The Stephen Howson Podcast

In this episode, former UK soldier and elite athlete Danny Rae sits down with us to unpack the rising sport of HYROX. Danny opens up about his transition from military life to competitive sport, how his Army discipline shaped his mindset, and the challenges he faced finding a new identity after leaving the forces. We dive into his training approach, injury setbacks, nutrition, and the goals drivin...

Meet Frankie McMillan – a 9-year-old mountaineer, adventurer, and one of the youngest ever to trek to Everest Base Camp. Frankie and his mum Basia share how his passion for climbing began at age three, leading him to conquer nearly a thousand peaks, complete all 214 Wainwrights twice, and inspire others through his adventures. They discuss resilience, family support, and Frankie's dream to cli...

In this episode, psychotherapist Ella McCrystal shares her personal story of trauma and transformation, how it shaped her career in therapy, and the science behind recovery. We explore the emotional and physical domino effect of healing, why ADHD can often be rooted in trauma, and how daily structure and self-awareness rebuild both the mind and body. Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussi...

Meet Nick Dunn – former British soldier and security contractor wrongfully imprisoned in India for 4 years. He shares his gripping story of survival, resilience, and hope under extreme conditions, the emotional toll of injustice, and the strength he drew from family and routine. Nick reveals lessons from his darkest moments and how he rebuilt his life after freedom, offering inspiration and practi...

Meet Oly Newton – mental health advocate, OCD survivor, and founder of Run for Your Mind. Oly shares his inspiring journey of overcoming personal struggles, helping thousands of young people and adults understand mental health, and creating community programs like ‘Run for Your Mind’. Oly shares practical strategies, inspiring stories, and actionable advice for checking in on friends, building res...

In this episode, Danny Ligairi opens up about his extraordinary journey - from surviving childhood challenges and finding his Fijian roots, to mentoring young athletes, building the Barefoot Project, and even working on Hollywood sets with Tom Hardy. He shares the lessons, struggles, and triumphs that shaped his life, offering insights on resilience, family, and creating opportunities for others.

Gina Atkinson is a UK veteran, endurance adventurer, and charity ambassador. In this episode, Gina shares her incredible journey from military service to extreme endurance challenges. We explore her experiences overcoming adversity, finding purpose through adventure, and supporting veterans and youth through charitable work. Gina opens up about resilience, mental health, and how pushing limits can...

Join Jay Motty as he shares his journey from addiction and denial to sobriety and self-discovery. In this podcast, expect both honest and candid conversations about overcoming challenges, lessons learned from recovery, the impact of family and football on his life, and the work he does alongside Stephen Inspiring, raw, and unfiltered, this episode offers insights for anyone seeking resilience, acc...

Join Danny Birch, renowned tattoo artist and creative entrepreneur, as he shares his journey from burnout to purpose, the lessons behind his craft, and insights on health, mindset, and intentional living. Expect inspiring stories, practical tips, and a behind-the-scenes look at life in and beyond the studio.

Mike Chadwick joins Stephen Howson to share his journey from reshaping soldier fitness in the British Army to leading one of the world’s top Hyrox coaching groups. In this episode, he breaks down why testing must lead to action, the role of competition in building resilience, how strength and prehab save careers in football, and why systems—not motivation—create lasting change.

Love Island winner Kai Fagan joins the podcast to share his journey from reality TV fame back to teaching and youth sport. He opens up about staying authentic, why accountability matters, and how rugby and education give him purpose beyond the spotlight. A powerful conversation on fame, values, and making a real impact.

PFL World Champion Brendan Loughnane shares the real story of his rise from fighting in pubs for £150 to winning a million-dollar tournament. He opens up about career setbacks, the infamous Dana White Contender Series snub, the money moves that changed his life, and the training methods that kept him at the top. More than a fighter’s tale, this is a masterclass in resilience, smart decisions, and...

Former Royal Marine Dave Coleman shares his journey from PTSD and burnout to successful entrepreneur and leadership mentor. In this raw and inspiring episode, Dave unpacks the mindset shift that saved his life, the power of systems over motivation, and how empathy-driven leadership builds high-performing teams. A must-watch for anyone navigating mental resilience, personal growth, or business lead...