The Keep Smiling Podcast

Three years ago, I sat down with Rhys to hear his remarkable story of surviving multiple near-fatal heart attacks, living with a battery-powered left ventricular assist device (LVAD), navigating the profound loss of identity that followed, and ultimately rebuilding his life through unimaginable adversity.  Today, Rhys returns to the podcast to share the next chapter of that journey. After spending...

Today I'm joined by Andrew Jenkins — mental health advocate, motivational speaker, and recent contestant on The Traitors.   In this powerful conversation, Andrew shares his journey following a traumatic, near-fatal car accident that changed the course of his life. While the physical injuries were significant, it was the psychological impact, loss of identity, and subsequent struggles with mental h...

Today I’m joined by Sabrina Pace-Humphreys — trail runner, activist, speaker, author, and founder of Black Trail Runners.   Sabrina shares her incredible journey from initially turning to running as a way to cope with post-natal depression, to going on to complete some of the world’s toughest endurance events — including the Marathon des Sables across the Sahara Desert, the brutal 268-mile Spine R...

Today I’m joined by podcaster and content creator Cerys Davage, for an inspiring conversation about living with a rare form of muscular dystrophy and how she’s turned her experiences into a platform for advocacy and connection. In this episode, Cerys shares her journey — from recognising the early signs and navigating diagnosis, to the impact it had on her identity, confidence, and sense of self....

Today we’re joined by multi-Olympian Kate Slatter to explore her journey from elite sport into the world of holistic health and wellbeing. She reflects on her experiences competing at three Olympic Games, the dedication and discipline required to perform at the highest level, and the often-overlooked transition that comes after life as a professional athlete. Kate also shares how this next chapter...

I’m joined today by Hollie, whose story is a great example of what it can look like to choose a slightly different path. After spending two years living and travelling in a van across the UK and Europe, Hollie learned how to slow down, live with less, and place more value on experiences, connection, and simply being present in the moment. Since then, she’s transitioned more into the world of sport...

In today's episode, we're joined by Renee McGregor, a  Sports Dietitian specialising in Athlete Nutrition, REDs, and Hormonal Health.  We explore the risks of underfueling and overtraining, alongside the psychological drivers behind disordered behaviours, including comparison culture, perfectionism, and the pressure to always do more. Renee also shares practical strategies for developing a healthi...

Today we are joined by Molly, a Welsh women’s health and youth voice advocate focusing on breaking shame and stigmas around our bodies, and enabling difficult conversations. After a childhood ruled by a Brain Tumour she documents her life with illness whilst campaigning on a government level and telling the world about her experiences, from the TEDx stage to the United Nations! She now uses her li...

Today we’re joined by Benji — a barber, father, and mental health advocate — who is on a mission to change the conversation around men’s mental health. Drawing from his own lived experience, including personal struggles and the loss of loved ones to suicide, Benji speaks openly about pain, resilience, and healing. In this episode, we explore how his childhood and adolescence shaped his identity, t...

Today we’re joined by Miles Furnell - an independent writer, theorist and practitioner who has spent more than three decades applying insights from cognitive behavioural science and motivational psychology to help organisations to engage, influence and inspire people all around the world, winning more than 80 international awards along the way. In this episode, Miles shares insights from his new b...

I met today’s guest, Katey, while backpacking through Vietnam. We crossed paths on the infamous Ha Giang Loop and ended up travelling together for a while — sharing countless special moments and thought-provoking conversations. It didn’t take long for me to know I had to bring her onto the podcast to share some of those wonderful insights, reminisce on our adventures, and document the experience....

Today I’m joined by Meg Lewis – a passionate advocate and activist in the health space, making a profound impact in respiratory care and palliative health. Meg shares her deeply challenging and complex journey with Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis, a rare form of Pulmonary Fibrosis that can cause irreversible lung damage. The condition is life-altering, with no cure, limited management options, and a...

Today I’m joined by Kirsty, a Functional Medicine Health Coach passionate about helping women shift from a constant state of survival - feeling depleted and exhausted - to a place where they are energised, mentally clear, emotionally balanced, and thriving In this episode, we dive into practical, holistic lifestyle strategies to optimise female health. We explore how to fuel your body with balance...

