NO BS Podcast | Hyrox Training and Peak Performance Tips

In this solo episode of the No BS Performance Podcast, I break down a real moment from racing where something didn’t feel right and why it turned out to be more serious than just fatigue. Mid-race, my heart lost rhythm. Not just high effort… but completely out of sync. This episode is a straight-talking look at: What AFib actually is (without the medical jargon) How it felt in the middle of a race...

Most people wouldn’t even attempt rowing around the UK. Mike Ellicock did it. In this episode, we break down what it really takes to push through extreme endurance challenges, from rowing around Britain to chasing marathon records and now stepping into HYROX. This is a conversation about real performance, not theory. We get into mindset, resilience, fuelling, and what separates those who keep goin...

Lee Johnston built his elite performance foundation as a Royal Marines Commando, then proved it works across three Olympic Games and 12 British bobsleigh championships. Now coaching international teams, he reveals exactly how military discipline, long-term consistency, and pressure protocols create world-class athletes. In this episode, we unpack the systems behind peak performance, from how top c...

One of the most powerful conversations I’ve had, this one goes deep. Royal Marines commando Dan Holder reveals how military performance discipline, PTSD recovery, and extreme endurance sports converge to unlock elite athlete mindset. In this raw conversation, discover the unexpected link between combat resilience and peak performance—and how redefining your limits changes everything. Real strategi...

Most endurance athletes overlook a crucial factor that can unlock their full potential, yet many get it wrong by overtraining or neglecting personalised data that could prevent burnout. In this episode, I break down simple, evidence-based strategies to optimise your aerobic engine, improve recovery, and avoid the danger of overtraining, all without overcomplicating your routine. Discover why VO2 m...

Women over 35 don't need to accept performance plateaus, they need smart adaptation. In this episode, Brian Stokes talks with women's strength and fat loss coach Sarah Killeen about how hormonal cycles, aging, and lifestyle factors influence peak performance for female athletes. Sarah breaks down practical strength training techniques, recovery optimization, and resilience strategies that actually...

In this episode of the No BS Performance Podcast , Brian Stokes sits down with Abby Oakman to talk about Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) and Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (HA). Abi shares her personal journey, from pushing hard in training to realising something wasn’t right. She opens up about the warning signs, the physical and psychological impact of low energy availability, an...

Brian Stokes breaks down how elite athletes handle race disappointments without spiraling or ignoring lessons. In this NO BS conversation, learn the emotional management framework, performance analysis checklist, and structured training approach that separates resilience from denial, so setbacks become fuel instead of roadblocks.

In this episode I’m joined by Wayne Sanderson - Sando We talk about training, mindset and performing when it matters, whether that’s in sport, work or everyday life. Expect a relaxed conversation covering background, lessons learned and what actually works when it comes to staying strong, capable and consistent. If you enjoy the episode, share it with someone who trains properly and follow the pod...

No BS performance, training and mindset. Performance coaching from someone who's actually been tested.** Hosted by Brian Stokes, former Royal Marines Commando and HYROX competitor, this is the podcast for people serious about resilience, endurance athlete mindset, and peak performance. No sponsored nonsense. No gimmicks. Just honest conversations with elite athletes, coaches, and high performe...