Best Helen Thorn Podcasts (2025)

1
Introducing: How to Be Superhuman 32:43

2M ago32:43

32:43

If you love stories about going to the very edge of human endurance, then you’re in for a treat. We’ve just launched Season 3 of our adventure podcast How to Be Superhuman, with 12 new jaw-dropping stories. This episode features ultrarunner Tara Dower, who set an absolutely blistering fastest known time on the Appalachian Trail. That’s over two tho…

1
Bonus episode: Hear how the Wings for Life World Run 2023 went 22:36

2y ago22:36

22:36

Did you run with us this year in the Wings for Life World Run 2023? Even if you didn’t but are curious how it was for our hosts, Erin and Ayo, plus all the guests and listeners who ran it too… well, get listening to this bonus episode! They take a moment to chat with previous guest and GPS runner Jeric Yuen, hear about Ayo’s experience (spoiler: he…

1
I run to break boundaries with runner Bobbi Gibb 36:39

2y ago36:39

36:39

It’s the last episode until the big run and we are going out with a bang with the inspirational Bobbi Gibb. Bobbi was the first woman ever to run the Boston marathon and her story is one of resilience, perseverance and blind optimism. She broke every boundary around to run this race in 1966 and showed women everywhere they were capable of running m…

1
I run to listen… with a leading headphone technology expert 20:49

2y ago20:49

20:49

The simplicity of running is something we often praise on this podcast. Not needing anything but a pair of trainers and the outside world makes running one of the easiest sports for exercising, that’s for sure. However, it is kinda nice to geek out on good gear from time to time, and while Erin is away, self-confessed tech geek Ayo is doing just th…

1
I run for the freedom with Japanese surfer Kanoa Igarashi 18:43

2y ago18:43

18:43

Kanoa Igarashi is one formidable surfer and loves running to help him keep agile for the waves. His name translates to the ‘the free one’, so naturally he loves running for the freedom it gives him. In this episode, Ayo hears all about this, as well as the burgeoning Japanese surf scene, which is about to take the world by storm, and also what it w…

1
Bonus Episode – Well Far Daily 3:52

2y ago3:52

3:52

Here’s something very special for all the Why I Run listeners. Hosted by Amy Lane, Well Far Daily is a daily dose of tips and tricks to help you crush your running goals, one day at a time. Whether you're just starting out or looking to hit a new marathon PB, Well Far Daily combines advice from experts in the industry and Amy's extensive knowledge …

1
I run to switch my perspective with rock climber Emily Harrington 29:01

2y ago29:01

29:01

Erin talks with tenacious rock climber Emily Harrington. Emily fell in love with rock climbing when she was a child and has never looked back (or down!). She’s a force to be reckoned with on the cliffs and is five-time US National Champion in sport lead climbing. But when rock climbing is your job it can be hard to associate exercising with leisure…

1
I run to celebrate myself with running coach Marcus Brown and comedian Helen Thorn 33:29

2y ago33:29

33:29

It’s always nice to find time to celebrate your wins and running should be no exception – two people who know this all too well are today’s guests, podcasters Marcus Brown and Helen Thorn. Marcus is a running coach and host of the sensational A Runner’s Life podcast. He’s been on a massive journey with his running, which has even helped him get a d…

1
I run to live better with Scuderia AlphaTauri team principal Franz Tost 30:30

2y ago30:30

30:30

Franz Tost is the team principal of Formula One's Scuderia AlphaTauri, or as Ayo puts it, ‘the boss... the head honcho of the team’. Franz has a no-nonsense coaching style like no other, believing that dedication and passion are vital to success – both as a driver and as a person. (He also practises what he preaches and gets up every day at 5am for…

1
I run to spread joy with web developer Jeric Yuen 25:26

2y ago25:26

25:26

London-based web developer and running enthusiast Jeric Yuen shares his passion for GPS art – making pictures out of running routes. Host Erin Azar hears all about how the idea came about and how he uses it to spread joy among his running community and beyond. Still can’t get your head around it? Follow Jeric at @coderunnerguy to discover the joy o…