Backpacking solo through Southeast Asia was one of the most transformative, growth-filled experiences - packed with moments I could never have anticipated. In this long-overdue episode, I reflect on the biggest lessons travel taught me. From trusting in spontaneity and letting go of control, to rediscovering joy in simplicity, connection, and learning to truly rely on myself. I share the highs, th...

I’m taking a little break. I’ve got a one-way ticket to Southeast Asia… I’m about to go solo backpacking for I-don’t-know how long. It’s been a busy few years - building my business, chasing external validation, measuring my worth through grades, race times, podcast downloads, business bookings… all the things society perceived as 'successes.' But now, it's time to step away from all of that. I’ve...

In this episode, I’m joined by a familiar face - Brittany!  In our previous podcast conversation, she shared her journey of recovering from anorexia. But today, we’re diving deeper, reflecting on how both of us have grown and evolved since then. This episode isn’t just about recovery or returning to a baseline. It’s about the transformative journey that comes after, a journey of self-discovery, he...

As my master's journey concludes, it feels surreal to witness the culmination of countless hours of dedication. This academic pursuit has been central to my life, shaping my routines and lifestyle, making it bittersweet to transition away from something so integral to my identity. This journey has been both rewarding and challenging. I've learned, grown, and formed amazing relationships,...

Today, I’m joined by Olivia - a Welsh International elite endurance athlete, ACA chartered accountant and first time Mummy to 10 week old baby Alexis, to talk about her running journey, the many transitions she’s experienced, and the power of never underestimating yourself. Olivia’s path in running has evolved over the years, from being a competitive short-distance sprinter to embracing the world...

Daria Ermolenko is a Relationship and Time-management Coach. With an MSc in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology from the University of East London, Daria runs her own coaching practice. She works with clients 1:1 to create meaningful change in their lives. Daria helps people break free from the limiting beliefs society imposes about what relationships 'should' look like,...

Today, I'm joined by Thomas, a Behavioural and Cognitive and Compassion focused Psychotherapist as well as a Highly Specialised Eating Disorders Dietitian.   For over 20 years Thomas has been working in the NHS and/or Private sector with both adolescents and adults in the fields of Eating Disorders, Personality Disorder, body dysmorphic disorder and Complex Trauma.  We explore how long-term,...

Today we’re joined by Sam, a friend and enthusiastic runner.  Once overweight and unhappy, he turned his life around through sustainable lifestyle changes, discovering the joy of running. Now, he’s not only achieved an incredible physical transformation, hitting personal bests and smashing records, but also a profound psychological shift.  So today, we dive into all things running - our personal j...

Today, we’re joined by a special guest, Saskia, a Positive Psychologist who is deeply passionate about helping individuals connect with their true selves.  In this episode, we dive into the powerful concept of values—those fundamental principles that act as a compass, guiding our daily behaviours, decisions, and overall life trajectory. Values are more than just ideals; they are the driving force...

Today I’m joined by Jordan Foster, head coach at Coopah Run Coach, mum to Gracie and a keen runner. In our discussion, Jordan provides insight on her incredible journey through the world of running — from overcoming early hurdles of overtraining and burnout, to participating in numerous marathons, and now ultimately finding balance and a healthy approach to the sport. We discuss how running should...

Today, I’m joined by Louis, the founder of Clear For Men - a skincare brand dedicated to raising awareness about mental health. Louis’s journey to creating Clear For Men began during the lockdown when he found himself grappling with burnout, feeling lost, and lacking direction. His skincare routine became a crucial way to switch off and be present, which ultimately inspired him to create Clear For...

Today, I’m joined by Beth, a certified ADHD Life Coach who brings a wealth of personal lived experience as a neurodivergent individual, and has dedicated her career to helping others understand and harness the unique strengths of their neurodivergent minds. In this episode, we discuss common challenges associated with neurodivergent brains, and how, by working through a strength-affirming perspect...