• Joanne Murphy - The Toughest Finish Lines: From the Microphone to the Moment
    Apr 3 2026

    In this episode of The Toughest Finish Line, we’re joined by the incredible voice behind some of the most emotional moments in triathlon - Joanne Murphy.

    As a legendary race announcer at Ironman events around the world, Joanne has welcomed thousands of athletes across the finish line, delivering those unforgettable words every triathlete dreams of hearing: “You are an Ironman.”

    But behind the microphone is a powerful story of her own.In this episode, Joanne shares the journey that shaped her, including her own toughest finish lines, the challenges she has faced personally, and how those experiences have given her such a deep connection with the athletes she calls home.

    We talk about the raw emotion of the Ironman finish line, the moments that have stayed with her forever, and why helping athletes complete their dreams has become such a powerful purpose in her life.

    This episode is a reminder that every finish line has a story and sometimes the person calling your name understands that journey more than you realise.

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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • From Military Trauma to World Championship Start Lines with Ricky Banner
    Mar 20 2026

    In this powerful episode of The Toughest Finish Line, we hear the incredible story of a former UK military serviceman whose life changed in an instant.

    After a horrific injury during his time in the military led to the loss of a limb, he found himself facing one of the darkest chapters of his life. Struggling with trauma, identity loss and the challenge of rebuilding life after service, he reached a point where he questioned whether life was worth continuing.

    Through unexpected moments and the support of those around him, he slowly began to rebuild. Today he is a HYROX ambassador, has competed at the HYROX World Championships, and is using his story to support other men who may be silently struggling with their mental health.

    This episode is a powerful reminder that even when life feels impossible, taking one more step can change everything.


    🎧 In this episode we talk about:

    • Life in the UK military

    • The injury that changed everything

    • Rebuilding identity and purpose after losing a limb

    • The mental health struggles many men face but rarely speak about

    • Finding strength through fitness and HYROX

    • Turning pain into purpose by supporting others

    A raw and inspiring conversation about resilience, purpose, and finding a new finish line when life takes an unexpected turn.

    Please be aware that this episode covers the topic of suicide.

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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • You Don’t Belong - Until You Do with Akilia O'Grady
    Mar 6 2026

    In this powerful episode of The Toughest Finish Line, we sit down with an incredible guest who shares her experience as a Black woman in sport - navigating spaces where she was often the only one in the room, the start pen, or on the podium.

    Told at times that she “couldn’t,” “shouldn’t,” or “didn’t belong,” she chose to lace up anyway.

    We talk about representation, resilience, and the weight of carrying more than just race day nerves to the start line. She opens up about the barriers she’s faced, the quiet doubts that creep in, and the strength it takes to keep showing up when the odds — and opinions — aren’t in your favour.

    But this is also a story of triumph.

    From being underestimated to crossing some truly epic finish lines, she proves that sometimes the toughest finish line isn’t the one with the medal - it’s the one where you redefine what’s possible.

    This episode is honest, empowering, and a reminder that belonging isn’t something you wait for - it’s something you claim.

    🎙️ Listen now and be inspired by a story that goes far beyond sport.

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    59 mins
  • Healing, Fueling, Conquering the Channel with Byrony Eve
    Feb 20 2026

    In this powerful episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of an athlete currently training to swim the Channel - one of the toughest endurance challenges in the world. She opens up about her past battle with an eating disorder, how she fought her way back to health, and how those experiences now fuel her mindset, resilience, and purpose in training.

    We talk honestly about the realities of preparing for such an extreme physical feat, from long open-water sessions and mental strategies, to the crucial role nutrition plays in both performance and recovery. This conversation is a raw and empowering look at turning adversity into strength, and proof that healing and high performance can coexist.


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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Moving Through Cancer: One Swim, One Ride, One Run at a Time
    Feb 6 2026

    In this powerful World Cancer Day special, we share the story of an extraordinary woman taking on an epic challenge: swimming, cycling, and running around the UK to raise awareness of how movement can support mental health and people affected by cancer.

    Her journey isn’t just about miles and medals, t’s about hope, healing, and the transformative power of movement during some of life’s toughest moments. We dive into her motivation, the mental and physical challenges of such an ambitious endurance project, and why staying active can be a lifeline for those facing cancer and its aftermath.

    This episode is a reminder that movement isn’t just performance, it’s therapy, empowerment, and a statement of resilience.

    🎗️ In honour of World Cancer Day, we explore how sport, community, and purpose can help us move through even the darkest times.

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    52 mins
  • When the Pool Goes Quiet: Finding Purpose After Competitive Sport
    Jan 23 2026

    In this episode, we speak with an incredible swimmer, Amber Keegan whose competitive career was cut short by injury, a serious car accident, and an eating disorder. Forced to step away from the sport that once defined her, she faced the challenge of rebuilding her identity beyond the pool.

    This honest conversation explores loss, recovery, and resilience — and how she has transformed adversity into purpose.

    Today, she is using her talent and voice to campaign for meaningful change with Surfers Against Sewage, proving that impact doesn’t end when competition does.A powerful episode about redefining success and finding strength on the other side of sport.

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    59 mins
  • Redefining the Finish Line - Sion-Kelly Mcintosh
    Jan 9 2026

    In this episode, we speak with a professional athlete whose racing career was forced to pause when ill health changed everything. For someone whose identity was built on performance and competition, stepping away from the start line was one of the toughest challenges he’s ever faced.

    But the story didn’t end there.

    Through recovery, reflection, and resilience, he channelled his experiences into becoming an exceptional coach—using what he learned in the hardest moments to help others grow, adapt, and perform. Now, with his health improving, he’s beginning a new chapter: returning to racing with a deeper understanding of his body, his limits, and what truly matters.

    This episode is a powerful reminder that sometimes stepping back is what allows us to come back stronger—and that the greatest performances aren’t always measured by podiums.

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    47 mins
  • Never Give Up: Stories That Carried Us Through the Year
    Dec 26 2025

    As the year comes to a close, we take a moment to look back at just some of the incredible voices and stories shared on the podcast over the past twelve months. From moments of doubt and adversity to breakthroughs, resilience, and quiet determination, each guest has offered something powerful about what it truly means to keep going.

    In this reflective episode, we revisit key insights and standout moments from across the year, highlighting the lessons that stayed with us most—about motivation, navigating tough times, and finding the strength to move forward when giving up feels easier.

    Whether you’re ending the year tired, inspired, or somewhere in between, this episode is a reminder that progress isn’t always loud, and strength often shows up quietly, one decision at a time.

    Perfect for anyone needing a reset, a reminder, or a reason to keep moving forward.

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    10 mins