1
I run for the challenge with freerunner Hazal Nehir 29:23

2y ago29:23

29:23

Jumping across rooftops is all in a day’s work for the world’s foremost female freerunner, yet Hazal Nehir claims running is a lot tougher. Known for her gravity-defying acrobatics and movie stunt work, she always squares up to a challenge. In this episode Ayo talks to her about managing her doubts, coming back to parkour after injury and why runni…

1
I run through the ups and downs with TikTokker Jimmy Jan 20:00

2y ago20:00

20:00

We all have good days, bad days, a rough patch or a few months of feeling on top of the world – perhaps no one more so than Australian TikTokker Jimmy Jan. In this episode, Jimmy speaks to Ayo about how running has helped him through the ups and downs of life. Suffering an accident in 2021 that paralysed him from the waist down, Jimmy shares what i…

1
I run for the inner buzz with Ironman triathlete Lucy Charles-Barclay 28:39

2y ago28:39

28:39

Ever had a natural buzz after really pushing yourself at something? Well that’s achievable no matter who you are according to this week’s guest, multiple Ironman champion Lucy Charles-Barclay. Lucy is a professional swimmer-turned-triathlete, so she knows first-hand the joys that adding running to your training regime can offer, and she’s here to s…

1
I run for simplicity with US Team Skipper Jimmy Spithill 24:05

2+ y ago24:05

24:05

It’s our first episode of season 2 and hosts Erin Azar and Ayo Akinwolere couldn’t be more excited about it. To mark this ceremonious occasion, Ayo chats with highly decorated yachtsman Jimmy Spithill. Jimmy has won world championships, been named World Sailor of the Year and currently leads the U.S. team on the global SailGP tour. Jimmy tells us a…

1
What to expect from Season 2 1:39

2+ y ago1:39

1:39

We’re back with Season 2! The Why I Run podcast from Red Bull celebrates the extraordinary and the everyday stories of running, to inspire you to pick up those running shoes and just get going! Runners of every skill level are welcome, from passionate regulars, to runners who struggle to get out the door – and everyone in between. We had some incre…

1
Bonus episode: Hear how the Wings for Life World Run 2022 went 23:39

3y ago23:39

23:39

Erin and Ayo, along with over 161,892 participants from 192 nations at runs in 165 countries around the globe, were part of the ninth annual edition of the Wings for Life World Run this May and together they raised 4.7 million euros for spinal cord research. They’re taking a moment to chat with each other about their individual runs, and to hear fr…

1
I run for those who can't with Olympic hurdler Colin Jackson and wheelchair tennis player Nico Langmann 38:55

3y ago38:55

38:55

It’s our last episode before the Wings for Life World Run on Sunday May 8! Erin and Ayo sit down for a round-table chat with international sports director and record-breaking Olympic hurdler Colin Jackson, and wheelchair tennis superstar Nico Langmann, to hear about what that idea of ‘running for those who can’t’ means to them both and to share som…

1
I run for fun with Wesley Butstraen 38:45

3y ago38:45

38:45

This week is all about putting the fun back into your run. Erin and Ayo speak to Wesley Butstraen. If you’ve ever encountered a big bearded man in a bright pink suit on a Wings for Life World Run, that’s Wesley, and it’s completely joy-inducing. We hear about how he started running for health reasons but found his mindset shifting as his running pr…

1
I run to connect with my environment with climber Sasha DiGiulian and runner Erik Ahlström 38:19

3y ago38:19

38:19

Climber Sasha DiGiulian and runner Erik Ahlström join hosts Erin and Ayo to explore the connection between running and nature. Sasha is a world champion professional rock climber from the USA, while Erik is the Swedish creator of ‘plogging’ – running and picking up litter. Find every episode on redbull.com/WhyIRun Want to run? Join the Why I Run Po…

1
I run to spend time with others with freeskier Kelly Sildaru and runner Adolfo Salgueiro 39:32

3y ago39:32

39:32

Freeskier Kelly Sildaru and hobby runner Adolfo Salgueiro chat with Erin Azar and Ayo Akinwolere about sharing the running experience with others. Adolfo talks about how his father’s running inspired him as a child. Adolfo Senior was running in Venezuela in the 70s, long before the trend of running evolved to what it is today – he was running marat…

