Perk and Pace Podcast

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Darrian — a diversity and inclusivity consultant, athlete, and soon-to-be personal trainer — to talk all things fitness, identity, and representation. Bullied throughout his youth for his sexuality, Darrian has turned pain into purpose. He’s now on a mission to make the fitness world a safer, more inclusive space for the LGBTQ+ community and anyone who’s...

In this episode, Lydia and Matt dive into a topic that every dedicated gym go-er wrestles with:  rest days . Why is something so essential often so hard to embrace? Whether you're training hard in the gym, pounding the pavement, or juggling workouts around a busy life, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking more is always better. But science—and experience—say otherwise. This conversation...

 Episode:  How to Prioritise Your Health When Time Is Short and Life Is Full On Inspired by our recent chat with the unstoppable Xanthi, Matt and Lydia are back with a punchy, tip-packed mini episode for anyone juggling work, family, and training—and still wanting to prioritise their health. We’re sharing our top strategies for staying consistent, disciplined, and motivated  even when life is chao...

This week on  Perk and Pace , Lydia and Matt sit down with the unstoppable Xanthi—a proud Greek powerhouse balancing a high-pressure NHS role with a fierce commitment to health, fitness, and personal growth. We talk all things Hyrox: what it’s really like to train for this intense race as a first-timer, how it feels to toe the start line solo, and why doing hard things—alone—can be the fastest pat...

In this episode of  The Perk & Pace Podcast , hosts Lydia and Matt get real about how their relationships with training have evolved—from body image battles and performance pressure to finding strength, purpose, and joy in movement. Lydia opens up about growing up in the “nothing tastes as good as skinny feels” era, how that mindset shaped her early relationship with exercise, and what it took...

Did Q1 go exactly to plan? Or are you staring at those untouched goals wondering what went wrong? In this powerful follow-up to our goal-setting episode from the start of the year, Lydia and Matt get real about what worked, what didn’t, and how to reset without the guilt. Whether you're a business leader, a fitness-driven professional, or a growth-minded business owner, this episode is your pe...

In this powerful and refreshingly real episode of the Perk & Pace Podcast, Lydia & Matt with down with Giwa - Gymshark ambassador, fitness influencer and content creator with a massive following - to talk about what truly matters. From the outside, Giwa's life looks like the dream: brand deals, a loyal fanbase, and viral content. But behind the fitness and filters, she opens up about c...

Perk & Pace is back with Season 2! In this episode of Perk & Pace, Matt & Lydia take you behind the scenes of their unforgettable weekend in Toulouse, where the highs and lows of their Hyrox races provided both chaos and triumphs. From tough workouts to unexpected moments of hilarity, they share everything that went down, the lessons learned, and the laughs along the way. You don't wan...

In this episode of Perk & Pace, we go behind the scenes at Birmingham’s coolest pizza joint, Otto, with its passionate owners, Chris and George. From humble beginnings to running a thriving business, they share the highs, the lows, and the biggest mistakes they made along the way. Discover the challenges of expanding a restaurant, the joy of building a loyal customer base, and the sense of com...

In this episode of The perk & pace podcast , hosts Matt and Lydia dive into the powerful connection between physical fitness and mental resilience. They explore how developing strength, endurance, and discipline in the gym translates to greater mental fortitude in both personal and professional life. Through insightful discussions and real-life stories, they share how fitness has not only boos...

In this episode of Perk and Pace , hosts Matt and Lydia sit down with expert Avital Prais to dive deep into the fascinating world of the menstrual cycle and its impact on training. Whether you’re someone who menstruates or you’re a coach or trainer working with others, this conversation is packed with valuable, evidence-based insights to optimise performance throughout the different phases of the...

In this compelling episode, Matt and Lydia dive deep into the uncomfortable yet essential topic of failure. They open up about their own biggest failures — the moments that bruised their egos and left them questioning their abilities. But they don’t just dwell on the pain of failure; they reveal the transformative lessons they've learned and how those very failures have shaped them into the people...

In this episode of Perk & Pace, hosts Lydia and Matt dive into what true happiness looks like for them and how they’ve navigated the challenges of going against the grain to create their own paths. They share personal lessons they've learned along the way, including how they've overcome societal expectations, dealt with setbacks, and found fulfilment by staying true to their values. Lydia and...

