronic pain in endurance athletes.

Jessica O'Kelly works mostly in youth sports and uses self-compassion.

And Marci Sier, a professional squash player who specialises in performance psychology.

Hope you enjoy this content. Annie's back with Josie next week with a special guest.

Please follow us on insta at @bebraverpod

Stef is a Paralympian, broadcaster, and motivational speaker. Stef talks brilliantly about resilience, self-belief and finding motivation when you don't feel like showing up.

She talks honestly about a terrible boating accident as a teenager which left her needing an amputation. Stef goes on to give her take on what it really means to push through fear.

She shares how setbacks shaped her confidence and how redefining success has helped her stay grounded. For anyone who’s ever doubted themselves or is procrastinating on starting something new, Stef’s words are a reminder that mindset isn’t about being positive all the time — it’s about learning to keep going, even when things don’t look perfect.

Stef has a newsletter based around living with more courage - the Hail Mary Friday Club. Details at www.stefreid.com

Thanks for listening - we'd love you to take a moment to give us a review, a rating and to follow us on instagram @bebraverpod

Jaz has a rare debilitating and progressive genetic condition, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome(EDS). But she grew up in an abusive home and so her condition wasn't spotted or treated and by the age of 20 she became a full-time wheelchair user. The condition also affects her heart, lung and digestive and bowel system. She has seizures and fainting issues. She says she's driven by the freedom she finds by being on the water.

It is a terminal illness. At one stage, doctors gave her six months to live. She has faced the question - how to live, when you know you have a life-limiting illness. She now plans to sail around the world!

We also learn about Phoebe - her incredible assistance dog.

Also on the podcast, an incredible moment for Annie. She was out on a mountain bike ride but ended up helping a farmer deliver a calf. Totally unexpected but it was a lifetime ambition to be a vet!

We'd love you to leave a review and give us a follow and keep in touch on instagram @bebraverpod

So today we bring our experiences as a Sports Psychologist and an elite athlete and we've plenty to share which we think you'll find both interesting and useful.

We cover optimism, feedback and dealing with teenagers. There's the daily parent juggle and ending up in a bush by flying off a mountain bike.

Josie shares how she faced up to some tough feedback and discovered that even uncomfortable criticism can be a powerful gift if you’re brave enough to use it.

The conversation also dives into how kids handle feedback, why parents need to bite their tongues after sports matches and the importance of unconditional love when your child is chasing their passions.

With warmth, humour and some very real tales of scraped knees and life’s curveballs, this episode is a reminder that resilience doesn’t always look heroic—it’s often about the small choices, the brave reframes and keeping a smile when things get tough.

Please give us a follow and a review and join us on instagram @bebraverpod

He's raced in rainforests, across deserts, over mountains and in the Artctic and sub-Arctic. He's run, climbed, pulled a sled and paddled a board. And has written books about his adventures.

He says mere satisfaction is not enough. He needs to know he's doing everything he can to live life to the full. He urges people to be more imaginative and daring and to find ways of making our life truly our own.

It's a great chat about tackling fear and hearing about some remarkable adventures with lots to learn for getting more out of life.

You can find more about his books here https://www.drmarkhines.com/books

And you can follow us on instagram @bebrarverpod

If you have time, we'd love it if you'd give us a follow and a review.

Allie has run over 200 marathons and 80 ultra marathons. She's crossed deserts and run the length of the Panama Canal amongst her many challenges. She says, from experience, running won't save you, but might give you the time to survive yourself and will change your life.

It's an honest and compelling interview from Allie who now reaches out to others to help teach them how brilliant they can be. The interview with Allie is emotional, recorded just days after completing Dragon's Back, a 6 day ultra journey through Wales considered one of the toughest mountain races in the world. She feels completely broken and terrible as she does this podcast but she believes in a few weeks she'll look back on it as one of the greatest achievements of her life.

