In this very special episode of Be Braver, Annie and Josie are joined by the remarkable David Smith MBE – Paralympic gold medallist, elite athlete, coach, speaker, and all-round warrior for resilience and presence.

David’s story is one of extreme highs and unimaginable lows. He won gold for Great Britain at the London 2012 Paralympics in rowing, achieving what many athletes dream of. But what makes David’s story truly extraordinary is what came before – and what came after.

For the past 14 years, David has been living with a rare tumour wrapped around his spinal cord. He’s had multiple major surgeries, faced paralysis, and gone through gruelling recovery after gruelling recovery. And yet, he still wakes up with the mindset of an athlete. He still chases growth, health, and excellence – mentally and physically. As he puts it, he’s not just surviving cancer, he’s thriving with it.

David speaks with his heart on his sleeve but also with a great sense of humour. He tells Annie and Josie about the mental tools sport gave him that has helped him through his illness. And how it feels to see his body failing but his mind getting stronger.

David speaks about the role of routine, meditation and self-discipline to stay reslient and how he stays in the present.

His mantra is : “Be where your feet are.”

When life throws curveballs, as it has done for David time and again, coming back to the present moment is what helps him stay steady. Whether that means feeling the floor beneath him, focusing on his breath, or just doing one small positive thing each day – he’s learned that the present is the only place you can truly live, take action, or find peace. His message is, not to wait for a crisis to start living more fully.

This isn’t just a story about beating the odds – it’s about changing your relationship with the odds altogether. It’s about focusing on what you can do. As David says, “I don’t have control over my tumour, but I have control over how I live with it.”

Don’t forget to follow, share, and leave us a review – it really helps others find the show.

💬 We’d love to hear your thoughts – connect with us on socials @BeBraverPodcast and let us know what you took from David’s incredible story.

Today's guest tells some remarkable stories of bravery. Dr. Sarah Ruggins has just broken the world record for cycling from John O'Groats in Scotland to Land's End in Cornwall and back. That's 2700km in just over 5 days.

Sarah grew up in Canada and moved to the UK 10 years ago. She was a child star on the track but got diagnosed with a rare, extremely painful condition which left her unable to walk and needing 24 hour care.

The chat delves into Sarah's journey, which includes overcoming that life-altering medical condition and the subsequent transformation into an accomplished cyclist.

Josie and Annie explore the themes of resilience, determination, and the importance of community support as Sarah recounts her experiences in both athletics and life.

Sarah talks about the significance to her of pursuing challenges that pushed her beyond the comfort zone, as well as the vital role of teamwork in achieving her goals and finding a supportive community.

It's a really powerful example of how we can put bravery in our lives.

The Be Braver Podcast is presented by Annie Emmerson and Dr Josie Perry.

Annie is a former international triathlete and world champion. She's now a broadcaster and motivational speaker. She left school and education at the age of 15 after a family breakdown and that's led to a life of self-improvement.

She had a transition from party-girl to a life with purpose after being robbed at knife point. She talks candidly about how she has redefined herself several times.

Josie Perry's life first changed when she failed in her A levels which ended her plans to go and study law at a top university. She worked in journalism and communications before becoming passionate about performance psychology which led to a complete career change.

So what's your purpose? What's your why? How can we help you on your journey?

Thanks for listening!

The Be Braver Podcast - because life is not a dress rehearsal.

Insta: @bebraverpod

In this episode Kate Silverton shares her journey from being a successful and high-profile journalist and presenter at the BBC to becoming a child psychologist.

She talks about the importance of following your own joy, the challenges of balancing career and family life and the significance of understanding your personal values and self-care.

Kate talks to Annie and Josie about the importance of looking back to understand present behaviours.

She shares the most memorable moments in her broadcasting career - from the front line in Iraq and Afghanistan to the dance floor of Strictly Come Dancing and behind the wheel on Top Gear.

Annie and Joise explore the motivations behind her mid-life career change and her drivers to become a child psychologist.

Kate concludes with a powerful message about bravery and overcoming fear.

You can find more about Kate and her books "There's no such thing as naughty" and "There's STILL no such thing as naughty" on her website www.katesilverton.com

The Be Braver Podcast is presented by Annie Emmerson and Dr Josie Perry.

Annie is a former international triathlete and world champion. She's now a broadcaster and motivational speaker. She left school and education at the age of 15 after a family breakdown and that's led to a life of self-improvement.

She had a transition from party-girl to a life with purpose after being robbed at knife point. She talks candidly about how she has redefined herself several times.

Josie Perry's life first changed when she failed in her A levels which ended her plans to go and study law at a top university. She worked in journalism and communications before becoming passionate about performance psychology which led to a complete career change.

