On this week’s episode Emma is joined by Damian Hall, ultrarunner, and co-founder of the Green Runners.

A record-breaking runner, Damian is often found on a podium at iconic races like the Spine Race, Dragon’s Back Race, the UK Ultra Trail Championships, Mozart 100 and Ultra Tour Monte Rosa, and most recently won the Montane Lakeland 100. He also has a ton of FKTs, but why does he run?

We chat about that very question and much more including:

• Running his first marathon as a toilet
• What's like representing Team GB
• Taking on the Barkley Marathons
• Mixing running with environmentalism

• The biggest environmental issues in running
• Can sport ever be sustainable

It’s an eye-opening episode about the beauty of running far, combining your passions, and, most of all, sticking to your values.

Check out Damian on socials @ultra_damo and the Green Runner's @the.green.runners. You can also join the Green Runners here.

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✨🎙️ Follow and share the Passion Stories Podcast. Plus make sure you check out your host Emma Cole @emmasecole to find out who the next inspiring and passionate guest is coming to your ears in a fortnight.

What is textile performance? Why is a sewing machine so loud? Does technology have a place in art?

This week, Emma is joined by Harriet Riddell, a textile performance artist who creates art with her sewing machine. Harriet stitches stories and portraits in public places as she sees them - think life drawing blended with free‑motion embroidery.

Harriet has travelled the world with her sewing machine, stitching in bustling Indian markets, the humidity of Taiwan, and the joyful chaos of Glastonbury festival, as well as many other places.

Her work is spontaneous, she doesn't have a plan before she starts, instead she draws creativity from connection with people and places. To bolster this, people can pedal a bicycle alongside Harriet which powers her sewing machine, and this connection and conversation also influences her creative process.

In this episode Harriet shares:

• How she became a textile performance artist
• Her evolving creative process
• What it’s like working in public places
• The importance of connection and spontaneity
• Her views on the future of embroidery and impact of digital technology

Harriet’s warmth, passion and energy is contagious, and you don’t need to be into sewing or embroidery to enjoy this episode. By the end, you might just find yourself itching to pick up a needle or try out a sewing machine, or at the very least, look at the world a little differently.

Check out Harriet on socials and explore her website InStitchyou where you can try a free mini class on free motion embroidery.

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✨🎙️ Follow and share the Passion Stories Podcast. Plus make sure you follow your host Emma Cole @emmasecole on socials to find out who the next inspiring and passionate guest is coming to your ears in a fortnight.

This week Emma is joined by breathwork coach, mentor, and former professional rugby player David Jackson, known as Jacko.

After a traumatic brain injury ended his rugby career, Jacko discovered breathwork. Now a Master Oxygen Advantage coach, he’s on a mission to make breathwork more accessible and help others use their breath as a tool for self-connection, healing, and high performance. Based in the rugged beauty of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdonia), Jacko is also an ultra runner who thrives on his local trails.

In this episode, we explore Jacko’s deeply personal journey with breathwork, from his TBI recovery to working with elite athletes, and being present for his father’s final breath. His passion for breathing and breathwork is both powerful and moving.

We dive into:

• What breathwork is
• Why learning to breathe better changes everything
• How breathwork enhances both everyday life and peak athletic performance
• The art of nasal breathing
• Breathwork’s role in endurance and ultra running

Whether you're new to breathwork or looking to deepen your understanding of breathing, this episode is absolutely fascinating. Be prepared to be more conscious of your breath even while you listen.

Follow Jacko on instagram @jacko.david.jackson and his Youtube channel @thebreathrunningcoach. You can also access his free foundations of breathwork course here and explore his workshops and other resources here. His book on running and breathwork is out April 2026.

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✨🎙️ Follow and share the Passion Stories Podcast. Plus make sure you follow your host Emma Cole @emmasecole on socials to find out who the next inspiring and passionate guest is coming to your ears in a fortnight.