She says alcohol and alcoholism is everywhere. From the most extreme sports to musicians on stage. Allie had a dream job working in the music industry and recognised she had 20 years as an alcoholic. She hit rock bottom in 2021 before she sought help and has been sober since then.

Allie is a great Be Braver guest and passes on advice about living to your values and being yourself.

If you want to find out more about Allie, she has a book titled There is no Wall.

We'd love to hear from you - find us at @bebraverpod

We hope you've had a good summer! And in this episode we catch up on the last few weeks. Annie has been globe-trotting commentating on triathlon and the World Games in China. She talks about how she was introduced to lots of new sports from Dragon Boat Racing to Marathon Canoe. She's candid about her self-doubts and fears and how she coped. She also talks about grappling with motherhood and the desire to be ambitious with her career.

Josie shares her holiday experiences and what she learnt from watch her daughter's blossoming confidence and how nurturing environments. help bravery in the young.

Together, they emphasise that bravery is not merely the absence of fear but the courage to act despite it.

As the episode draws to a close, Josie reveals how a hairdressing appointment proved more drastic than she thought and the consequences it had when picking up her daughter from summer school.

We'd love it if you could spare a few moments to like, follow and review and also follow us on instagram at @bebraverpod

Well, we actually did it — Season One of The Be Braver Podcast is wrapped! We started this little adventure three months ago and 13 amazing guests later we have learnt such a lot about being braver.

We've heard from people who’ve climbed mountains (literally), beaten the odds, changed careers, reinvented themselves, and found bravery in the everyday. And somewhere in all that, we (Josie and Annie) have learned a thing or two ourselves — like bravery isn’t about being fearless, it’s about doing the scary stuff anyway (Josie's gearing up for gymnastics shows and piano exams and singing in public).

We've learned how important it is to have the right people around you, how powerful it can be to start from the top and work backwards (cheers, John the magician), and how some of the most life-changing lessons come from the quietest acts of courage.

We’ve also faced our own fears — Josie’s got five bold goals before turning 50 and Annie’s on a mission to ditch the “I’m too old” voice in her head and keep showing up bravely in work, life, and on the world’s biggest water slides.

So thank you — for listening, for messaging, for being part of this brave little community. We’ll be back next month with Season Two.

Insta: @bebraverpod

The Be Braver Podcast is presented by Dr Josie Perry and Annie Emmerson and produced by Mark Shardlow.

In this episode of Be Braver, Josie and Annie sit down with the brilliant broadcaster, author, and ultra-endurance athlete Vassos Alexander.

Vassos has been the energetic sports voice from the Christ Evans Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2 and Virgin Radio. But as we speak, he's on the brink of a huge life change. He's about to step away from a job he's loved for 14 years without a solid plan for what comes next.

Vassos talks about the decision - with gut telling him to move on whilst his head shouts "Are you mad?!". He calls it letting go of one trapeze before grabbing the next. It's scary, but full of possibility. Not having the answers, but trusting the questions.

The chat goes in to his ultra-running, including a 153 mile event in Greece called Spartathlon. And his love of outdoor swimming which led to his latest book, Swimmingly.

You'll hear how he accidentally launched an acting career in Russia, turned up for his first ironman in cargo shorts and how he trained to swim the English Channel. And he still wants to climb Everest!

There’s wisdom here for anyone teetering on the edge of a big decision or wondering if “good” is really good enough. As Vassos puts it: “You regret staying on the sofa, not trying something big and brave.”

The Be Braver Podcast is presented by Annie Emmerson and Dr Josie Parry.

Annie is a former international triathlete and world champion. She's now a broadcaster and motivational speaker.

Josie switched from being a journalist to become a Chartered Psychologist.

Thanks for listening! The Be Braver Podcast - because life is not a dress rehearsal.

Insta: @bebraverpod

David’s story is one of extreme highs and unimaginable lows. He won gold for Great Britain at the London 2012 Paralympics in rowing, achieving what many athletes dream of. But what makes David’s story truly extraordinary is what came before – and what came after.