So what's your purpose? What's your why? How can we help you on your journey?

Thanks for listening!

The Be Braver Podcast - because life is not a dress rehearsal.

Insta: @bebraverpod

Today's guest is Lucy Gossage - an oncology consultant, who's also an extreme athlete and co-founder of 5K Your Way which promotes exercise for cancer patients to build back confidence in their bodies.

She has 14 ironman wins to her credit. Along with achievements at some of the most brutal endurance events.

Lucy starts by talking to Annie and Josie about The Winter Spine - an ultramarathon held in winter from the Peak District in Scotland, a distance of 431km.

This was the second time Lucy has competed in this. And she tells the podcast about the reason she returned to the challenge.

When she made her debut the cancer doctor did it alongside her partner. But days after finishing her world came crashing down. She discovered he'd been cheating on her and living a life of lies from a social media message sent to a friend.

Her return in 2025 saw her inspired to win the race.

Lucy speaks openly about her struggle with confidence despite her success as an athlete and getting to Cambridge University to study medicine.

She went on to start running triathlons and ironmans, leaving her job to compete as a professional all over the world. Her mantra is 'choosing to suffer is a privilege' and she believes her time out from medicine to compete has made her a better doctor. And being a doctor has made her a better athlete and appreciate that life is short.

She's most proud of finishing every race, rather than winning. She believes in competing with a smile and celebrates victories with a laugh and a dance.

The Be Braver Podcast is presented by Annie Emmerson and Dr Josie Perry.

Annie is a former international triathlete and world champion. She's now a broadcaster and motivational speaker. She left school and education at the age of 15 after a family breakdown and that's led to a life of self-improvement.

She had a transition from party-girl to a life with purpose after being robbed at knife point. She talks candidly about how she has redefined herself several times.

Josie Perry's life first changed when she failed in her A levels which ended her plans to go and study law at a top university. She worked in journalism and communications before becoming passionate about performance psychology which led to a complete career change.

So what's your purpose? What's your why? How can we help you on your journey?

Thanks for listening!

The Be Braver Podcast - because life is not a dress rehearsal.

Insta: @bebraverpod

Today's guest helps make the magic happen in London's West End at the Harry Potter and Cursed Child show.

John Bulleid is an actor, magician and illusion designer, creating magical solutions for stage and screen.

His love of magic began at the age of 7 when he was given a Paul Daniel Magic Set as a gift.

John is a rarity too. He's an Associate Member of the famed Magic Circle. One of fewer than 300 worldwide.

This is a lovely chat with insights into the magical world of an illusion designer. The tricks, the stories and the ideas.

John talks about the escapism which comes with magic - taking people away from their normal lives whilst the tricks are performed. He tells us how his dad encouraged him to follow a path of being a magician and how it's taken him to some remarkable productions.

There's a discussion of magic and awe and Josie gives us some theory about how awe can enhance critical thinking, improve health and give a sense of being part of something bigger. And John agrees that awe is such an important part of what he does.

He ends the podcast talking about how he uses reverse engineering to solve problems and be braver.

The Be Braver Podcast is presented by Annie Emmerson and Dr Josie Perry.

Annie is a former international triathlete and world champion. She's now a broadcaster and motivational speaker. She left school and education at the age of 15 after a family breakdown and that's led to a life of self-improvement.

She had a transition from party-girl to a life with purpose after being robbed at knife point. She talks candidly about how she has redefined herself several times.

Josie Perry's life first changed when she failed in her A levels which ended her plans to go and study law at a top university. She worked in journalism and communications before becoming passionate about performance psychology which led to a complete career change.

So what's your purpose? What's your why? How can we help you on your journey?

Thanks for listening!

The Be Braver Podcast - because life is not a dress rehearsal.

Insta: @bebraverpod

Jez Cox accidentally got in to cycling as a 12 year old who loved his neighbour's bike. In this podcast he reveals for the first time that mountain biking took him away from a really difficult and impactful part of his young life. It became his safe space.

His need to escape and explore meant he was spending lots of time on two wheels and discovering he was good enough to compete.

Jez tells Annie and Josie about the relationship with his dad, who was impassionate and extremely harsh. He was once told he'd never achieve anything in his life. The sentence he remembers to this day. And it led to a need to finding the best way of being the best athlete he could be. A need to prove his dad wrong.

Josie's analysis is that Jez has perfectionist tendencies, always setting a high bar. He tells Josie that he believes he has ADHD with a brain that's constantly working.

Jez tells the story of how he got in to commentary - again by accident. Now he can be heard at the world's top sporting events....commentating on Breaking and Surfing at the Paris Olympics.

His advice on being braver comes from an Abraham Lincoln quote - "Discipline is choosing between what you want now and what you want most".