1
I run because I'm hooked with BMXer Matthias Dandois and runner Hellah Sidibe 37:44

3y ago37:44

37:44

BMXer Matthias Dandois and runner Hellah Sidibe share their passion for running with hosts Erin Azar and Ayo Akinwolere. Matthias Dandois was crowned the world’s best BMX flatlander at the age of just 19, using running as his cardio exercise to keep his energy high during the flat runs. Hellah Sidibe has been running every day for the past five yea…

1
I run to feel part of a community with DJ Charlie Dark and ultrarunner Dylan Bowman 44:36

3y ago44:36

44:36

DJ Charlie Dark and ultrarunner Dylan Bowman join Erin Azar and Ayo Akinwolere to discuss their shared love of being part of a running community. Charlie Dark, DJ, poet and youth mentor, is the founder of Run Dem Crew, the London-based running collective. Erin and Ayo are also joined by Dylan Bowman, an ultrarunner, to discuss their experiences of …

1
I run to open up the world with runner Rahaf Khatib and F1 driver Pierre Gasly 38:57

3y ago38:57

38:57

Runner Rahaf Khatib and F1 driver Pierre Gasly talk to Erin Azar and Ayo Akinwolere about what running means to them. Rahaf Khatib made headlines when she graced the cover of Women’s Running magazine in October of 2016 as the first hijabi to appear on the cover of a fitness magazine. She’s a huge advocate and inspiration for Muslim women running al…

1
I run to explore with athlete Mario Rigby and racer Ida Mathilde Steensgaard 39:17

3y ago39:17

39:17

Athlete Mario Rigby and racer Ida Mathilde Steensgaard talk with hosts Erin Azar and Ayo Akinwolere about where running has taken them. Mario Rigby is a former professional track and field athlete, turned adventurer and explorer. He completed an epic two-year-long walk across Africa, from Cape Town to Cairo. Ida Mathilde Steensgaard is a Danish env…

1
I run to clear my mind with wheelchair-user Sandile Mkhize and street dancer Angyil 36:10

3y ago36:10

36:10

Wheelchair-user Sandile Mkhize and street dancer Angyil share their running experiences with hosts Erin Azar and Ayo Akinwolere. Sandile Mkhize, from South Africa, shares his story of entering the Wings for Life World Run to raise money for spinal cord injury research after a motorbike accident that paralysed him. Then, Angela ‘Angyil’ McNeal, winn…

1
I run to be creative with triathlete Courtney Atkinson and writer Helen Mort 43:12

3y ago43:12

43:12

Writer Helen Mort and triathlete Courtney Atkinson talk with hosts Erin Azar and Ayo Akinwolere about what running means to them. Helen Mort is a renowned poet and novelist – she discusses how running can scratch the creative itch. Professional Australian triathlete Courtney Atkinson dives in to share his thoughts on running. Could running be the c…

1
Why I Run... available now 1:13

3y ago1:13

1:13

Join the fun and join the run with Red Bull’s Why I Run podcast, talking to guests ranging from professional athletes like Courtney Atkinson to casual joggers with a passion for plogging. Join Erin Azar, aka Mrs. Space Cadet, and Ayo Akinwolere, the world-record breaking swimmer, diving into the reasons why people run as we approach one of the worl…

1
25. Food, Racism and Coming Out with Melissa Thompson aka (@fowlmouthsfood) 36:01

5y ago36:01

36:01

Joining me on the podcast this week is the brilliant Melissa Thompson. Melissa talks openly about racism and growing up in Dorset and Suffolk and how much we have still to do. We then go onto chat about her coming out and being a lesbian mother and how gay women are represented by the media. And then it is time for food chat and how we think about …

1
24. Botox, Beauty and Being Yourself with Dr Mayoni 37:41

5y ago37:41

37:41

This week we delve into the world of aesthetics and injectables with the brilliant Dr Mayoni. Mayoni speaks openly about why women are choosing to try Botox and other beauty treatments and we discuss why it is still such a taboo subject. We also go back into Mayoni's past and talk about her own struggles with her body and why she is so passionate a…