For the past 14 years, David has been living with a rare tumour wrapped around his spinal cord. He’s had multiple major surgeries, faced paralysis, and gone through gruelling recovery after gruelling recovery. And yet, he still wakes up with the mindset of an athlete. He still chases growth, health, and excellence – mentally and physically. As he puts it, he’s not just surviving cancer, he’s thriving with it.

David speaks with his heart on his sleeve but also with a great sense of humour. He tells Annie and Josie about the mental tools sport gave him that has helped him through his illness. And how it feels to see his body failing but his mind getting stronger.

David speaks about the role of routine, meditation and self-discipline to stay reslient and how he stays in the present.

His mantra is : “Be where your feet are.”

When life throws curveballs, as it has done for David time and again, coming back to the present moment is what helps him stay steady. Whether that means feeling the floor beneath him, focusing on his breath, or just doing one small positive thing each day – he’s learned that the present is the only place you can truly live, take action, or find peace. His message is, not to wait for a crisis to start living more fully.

This isn’t just a story about beating the odds – it’s about changing your relationship with the odds altogether. It’s about focusing on what you can do. As David says, “I don’t have control over my tumour, but I have control over how I live with it.”

Don’t forget to follow, share, and leave us a review – it really helps others find the show.

💬 We’d love to hear your thoughts – connect with us on socials @BeBraverPodcast and let us know what you took from David’s incredible story.

Sarah grew up in Canada and moved to the UK 10 years ago. She was a child star on the track but got diagnosed with a rare, extremely painful condition which left her unable to walk and needing 24 hour care.

The chat delves into Sarah's journey, which includes overcoming that life-altering medical condition and the subsequent transformation into an accomplished cyclist.

Josie and Annie explore the themes of resilience, determination, and the importance of community support as Sarah recounts her experiences in both athletics and life.

Sarah talks about the significance to her of pursuing challenges that pushed her beyond the comfort zone, as well as the vital role of teamwork in achieving her goals and finding a supportive community.

It's a really powerful example of how we can put bravery in our lives.

The Be Braver Podcast is presented by Annie Emmerson and Dr Josie Perry.

Annie is a former international triathlete and world champion. She's now a broadcaster and motivational speaker. She left school and education at the age of 15 after a family breakdown and that's led to a life of self-improvement.

She had a transition from party-girl to a life with purpose after being robbed at knife point. She talks candidly about how she has redefined herself several times.

Josie Perry's life first changed when she failed in her A levels which ended her plans to go and study law at a top university. She worked in journalism and communications before becoming passionate about performance psychology which led to a complete career change.

So what's your purpose? What's your why? How can we help you on your journey?

Thanks for listening!

The Be Braver Podcast - because life is not a dress rehearsal.

Insta: @bebraverpod

She talks about the importance of following your own joy, the challenges of balancing career and family life and the significance of understanding your personal values and self-care.

Kate talks to Annie and Josie about the importance of looking back to understand present behaviours.

She shares the most memorable moments in her broadcasting career - from the front line in Iraq and Afghanistan to the dance floor of Strictly Come Dancing and behind the wheel on Top Gear.

Annie and Joise explore the motivations behind her mid-life career change and her drivers to become a child psychologist.

Kate concludes with a powerful message about bravery and overcoming fear.

You can find more about Kate and her books "There's no such thing as naughty" and "There's STILL no such thing as naughty" on her website www.katesilverton.com

The Be Braver Podcast is presented by Annie Emmerson and Dr Josie Perry.

Annie is a former international triathlete and world champion. She's now a broadcaster and motivational speaker. She left school and education at the age of 15 after a family breakdown and that's led to a life of self-improvement.

She had a transition from party-girl to a life with purpose after being robbed at knife point. She talks candidly about how she has redefined herself several times.

