In May 2025, Sarah Ruggins made history.

She became the fastest person to cycle from John O’Groats to Land’s End and back, covering the 1,677-mile route in an astonishing 5 days, 11 hours, and 14 minutes.

Sarah didn’t just smash the women’s record - she claimed the outright record.

But what makes her achievement all the more extraordinary is everything she had to overcome to get there.

Just over two years earlier, she had barely ridden a bike. Before that, she spent years recovering from a debilitating illness that stripped her of her physical strength and sense of identity. And yet, through grit, precision, and an unshakeable mindset, she transformed herself from a complete novice into one of the most elite endurance cyclists in the world.

This episode is about more than athletic achievement, it’s a story of what happens when you set an audacious goal, back it with discipline, and believe that setbacks are just the start of something greater.

Follow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarah_ruggins/

Mentioned in the Podcast:

The Bike Project: https://thebikeproject.co.uk/

Bikes for Refugees: https://www.bikesforrefugees.scot/

Support the podcast:

Get a whopping 65% off your first Gousto box at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=TOM42277653⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Get in contact:

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/tombryanyeah/⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/greatbritishadventurespodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@tombryanyeah

Tom and Benny P are back with more tales of triumph, chaos and the curious art of blagging a bargain.

Fresh from The Speed Project, Benny P shares what it was like to run a non-stop relay from Los Angeles to Las Vegas and still somehow make a decent coffee at the end.

Meanwhile, Tom’s been gallivanting around Northumberland and Cornwall without spending a single penny on accommodation - he spills the beans on how he did it, and the magic he found along the way.

We also reveal the trick to getting into the Eden Project for free and there’s a surprise cameo from a very famous Hollywood Brit who dropped in on Tom’s socials.

Plus, we draw from the Great British Misadventures pot and hear one of Tom’s funny and/or embarrassing stories from his own misadventures.

Visit Ben's Trailside Coffee Van: https://www.instagram.com/trailsidecoffee/

Follow Ben: https://www.instagram.com/mr.bennypalmer/

Support the podcast: Get a whopping 65% off your first Gousto box at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=TOM42277653⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Trusted Housesitters: Get 25% off your membership: https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/refer/RAF116724/?utm_source=copy-link&utm_medium=refer-a-friend&utm_campaign=refer-a-friend

Get in contact:

⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/tombryanyeah/⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/greatbritishadventurespodcast⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@tombryanyeah

CHAPTERS

00:00 Intro

01:37 Coming up

04:38 Ben takes on The Speed Project

17:58 How to manage a 48 hour tempo

25:49 Jonty Brown's Solo Speed Project

30:59 Is holidaying in the UK actually expensive?

36:54 For the love of stone circles

39:48 Is the UK weather actually bad?

44:52 Tom's famous Hollywood follower

50:49 Tom's birthday in Northumberland

58:11 Charlie Bennett's episode

59:31 Cornish adventures

01:06:49 Fowey's famous authors

01:11:18 Getting into the Eden Project for free

01:18:55 Minions, Cheesewring and Wild Guides

01:25:14 Holidaying off season

01:31:34 Trusted Housesitters

01:33:12 Merlin Bird ID

01:36:14 Writing challenge update

01:42:38 Murder your darlings

01:45:31 Coffee Corner

01:49:54 Great British Misadventures

Charlie Bennett is a regenerative farmer whose passion for history and storytelling transforms seemingly ordinary farming fields into a tapestry of marvels and hidden tales in an episode where wisdom, wit, and wonder converge.

When Charlie inherited some farmland in Northumberland, he decided to bring it back to what he calls "common sense farming" - with sustainability, re-wilding and community at its heart.

His adventure on the land has seen him plant over 40,000 trees, return stretches of farmland back to nature and persuade Coca-Cola to build him 11 ponds - all part of a bid to boost biodiversity while keeping the farm thriving and productive.

Charlie’s storytelling and unyielding curiosity offer a fresh vision for the future - a reminder that sometimes, the most profound journeys begin right at the roots of the land.