Hope you enjoy this chat!

The Be Braver Podcast is presented by Annie Emmerson and Dr Josie Perry.

Annie is a former international triathlete and world champion. She's now a broadcaster and motivational speaker. She left school and education at the age of 15 after a family breakdown and that's led to a life of self-improvement.

She had a transition from party-girl to a life with purpose after being robbed at knife point. She talks candidly about how she has redefined herself several times.

Josie Perry's life first changed when she failed in her A levels which ended her plans to go and study law at a top university. She worked in journalism and communications before becoming passionate about performance psychology which led to a complete career change.

So what's your purpose? What's your why? How can we help you on your journey?

Thanks for listening!

The Be Braver Podcast - because life is not a dress rehearsal.

Insta: @bebraverpod

Today's guest is Geoff Thomas, leukaemia survivor, former Crystal Palace(amongst others) and England footballer and incredible charity fund-raiser.

Geoff is about to head off on his 7th trip to ride the Tour de France route...and aims to raise another £1 million pounds for Cure Leukaemia.

He speaks with Annie and Josie in the week when Crystal Palace won the FA Cup. Geoff was a special guest, having captained the side on their last Cup Final appearance.

Geoff tells us he was training to be an electrician when he was spotted by a football scout and signed for Rochdale. A move to Port Vale followed before the signficant transfer to Crystal Palace. He talks about recovering from a career-threatening injury. He retired from football in 2002 but just a year later was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia, a form of blood cancer. Geoff was given three months to live but after receiving pioneering stem cell treatment and a transplant from his sister Kay, he went in to remission.

Geoff talks to Annie and Josie about his resilience and where he drew his strength from after such a shocking prognosis. His mantra is just dig in.

In 2015 he was persuaded to do a charity bike ride on the Tour de France route. He hadn't ridden since he was 7. It was gruelling. But he's done it many times since and this year is the 20th anniversary of that first ride.

His efforts and charity fund-raising saw him awarded the MBE and winning the Helen Rollason Award at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

Here are details of his Tour de France adventures

www.thetour21.co.uk

And London to Paris

https://www.l2prevolution.com/

The Be Braver Podcast is presented by Annie Emmerson and Dr Josie Perry.

Annie is a former international triathlete and world champion. She's now a broadcaster and motivational speaker. She left school and education at the age of 15 after a family breakdown and that's led to a life of self-improvement.

She had a transition from party-girl to a life with purpose after being robbed at knife point. She talks candidly about how she has redefined herself several times.

Josie Perry's life first changed when she failed in her A levels which ended her plans to go and study law at a top university. She worked in journalism and communications before becoming passionate about performance psychology which led to a complete career change.

So what's your purpose? What's your why? How can we help you on your journey?

Thanks for listening!

The Be Braver Podcast - because life is not a dress rehearsal.

Insta: @bebraverpod

Today's guest is Rebecca Levett who gives us a glimpse in to the world of sports psychology and gives us tips on what we can take in to every day life.

Rebecca has worked with international athletes from many sports and has just become a new mum.

She talks about how to embrace nerves and anxiety. Annie tells her that in her days as a GB triathlete she was frequently paralysed with fear on the start-line.

Rebecca tells Josie and Annie how alot of the tools she talks about are transferable to work and home life. And how to constantly change and evolve and recognising why being braver is important and understanding when moving out of the comfort zone is warranted.

One technique that has proven to work well is the confidence bank - and Rebecca gives an introduction to this concept. There's also a chat about self-identity and self-worth.

Josie's killer question is asking what skills Rebecca has brought from sports psychology to being a mum!

There are so many take-aways in this episode. And you can find more out about Rebecca at www.sporting-success.com

In the show Annie talks about the 20th anniversary of the death of her dad and using the day to reflect on his life and also where she is in life. Her father was put in to an orphanage on the day he was born and never got to know more about his family circumstances which led to it.

Josie talks about what she learnt going to her daughter's swimming gala with a discussion on healthy competition and dealing with fear.

The Be Braver Podcast is presented by Annie Emmerson and Dr Josie Perry.

Annie is a former international triathlete and world champion. She's now a broadcaster and motivational speaker. She left school and education at the age of 15 after a family breakdown and that's led to a life of self-improvement.

She had a transition from party-girl to a life with purpose after being robbed at knife point. She talks candidly about how she has redefined herself several times.

Josie Perry's life first changed when she failed in her A levels which ended her plans to go and study law at a top university. She worked in journalism and communications before becoming passionate about performance psychology which led to a complete career change.

So what's your purpose? What's your why? How can we help you on your journey?

Thanks for listening!

The Be Braver Podcast - because life is not a dress rehearsal.

Insta: @bebraverpod