Josie Perry's life first changed when she failed in her A levels which ended her plans to go and study law at a top university. She worked in journalism and communications before becoming passionate about performance psychology which led to a complete career change.

So what's your purpose? What's your why? How can we help you on your journey?

Thanks for listening!

The Be Braver Podcast - because life is not a dress rehearsal.

Insta: @bebraverpod

She has 14 ironman wins to her credit. Along with achievements at some of the most brutal endurance events.

Lucy starts by talking to Annie and Josie about The Winter Spine - an ultramarathon held in winter from the Peak District in Scotland, a distance of 431km.

This was the second time Lucy has competed in this. And she tells the podcast about the reason she returned to the challenge.

When she made her debut the cancer doctor did it alongside her partner. But days after finishing her world came crashing down. She discovered he'd been cheating on her and living a life of lies from a social media message sent to a friend.

Her return in 2025 saw her inspired to win the race.

Lucy speaks openly about her struggle with confidence despite her success as an athlete and getting to Cambridge University to study medicine.

She went on to start running triathlons and ironmans, leaving her job to compete as a professional all over the world. Her mantra is 'choosing to suffer is a privilege' and she believes her time out from medicine to compete has made her a better doctor. And being a doctor has made her a better athlete and appreciate that life is short.

She's most proud of finishing every race, rather than winning. She believes in competing with a smile and celebrates victories with a laugh and a dance.

The Be Braver Podcast is presented by Annie Emmerson and Dr Josie Perry.

Annie is a former international triathlete and world champion. She's now a broadcaster and motivational speaker. She left school and education at the age of 15 after a family breakdown and that's led to a life of self-improvement.

She had a transition from party-girl to a life with purpose after being robbed at knife point. She talks candidly about how she has redefined herself several times.

Josie Perry's life first changed when she failed in her A levels which ended her plans to go and study law at a top university. She worked in journalism and communications before becoming passionate about performance psychology which led to a complete career change.

So what's your purpose? What's your why? How can we help you on your journey?

Thanks for listening!

The Be Braver Podcast - because life is not a dress rehearsal.

Insta: @bebraverpod

John Bulleid is an actor, magician and illusion designer, creating magical solutions for stage and screen.

His love of magic began at the age of 7 when he was given a Paul Daniel Magic Set as a gift.

John is a rarity too. He's an Associate Member of the famed Magic Circle. One of fewer than 300 worldwide.

This is a lovely chat with insights into the magical world of an illusion designer. The tricks, the stories and the ideas.

John talks about the escapism which comes with magic - taking people away from their normal lives whilst the tricks are performed. He tells us how his dad encouraged him to follow a path of being a magician and how it's taken him to some remarkable productions.

There's a discussion of magic and awe and Josie gives us some theory about how awe can enhance critical thinking, improve health and give a sense of being part of something bigger. And John agrees that awe is such an important part of what he does.

He ends the podcast talking about how he uses reverse engineering to solve problems and be braver.

The Be Braver Podcast is presented by Annie Emmerson and Dr Josie Perry.

Annie is a former international triathlete and world champion. She's now a broadcaster and motivational speaker. She left school and education at the age of 15 after a family breakdown and that's led to a life of self-improvement.

She had a transition from party-girl to a life with purpose after being robbed at knife point. She talks candidly about how she has redefined herself several times.

Josie Perry's life first changed when she failed in her A levels which ended her plans to go and study law at a top university. She worked in journalism and communications before becoming passionate about performance psychology which led to a complete career change.

So what's your purpose? What's your why? How can we help you on your journey?

Thanks for listening!

The Be Braver Podcast - because life is not a dress rehearsal.

Insta: @bebraverpod

His need to escape and explore meant he was spending lots of time on two wheels and discovering he was good enough to compete.

Jez tells Annie and Josie about the relationship with his dad, who was impassionate and extremely harsh. He was once told he'd never achieve anything in his life. The sentence he remembers to this day. And it led to a need to finding the best way of being the best athlete he could be. A need to prove his dad wrong.