More information on Charlie: https://charliebennettauthor.co.uk/

Mentioned in the podcast

Wilding by Isabella Tree: https://www.isabellatree.com/books

Fat Llama: https://fatllama.com - Use the code 'tomfatlama' when signing up to get £20 free credit

Support the podcast:

Get a whopping 65% off your first Gousto box at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=TOM42277653⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Get in contact:

⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/tombryanyeah/⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/greatbritishadventurespodcast⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@tombryanyeah

From childhood struggles to scaling life’s biggest challenges, Alex Staniforth’s journey is one of resilience, adventure, and mental strength.

After two failed attempts to summit Everest, and surviving an avalanche on the mountain's most fatal year, Alex was forced to shift his mindset, realising that true achievement isn’t always about reaching the top - sometimes, no matter how hard we try, external forces are simply out of our control.

These experiences reshaped his perspective on resilience, leadership, and overcoming adversity in all areas of life.

Alex opens up about the power of mindset, the lessons learned from embracing discomfort, and how the outdoors became his greatest teacher.

He also discusses recent attempts to run the UK's Coast to Coast and his work with Mind Over Mountains, a charity helping others find clarity and confidence through nature.

With his next big challenge ahead, this conversation is a reminder that adventure is about more than just the destination—it’s about the setbacks, the growth, and the courage to keep moving forward.

Follow Alex:

https://www.alexstaniforth.com/

https://www.instagram.com/alexstaniforth_/

https://mindovermountains.org.uk/

Support the podcast: Get a whopping 65% off your first Gousto box at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=TOM42277653⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Get in contact:

⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/tombryanyeah/⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/greatbritishadventurespodcast⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@tombryanyeah

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:36 Alex in the city

04:02 Changing travel mindset after losing licence

10:26 Who is Alex?

12:22 Struggles and stammer at school

17:44 Advice to younger self

19:54 Grit over Grades

23:44 What expeditions teach us.

26:42 Finding opportunity in adversity

31:27 Alex tragic Everest attempts

37:13 How to process a life threatening moment

47:54 Finding our own Everests in life

54:40 Challenging yourself with what's next?

01:01:17 Tackling the UK's Coast to Coast trail

01:04:49 2nd Coast to Coast attempt

01:12:50 The mountains aren't always there

01:16:38 Finding the acceptance to stop

01:21:59 Processing 2 failures

01:24:58 A completion that was different to the initial goal

01:27:49 The balance between performance and pleasure

01:33:44 Mind over Mountains

01:48:59 Alex's fundraising targets

01:52:12 Exciting 2025 challenge

01:53:23 Advice to those who doubt themselves

Charlie Wild is one half of The Travel Project, a creative duo on a mission to showcase the very best of UK travel and adventure.

Together with his wife Jess, Charlie has spent years exploring hidden gems, wild landscapes, and thrilling experiences—all without leaving Britain’s shores.

We go behind the scenes of life as a travel content creator, from capturing the perfect shot to the realities of turning a passion into a career.

Charlie also breaks down his 52 Achievable Adventures - a challenge-turned-book designed to inspire anyone to experience more of the UK, no matter their budget or experience level.

From the best-kept secrets in the British countryside to the ideal time of year to visit them, Charlie shares his top tips for uncovering the UK’s hidden gems.

Whether you’re looking for a coastal escape, a wild swimming spot, or a breathtaking hike, this episode is packed with practical advice and seasonal travel inspiration.

52 Achievable Adventures Book: https://geni.us/achievableadventures

Follow The Travel Project: https://www.instagram.com/the.travel.project/

Mentioned in the Podcast:

The Outside Studio: https://theoutsidestudio.com/

Sailing in Norfolk: https://coastalexplorationcompany.co.uk/

Fell Pony Trekking: https://fellpony.co.uk/

Cairngorms Reindeer: https://www.cairngormreindeer.co.uk/

Support the podcast: Get a whopping 65% off your first Gousto box at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=TOM42277653⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Get in contact:

⁠https://www.instagram.com/tombryanyeah/⁠

⁠https://www.facebook.com/greatbritishadventurespodcast⁠

⁠https://www.threads.net/@tombryanyeah

CHAPTERS

00:00 Intro

01:20 Recent winter trip to Scotland

03:03 Is a holiday ever a holiday as a travel content creator?