1
23. Public speaking, staying strong and surviving separation. 49:49

5y ago49:49

49:49

This week I am joined by the dynamic duo of Helen and Maya, the women behind the London community arts project Featured in Fifteen - think TED talks, but set in a pub with a diverse range of creatives and individuals with a story to tell. These fabulous women talk about their friendship, why it is so important to share our stories and how their rel…

1
22. Plus-size style, love, loss and dating again with Elena Davies. 34:18

5y ago34:18

34:18

It's back! The Fat Lot of Good Podcast returns for your listening pleasure and what a way to start. In this week's episode I interview the fabulous Elena Davies aka @elenalucie - plus-size style blogger, mother and lover of sexy bras. We talk about body acceptance, maternity fashion, baby loss and getting back into dating. It was a joy to start the…

1
Rocky bars and stitches with Nadiya Hussain 34:27

5+ y ago34:27

34:27

Nadiya was just 21 when she gave birth to her first child, Musa, in 2006. Although she was hoping for a quick and stress-free birth, her labour ended up taking 5 days from the first contractions to her baby finally being born. She and Clemmie discuss how her anxiety stopped her from attending antenatal classes, how sustaining a 3rd/4th degree tear …

1
Spreadsheets and the Lindo Wing with Michelle Kennedy 36:03

5+ y ago36:03

36:03

Michelle chose to give birth privately after researching all the options available to her, but didn't look into c-sections as she was convinced she would have a vaginal birth. Clemmie and Michelle discuss Kate Middleton, calcified placentas, and how it felt when Michelle had to have an elective section after going past her due date. They also take …

1
Bloody shows and traffic jams with Annie Mac 34:44

5+ y ago34:44

34:44

DJ and broadcaster Annie Mac joins Clemmie this week to discuss the birth of her first son in 2013. With a history of speedy births running in the family, Annie was expecting her baby to arrive at a similar pace and decided not to make a birth plan in order to not create too many expectations. Annie and Clemmie discuss the noises women make during …

1
Shuttle buses and neonatal care with Cathy Kamara 34:30

5+ y ago34:30

34:30

Mother of two Cathy Kamara talks to Clemmie this week about the birth of her first daughter, who arrived two months early by emergency section following a fall. Her baby was kept in neonatal care for two months to help her temperature and breathing, which led to Cathy losing confidence in herself as a mother. She also tells Clemmie about being a mu…

1
Poos and birthing pools with Helen Thorn 35:19

5+ y ago35:19

35:19

Scummy Mummy Helen Thorn gave birth to her first daughter in a birthing pool at home with no pain relief. She and Clemmie talk about having an ‘annoyingly perfect’ birth, using a TENS machine, and why birth sometimes involves sieves. They also take a question about pooing during labour, and Clemmie explains why midwives often get excited about it. …

1
Pessaries and sepsis with Candice Brathwaite 38:59

5+ y ago38:59

38:59

Candice was told at 38 weeks that her baby was likely to be born by section, but she was induced and went through a long labour when her baby became overdue. She tells Clemmie how the doctors took her to the very edge of labour before performing an emergency section, and then how, catastrophically, her post-surgery pain was ignored, leading to life…

1
Birth Stories supports #PODSTRIKE 2:01

5+ y ago2:01

2:01

Birth Stories with Clemmie Hooper is supporting the global climate strike on Friday 20th September, organised by Greta Thunberg and the UK Student Climate Network. Young people have woken up much of the world with their powerful Fridays for Future school strikes for the climate. As we deal with devastating climate breakdown and hurtle towards dange…

1
Knitting needles and losing the plot with Laura Jackson 38:01

5+ y ago38:01

38:01

Laura Jackson joins Clemmie this week to talk about the birth of her daughter Sidney. Laura discusses why she decided not to have a birth plan, how having an epidural helped her regain control after pain caused her to panic and worry during labour, and how she felt both overwhelmed and underwhelmed when the baby finally arrived. They also take a li…

1
Handprints and baby loss with Michelle Tolfrey 42:33

5+ y ago42:33

42:33

CW: This episode features discussion of baby loss. Michelle was told at 37 weeks pregnant that, devastatingly, her baby no longer had a heartbeat. She talks Clemmie through how, with the help of her midwife, she was able to birth her baby vaginally and spend time with her before she and her husband left the hospital. Clemmie and Michelle discuss ho…