Josie's analysis is that Jez has perfectionist tendencies, always setting a high bar. He tells Josie that he believes he has ADHD with a brain that's constantly working.

Jez tells the story of how he got in to commentary - again by accident. Now he can be heard at the world's top sporting events....commentating on Breaking and Surfing at the Paris Olympics.

His advice on being braver comes from an Abraham Lincoln quote - "Discipline is choosing between what you want now and what you want most".

Hope you enjoy this chat!

The Be Braver Podcast is presented by Annie Emmerson and Dr Josie Perry.

Annie is a former international triathlete and world champion. She's now a broadcaster and motivational speaker. She left school and education at the age of 15 after a family breakdown and that's led to a life of self-improvement.

She had a transition from party-girl to a life with purpose after being robbed at knife point. She talks candidly about how she has redefined herself several times.

Josie Perry's life first changed when she failed in her A levels which ended her plans to go and study law at a top university. She worked in journalism and communications before becoming passionate about performance psychology which led to a complete career change.

So what's your purpose? What's your why? How can we help you on your journey?

Thanks for listening!

The Be Braver Podcast - because life is not a dress rehearsal.

Insta: @bebraverpod

Geoff is about to head off on his 7th trip to ride the Tour de France route...and aims to raise another £1 million pounds for Cure Leukaemia.

He speaks with Annie and Josie in the week when Crystal Palace won the FA Cup. Geoff was a special guest, having captained the side on their last Cup Final appearance.

Geoff tells us he was training to be an electrician when he was spotted by a football scout and signed for Rochdale. A move to Port Vale followed before the signficant transfer to Crystal Palace. He talks about recovering from a career-threatening injury. He retired from football in 2002 but just a year later was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia, a form of blood cancer. Geoff was given three months to live but after receiving pioneering stem cell treatment and a transplant from his sister Kay, he went in to remission.

Geoff talks to Annie and Josie about his resilience and where he drew his strength from after such a shocking prognosis. His mantra is just dig in.

In 2015 he was persuaded to do a charity bike ride on the Tour de France route. He hadn't ridden since he was 7. It was gruelling. But he's done it many times since and this year is the 20th anniversary of that first ride.

His efforts and charity fund-raising saw him awarded the MBE and winning the Helen Rollason Award at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

Here are details of his Tour de France adventures

www.thetour21.co.uk

And London to Paris

https://www.l2prevolution.com/

The Be Braver Podcast is presented by Annie Emmerson and Dr Josie Perry.

Annie is a former international triathlete and world champion. She's now a broadcaster and motivational speaker. She left school and education at the age of 15 after a family breakdown and that's led to a life of self-improvement.

She had a transition from party-girl to a life with purpose after being robbed at knife point. She talks candidly about how she has redefined herself several times.

Josie Perry's life first changed when she failed in her A levels which ended her plans to go and study law at a top university. She worked in journalism and communications before becoming passionate about performance psychology which led to a complete career change.

So what's your purpose? What's your why? How can we help you on your journey?

Thanks for listening!

The Be Braver Podcast - because life is not a dress rehearsal.

Insta: @bebraverpod

Rebecca has worked with international athletes from many sports and has just become a new mum.

She talks about how to embrace nerves and anxiety. Annie tells her that in her days as a GB triathlete she was frequently paralysed with fear on the start-line.

Rebecca tells Josie and Annie how alot of the tools she talks about are transferable to work and home life. And how to constantly change and evolve and recognising why being braver is important and understanding when moving out of the comfort zone is warranted.

One technique that has proven to work well is the confidence bank - and Rebecca gives an introduction to this concept. There's also a chat about self-identity and self-worth.

Josie's killer question is asking what skills Rebecca has brought from sports psychology to being a mum!