In this episode of the Perk and Pace Podcast, hosts Matt & Lydia kick off the new year with a refreshing take on health habits that last—no matter the season. With the festive period just behind us, they dive into how to enjoy the holidays without derailing your fitness and wellness goals. Forget the pressure of “New Year, New Me”—Matt and Lydia explain why that mindset can be a trap and how t...

Get ready for the ultimate holiday treat as Matt, Lydia, and 2 special guests unwrap some festive fun in this Christmas Special! In this episode, your hosts dive into a lively Q&A session, answering your listener-submitted questions with their signature honesty and wit. But that's not all — things get really interesting as they take on the all important Mince Pie Blind Taste Test, and let’s ju...

In this episode of The Perk and Pace Podcast and the 3rd and final instalment in the limited series recorded at the amazing Setl Birmingham location, hosts Lydia and Matt sit down with Laura, the award-winning food blogger behind Bite Your Brum . Laura shares her journey through the dynamic Birmingham hospitality scene, from navigating the highs and lows of going self-employed to finding the coura...

In this episode of  The Perk and Pace Podcast , hosts Lydia and Matt sit down with Chef Tara Moreton-Archibald of Thirteen Plates, an inspiring chef with a unique journey. Tara discovered her passion for cooking a little later than most, rising to become a head chef and now launching her own freelance chef business. We delve into her experiences as a woman in a male-dominated industry, the challen...

In this powerful episode of The Perk & Pace podcast , hosts Lydia and Matt sit down with Guillaume Piot (G), an inspiring entrepreneur, athlete, and risk-taker who built a successful business from the ground up before selling it and embarking on a journey to become a competitive Ironman and ultra marathon runner. G shares his incredible story of moving to the UK alone, overcoming adversity, an...

Join Lydia & Matt in this exciting episode of the Perk & Pace podcast, where they take you on a global tour of their favourite hospitality spots. From hidden gems and local favourites to iconic destinations , they share their top picks from around the world. Get ready for funny travel stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and a few surprising moments along the way! In this episode: Discover...

No Excuses: Discipline and Hard Work | Andy Low N Slow   In this episode of our  fitness and wellbeing podcast , we sit down with Andy Low N Slow, the renowned pitmaster and founder of  Low N Slow , to talk about the power of  discipline  and  hard work . Whether you're in the  hospitality industry , chasing fitness goals, or working on your personal growth, Andy’s journey is packed with inspirati...

Welcome to another episode of Perk and Pace podcast, where fitness, well-being, and personal growth meet engaging conversations and real talk. In today's episode, Matt and Lydia dive deep into 5 non-fiction books that have profoundly impacted their lives—ranging from business strategy to personal development. These books helped them unlock new perspectives, boost productivity, and improve both the...

Welcome back to another episode of the Perk and Pace podcast, your go-to podcast for fitness tips, wellbeing, and expert insights. In today’s episode, we’re joined by Max Hartman, a top Strength and Conditioning Coach with years of experience helping people achieve their fitness goals. Lydia and Matt quiz Max on all things heart rate zone training, uncovering why this method is a game-changer for...

Welcome back to another exciting episode of the Perk and Pace Podcast, the ultimate destination for fitness, wellbeing, and all things performance. In this week’s episode, Lydia is gearing up for her very first Hyrox solo race, and who better to help her prepare than Matt, with his extensive experience in the world of Hyrox! Matt brings his expert insights from years of competing in Hyrox and his...

Welcome back to another episode of the Perk and Pace podcast, where fitness, wellbeing, and business collide! In today’s episode, we’re taking a deep dive into Lydia's incredible journey in the hospitality industry. Over the course of this episode, Lydia opens up about her experiences in opening and running 3 successful hospitality businesses, sharing the highs, the lows, and everything in between...

Matt & Lydia discuss all things run club; from their meteoric rise in popularity to the culture that surrounds their communities. They also dive into the problems and challenges surrounding monetising run clubs as well as discussing coffee and Matt's athletic background. For more info on Matt & Lydia go to their instagram accounts: @perkandpace_podcast @matthewbayliss_ @lpapznape Run club:...