09:03 The world's first instagram powered adventure

16:30 Finding greater purpose through travel

19:21 The changing perceptions on the UK as an adventure destination

21:39 Celebrating the UK Coastline

23:33 Local knowledge

26:42 Canoeing the length of the Thames

31:05 How adventure changes your mindset

35:18 Being full present outside

39:27 Achievable Adventures

42:39 Sailing the salt marshes of Norfolk

43:45 Fell pony trekking in the Lake District

48:13 Turning 52 adventures into a book

49:54 Tom's current writing project

56:16 Carving own path in life

58:57 The husband / wife dynamic

01:04:00 Breakfast outside once a month

01:08:14 Collating a map of everywhere they have been

01:12:33 How to deal with bad weather in the UK

01:18:28 Seasonal highlights

01:23:44 The Cairngorms in winter

01:25:11 Feeding reindeer

01:27:55 Bringing Children into Achievable Adventures

01:30:00 Fusing science to champion the benefits of the outdoors

01:33:18 Going places series of amazing places to stay

01:34:22 Adapting adventure for children

01:36:30 Charlies favourite place in the UK

01:37:39 Next adventures

When Tracey Bravo realised she wanted to be a mother but hadn’t met the right person to share that journey with, she made a bold decision - to go it alone.

Without knowing anyone who had taken this path before, she embarked on a deeply personal adventure: choosing to conceive via a sperm donor.

In our conversation, Tracey shares how she navigated the process, from selecting a donor to undergoing IVF. We discuss the societal perceptions of single parenthood, the challenges she faced, and the unexpected joys that made it all worthwhile.

Tracey’s story is one of courage, determination, and defying convention to create the life she dreamed of. She offers insights into the support networks she built, the lessons she’s learned, and advice for anyone considering the same route.

This is an inspiring conversation about rewriting the rules, embracing adventure in all its forms, and proving that there’s no single way to build a family.

Contact Tracey

https://www.facebook.com/traceyjbravo

Mentioned in the Podcast:

The Fertility Show: https://www.fertilityshow.co.uk/

The Donor Conception Network: https://dcnetwork.org/

Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority: https://www.hfea.gov.uk/

Support the podcast: Get a whopping 65% off your first Gousto box at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=TOM42277653⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Get in contact:

⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/tombryanyeah/⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/greatbritishadventurespodcast⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@tombryanyeah⁠⁠

Chapters:

00:00 Intro

01:20 Olympic life & travels

05:12 Reaching 30s and still not wanting to settle

07:12 Realising current relationship had no future

10:00 Being asked about freezing eggs

13:41 Unpacking the world of fertility

14:36 Co-parenting

21:13 Having conversations with current partner

26:05 Alternative Parenting Show

28:03 Plan B: Adoption

30:38 Stories like this are rare

33:32 Discovering support networks

37:24 Choosing a donor

42:46 Donor numbers

49:48 Go time & injections

56:14 IVF on next cycle

59:39 Two week wait

01:02:09 Explaining this 'alternative news'

01:07:18 People's reaction to news

01:12:00 Sharing all with Isaac

01:18:20 How Isaac deals knowing he doesn't have a father

01:20:25 What Isaac has bought to Tracey's life

01:26:08 Advice to others

How far would you be willing to go to achieve a target marathon time?

For Nick Bester - his journey became a three-year quest, across 7 marathon attempts, to break the sub-2:20 marathon - a target he'd set himself once he broke 2:25

A relentless competitor and motivator, across 10 years, Nick has transformed from a recreational runner and corporate banker into a sub-elite marathoner and one of the most dedicated figures in the UK running scene.