There are so many take-aways in this episode. And you can find more out about Rebecca at www.sporting-success.com

In the show Annie talks about the 20th anniversary of the death of her dad and using the day to reflect on his life and also where she is in life. Her father was put in to an orphanage on the day he was born and never got to know more about his family circumstances which led to it.

Josie talks about what she learnt going to her daughter's swimming gala with a discussion on healthy competition and dealing with fear.

The Be Braver Podcast is presented by Annie Emmerson and Dr Josie Perry.

Annie is a former international triathlete and world champion. She's now a broadcaster and motivational speaker. She left school and education at the age of 15 after a family breakdown and that's led to a life of self-improvement.

She had a transition from party-girl to a life with purpose after being robbed at knife point. She talks candidly about how she has redefined herself several times.

Josie Perry's life first changed when she failed in her A levels which ended her plans to go and study law at a top university. She worked in journalism and communications before becoming passionate about performance psychology which led to a complete career change.

So what's your purpose? What's your why? How can we help you on your journey?

Thanks for listening!

The Be Braver Podcast - because life is not a dress rehearsal.

Insta: @bebraverpod

John McAvoy tells a redemption story that is compelling to listen to. He tells us about a childhood which began with the sudden death of his father just weeks before he was born.

At the age of 8, his step-sister's dad came into his life and brought him in to the criminal world. John didn't know this at the time. But when he found newspaper clippings he discovered a background of crime and armed robbery.

John tells us that watching a film about a £26million gold bullion robbery, which involved his uncle, glamourised the criminal world. As a teenager, he decided to join it and bought himself a firearm.

18 months later he was arrested, place on remand in a high security prison and eventually jailed.

John's life changed when he started using the gym and embarked on an intense fitness programme which led him to breaking World Records for indoor rowing and becoming a professional Ironman athlete sponsored by Nike.

He talks about the impact of a prison warden called Darren and how his life now includes addressing politicians and working with young people.

John's book is called Redemption.

The Be Braver Podcast is presented by Annie Emmerson and Dr Josie Perry.

Annie is a former international triathlete and world champion. She's now a broadcaster and motivational speaker. She left school and education at the age of 15 after a family breakdown and that's led to a life of self-improvement.

She had a transition from party-girl to a life with purpose after being robbed at knife point. She talks candidly about how she has redefined herself several times.

Josie Perry's life first changed when she failed in her A levels which ended her plans to go and study law at a top university. She worked in journalism and communications before becoming passionate about performance psychology which led to a complete career change.

So what's your purpose? What's your why? How can we help you on your journey?

Thanks for listening!

The Be Braver Podcast - because life is not a dress rehearsal.

Insta: @bebraverpod

Nikki moved from 17 years in the corporate world to do something she was truly passionate about. That's when she set up Tempr Media.

Nikki talks about getting burn-out and starting to feel 'there's got to be more to life than this!'.

She embraced the fear of failure and moved to set up her own business in a very different field.

Nikki talks about the impacts on her life as a teenager - with her parents divorcing and her dad getting sent to prison. Annie reveals her dad also went to prison. And Josie presents them with research which shows elite athletes can often have a big adversity in teen years.

We hear about how Nikki took the big leap to leave a safe job and good salary to change her career path and life. Her message is to be authentic and be happy with who you are.

Nikki's business is temprmedia.co.uk

The Be Braver Podcast is presented by Annie Emmerson and Dr Josie Perry.

Annie is a former international triathlete and world champion. She's now a broadcaster and motivational speaker. She left school and education at the age of 15 after a family breakdown and that's led to a life of self-improvement.

She had a transition from party-girl to a life with purpose after being robbed at knife point. She talks candidly about how she has redefined herself several times.

Josie Perry's life first changed when she failed in her A levels which ended her plans to go and study law at a top university. She worked in journalism and communications before becoming passionate about performance psychology which led to a complete career change.

So what's your purpose? What's your why? How can we help you on your journey?