1
Mental health and muppet babies with Bryony Gordon 33:31

5+ y ago33:31

33:31

Journalist and author Bryony Gordon joins Clemmie this week to share the story of her daughter's birth six years ago. Bryony struggled through the pregnancy, which was unplanned, and was terrified of giving birth. She tells Clemmie how the pregnancy impacted her mental health and addictions, and how she ended up with an emergency c-section. They di…

1
Home births and buckets with Maisie Hill 39:30

5+ y ago39:30

39:30

Doula and women's health practitioner Maisie Hill joins Clemmie this week to talk about the birth of her first son, Nelson. Maisie knew from the start that she wanted a home birth in a birthing pool, and that she could use her expertise to help her through pregnancy and labour. Maisie and Clemmie also discuss how an earlier miscarriage impacted the…

1
21. Fannies, Flaps and Pelvic Floors with Elaine Miller aka (Gusset Grippers) 32:14

5+ y ago32:14

32:14

In this episode we discuss all things fannies and flaps with the brilliant physiotherapist and comedian, Elaine Miller. Elaine is the woman behind Gusset Grippers, and is taking the shame and stigma out of talking about pelvic floors and incontinence. She explains why we need to start having honest conversations about vaginas, wetting ourselves and…

1
Epidurals and golf courses with Shakira Akabusi 36:21

5+ y ago36:21

36:21

Pre- and post-natal fitness expert Shakira Akabusi joins Clemmie this week to discuss how she managed her OCD, needle phobia and anxiety during her second birth. Shakira’s positive first birth created high expectations for the second, but she had to fight to get the care she needed and struggled to find time to connect with the pregnancy. Clemmie a…

1
20. The fabulous Juno Dawson 44:01

5+ y ago44:01

44:01

This week we speak to the amazing Juno Dawson - author, writer and advocate. We discuss everything from friendship, to be being in a band, to eating Fish Fingers sandwiches, to what it's like to be a Trans Woman in 2019. We also chat about her fabulous new book Meat Market, which delves into the world of fashion and modelling. And, we talk openly a…

1
Surprise twins and soaked pyjamas with Francesca Segal 34:54

5+ y ago34:54

34:54

On the first episode of Birth Stories, Clemmie meets the author Francesca Segal. Francesca's identical twin daughters were born prematurely by emergency c-section at 30 weeks, and spent the first 56 days of their lives in a neonatal intensive care unit. Francesca and Clemmie discuss instincts, how it felt to be separated from the babies and what it…

1
19. Re-building your body, your relationship and your confidence with Jemma and Billy 42:38

5+ y ago42:38

42:38

This week we delve into the world of relationships, and the importance of loving your body, with married couple Jemma and Billy aka @jemmas_health_hub and @dadoutsidethelines. We discuss long-term relationships, looking after your body and male body confidence - and we have a tonne of laughs along the way, just wait for the best story at the end ab…

1
Birth Stories: The Trailer 1:11

5+ y ago1:11

1:11

Birth Stories is due to arrive very soon! Midwife and mother of four Clemmie Hooper (aka Mother of Daughters) chats to brilliant guests about the amazing and unique ways they had their babies, looking honestly at the highs and lows of childbirth in a weekly podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
18. Body confidence, nudity and self-tanning with Jules Von Hep 31:51

6y ago31:51

31:51

This week we chat with tanner to the stars and all 'round delight, it is of course the marvellous Jules Von Hep! He is a podcaster, one half of Jules and Sarah and the man behind the brand Isle of Paradise. We chat naked bodies, how to get the perfect self-tan and why we all apologise when we have our clothes off. He shares his body journey and tel…

1
17. Wedding Bells and Diet Hell with Sarah Powell 33:26

6y ago33:26

33:26

This week we chat with the RAINBOW of happiness, Sarah Powell. She's a podcaster, journalist, a wedding celebrant and one half of the fabulous duo - Jules and Sarah! We talk about Sarah's struggles with dieting and self love and why on her wedding night she took a cheese toastie to bed. From all these experience Sarah has now created the brilliant …

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Helen Thorn Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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