As running coach, founder of Best Athletics, and Adidas Runners London Captain, Nick unpacks his extraordinary story of how he has pushed his body and mind to the limit, facing failures, self doubt and constantly re-tweaking his approach after each race to finally achieve his goal.

He takes us through every step of the journey: the races where things fell apart, the pivotal changes he made, and the mindset shifts that ultimately led him to success.

But this isn’t just a story about running fast - Nick opens up about quitting his corporate life to pursue his passion for coaching, the struggles he faced setting up his own brand and business, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and he reveals a mind-blowing marathon stat that I believe is far more impressive that breaking 2:20.

This is a story of grit, resilience, and the pursuit of something bigger than just a finishing time.

Whether you’re a runner chasing your own PB or someone looking for a lesson in perseverance, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.

Follow Nick:https://www.instagram.com/justalilbester/

Best Athletics:https://www.bestathletics.co.uk/

Support the podcast: Get a whopping 65% off your first Gousto box at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=TOM42277653⁠⁠⁠⁠

Get in contact:

https://www.instagram.com/tombryanyeah/

https://www.facebook.com/greatbritishadventurespodcast

https://www.threads.net/@tombryanyeah

CHAPTERS

00:00 Intro

01:30 Nicks New Age Category

04:38 Who is Nick?

07:42 The balance between weight and enjoying food

13:35 Nick's First Marathon in 3:17

17:40 Consistent and Accountable Training

20:05 A mind blowing stat about Nick's marathons

24:18 From Banker to Run Coach

31:06 The first year struggles

32:59 Hustling to build a brand

37:59 Dealing with negativity

42:23 Launching Best Athletics

50:23 Affiliation with Adidas

56:44 1st attempts at 2:20

01:04:29 Full sending a half marathon within training

01:09:29 Mistakes made while being the fittest

01:14:01 3rd attempt - 9 seconds out

01:22:01 Dealing with self doubters

01:26:19 Finding marginal gains

01:29:42 2024 Berlin Marathon

01:36:43 Transcending into the wider community

01:39:15 Nick's reason for running

01:41:52 Future running goals

Tooting's finest outdoor Barista, Benny P is back for a brand-new instalment of MisAdventures

We dive into our own chaotic lives, from Ben's broken coffee van, to Tom's winter book-writing, to 2025 coffee trends and an upcoming 10-year soberversary.

Last time, Ben spent half the recording blissfully unaware of what AMA stood for—until the penny finally dropped. So, naturally, we’re launching a new feature: WTF Does That Mean?

And, to top it all off, Ben pulls out a title from Tom’s personal archive of funny (and often embarrassing) life stories. In the official segment of Great British MisAdventures.

Follow Ben: https://www.instagram.com/mr.bennypalmer/

Trailside Coffee: https://www.instagram.com/trailsidecoffee/

Support the podcast: Get a whopping 65% off your first Gousto box at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=TOM42277653⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Get in contact:

⁠https://www.instagram.com/tombryanyeah/⁠

⁠https://www.facebook.com/greatbritishadventurespodcast⁠

⁠https://www.threads.net/@tombryanyeah⁠

Chapters:

00:00 Intro

01:04 How 2025 is going

04:53 Stats from last episode

08:14 'Protein' correction

10:26 Ben's Broken Van

19:17 Making Trailside more resillient

24:15 Ben's Running plans for 2025

29:38 Tom's struggle to get back into Running

33:29 Winter Writing Challenge Update

49:06 Upcoming Soberversary

01:04:48 Fiona English Episode

01:06:55 Pete Coopers Episode

01:10:37 Deo Kato's Episode

01:18:52 Top 10 compilation

01:21:16 Coming up on the podcast

01:22:34 Coffee Corner: Is fresh actually best with ground coffee?

01:29:48 Coffee Corner: The 2025 Trend

01:33:57 WTF Does that mean?

01:43:13 Great British Misadventures