Thanks for listening!

The Be Braver Podcast - because life is not a dress rehearsal.

Insta: @bebraverpod

His early lesson in life was how he needed support around him to achieve success.

Mike reveals the four qualities of the Commandos that we all can learn from:

Courage

Determinations

Cheerfulness in the face of adversity

Unselfishness

Mike left the Royal Marines for a career in counter-terrorism where he trained as a surveillance officer working close to some of the most dangerous people in the country.

He left his job to raise money for his local hospital which saved his baby's life. And he decided to do something pretty big! He chose to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean. And raised £137000.

How do you deal with a 40ft wave in the dead of night in the Atlantic Ocean? How do you deal with the Taliban waiting for you in Afghanistan? How do you deal with the terrorist wanting to take your life? The answer - the wall of evidence is explained in the podcast.

His latest project is 'Unify" to help men become better versions of themselves and define masculinity in the modern age. (insta @unifymen)

Mike Bates(insta @mikebates_official)is an entrepreneur, adventurer and motivational speaker.

The Be Braver Podcast is presented by Annie Emmerson and Dr Josie Perry.

Annie is a former international triathlete and world champion. She's now a broadcaster and motivational speaker. She left school and education at the age of 15 after a family breakdown and that's led to a life of self-improvement.

She had a transition from party-girl to a life with purpose after being robbed at knife point. She talks candidly about how she has redefined herself several times.

Josie Perry's life first changed when she failed in her A levels which ended her plans to go and study law at a top university. She worked in journalism and communications before becoming passionate about performance psychology which led to a complete career change.

So what's your purpose? What's your why? How can we help you on your journey?

Thanks for listening!

The Be Braver Podcast - because life is not a dress rehearsal.

Insta: @bebraverpod

Greg is an Olympian who moved in to the application of science into elite sport. But his passion for sport is much wider and his latest work includes researching exercise benefits for those with cancer.

He talks candidly about how he creates belief and how belief leads to commitment. And how we can change our brains!

"Very little magic happens inside the comfort zone" - Greg talks about removing the fear of failure.

The Be Braver Podcast is presented by Annie Emmerson and Dr Josie Perry.

Annie is a former international triathlete and world champion. She's now a broadcaster and motivational speaker. She left school and education at the age of 15 after a family breakdown and that's led to a life of self-improvement.

She had a transition from party-girl to a life with purpose after being robbed at knife point. She talks candidly about how she has redefined herself several times.

Josie Perry's life first changed when she failed in her A levels which ended her plans to go and study law at a top university. She worked in journalism and communications before becoming passionate about performance psychology which led to a complete career change.

So what's your purpose? What's your why? How can we help you on your journey?

Thanks for listening!

The Be Braver Podcast - because life is not a dress rehearsal.

Insta: @bebraverpod

In this episode presenters Annie Emmerson and Dr Josie Perry talk about the changes they've made in their lives.

Annie is a former international triathlete and world champion. She's now a broadcaster and motivational speaker. She left school and education at the age of 15 after a family breakdown and that's led to a life of self-improvement.

She had a transition from party-girl to a life with purpose after being robbed at knife point. She talks candidly about how she has redefined herself several times.

Josie Perry's life first changed when she failed in her A levels which ended her plans to go and study law at a top university. She worked in journalism and communications before becoming passionate about performance psychology which led to a complete career change.

So what's your purpose? What's your why? How can we help you on your journey?

Thanks for listening!

The Be Braver Podcast - because life is not a dress rehearsal.

Insta: @bebraverpod

We'll be hearing from people who've found the courage to step outside their comfort zones to chase really challenging goals.

Let us introduce ourselves, we're Annie Emmerson and Josie Perry. Annie was a party girl who took up exercise and ended up being an international triathlete. She's now a broadcaster and motivational speaker. Josie switched from communications to chartered Sports Psychologist and author.

Insta: bebraverpod