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Men’s Health: Built For Life

Men's Health UKpodcasters.spotify.com
Men’s Health: Built For Life — with hosts Ben Shephard and Men’s Health Fitness Director Andrew Tracey — is the podcast for the men looking to take control of their fitness, health and life. Sharing practical science, actionable, real-world advice and incredible stories from inspiring guests – we can't promise you that listening to this podcast will change your life… but it will give you everything you need to go away and do that yourself.
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Episodes

Eddie Hearn: ‘I Feel Better Now Than I Did In My 30s’

Eddie Hearn is back on Men’s Health: Built For Life – and this time, he’s talking about the training, nutrition and mindset shifts helping him feel better in his 40s than he did in his 30s. Speaking to Men’s Health Fitness Director Andrew Tracey, the boxing promoter opens up on why movement has become a daily non-negotiable, how he’s learned to train smarter rather than simply smash himself in the gym, and why fuelling properly – yes, including carbs – has transformed the quality of his sessions...

May 21, 202639 min

How Richard Gadd Gained 40kg For Half Man

On this episode of the Built For Life podcast, Richard Gadd joins Andrew Tracey to break down the reality behind his extreme body transformation for Half Man . After dropping to 68kg for Baby Reindeer , Gadd pushed his body to over 100kg, training six days a week, eating relentlessly and even dehydrating himself for scenes. But despite the scale of the change, he admits he ‘never felt as big as I wanted to be.’ They unpack the psychology of bulking, why progress is so hard to see even when it’s ...

May 14, 202642 min

The Ex-Marine Who Walked 12,000 Miles To Save His Life

This week on the Built For Life podcast Ben Shephard and Andrew Tracey are joined by Paul 'The Warrior Walker' Harris, who explains how something as simple as walking became the foundation for rebuilding his life. After a mental health crisis left him lost and struggling, the former Royal Marine set out to walk the UK coastline with no plan and just £300. He didn’t just finish it – he did it twice, covering over 20,000km. A powerful conversation on mental health, resilience, and why more of us n...

May 07, 202652 min

Why The Fat Comes Back After Weight-Loss Jabs

On this week's Men’s Health: Built For Life podcast Ben Shephard and Andrew Tracey sit down on the with GP, broadcaster and author Dr Jack Mosley to unpack two of the most talked-about ideas in modern nutrition: ‘food noise’ and fat-loss jabs. Why do some people constantly think about food, while others barely give it a second thought? Is it really a willpower issue – or something deeper? They dive into the rise of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs like Tirzepatide, how they act like ‘noise-cancelling hea...

Apr 30, 20261 hr 16 min

How Ben Shephard is Training For The Marathon at 51

Your Men's Health: Built For Life Hosts – Ben Shephard and Andrew Tracey – sit down to unpack Ben’s road back to the marathon at 51 – after being told post–back surgery he’d never go the distance again. They dig into the reality of ‘minimum effective dose’ training, how to rebuild around injury, and what actually moves the needle when time (and your body) isn’t on your side. AT also breaks down his latest experiment: taking on the brutal 81km TransGranCanaria mountain ultra on just one run per w...

Apr 23, 202659 min

James Norton on Marathon Training with Type 1 Diabetes

Actor James Norton joins Men’s Health and Runner’s World for a special crossover episode. Ahead of his first London Marathon, Norton breaks down what training actually looks like when you’re not a “natural runner” - and what changes when you’re managing Type 1 diabetes. From carb strategy and glucose monitoring to injuries, data overload and mental fatigue, this is a candid look at the reality of preparing for 42.2km. We also get into cold exposure, mindset, and why, for this race, finishing mat...

Apr 14, 202640 min

He Ran a Marathon From the Top of a Volcano

Ben Shephard and Andrew Tracey are joined by former Royal Marines Commando and expedition leader Aldo Kane to break down what ‘mental toughness’ actually means – and why most people have it completely wrong. From operating in war zones to leading teams into the world’s most hostile environments, Aldo explains why toughness isn’t about ice baths or suffering for the sake of it, but the ability to keep going when things get uncomfortable – physically, mentally and emotionally. Along the way, we di...

Apr 08, 20261 hr 12 min

Military Cross Recipient on Masculinity, Vulnerability and Real Toughness

Former British Army soldier and Military Cross recipient Brian Wood joins Ben Shephard and Andrew Tracey to talk about masculinity, vulnerability and what real toughness actually looks like – starting with the war crimes allegations that turned his life upside down. After being accused of serious offences following his actions in Iraq – claims he always denied and was ultimately cleared of – Brian opens up about the toll of years under investigation, the impact on his mental health, and the real...

Apr 02, 20261 hr 4 min

PB Your 5K By Fixing Your Breathing

Breathing coach David ‘Jacko’ Jackson joins Andrew Tracey and Ben Shephard to explain why most of us are breathing wrong – and how fixing it could transform your running, recovery and overall performance. From cutting down your 5K time to reducing stress and improving sleep, Jacko breaks down the simple changes that can make hard efforts feel easier. We dive into breathing rate, CO₂ tolerance, nasal breathing, and why ‘just get fitter’ might be missing the point. If you want to run better, recov...

Mar 26, 20261 hr 13 min

At 52, Paddy McGuinness Changed His Body – This Is How

Comedian, broadcaster and newly minted Men’s Health cover star Paddy McGuinness joins Ben Shephard and Andrew Tracey to talk discipline, routines and what he learned from taking on the 75 Hard challenge in his fifties. After years of dipping in and out of training, Paddy explains why the simple structure of the challenge finally made things click – and how focusing on the basics helped him build momentum. He shares how committing to daily movement, reading and consistency reshaped his approach t...

Mar 19, 202650 min

Jake Humphrey: ‘80% of High Performers Aren’t Happy’

Broadcaster, author and High Performance co-host Jake Humphrey joins Ben Shephard and Andrew Tracey to talk success, happiness and what he’s learned from interviewing some of the world’s top performers. Drawing on hundreds of conversations with elite athletes, CEOs and coaches, Jake explains why many high achievers aren’t actually happy – and why redefining success might be the key to building a better life. We also dive into hustle culture, the power of small daily habits, learning to say no, a...

Mar 12, 20261 hr 3 min

Is the Kit You Run in Really Important?

Ben Hobson and Rick Pearson of Runner’s World join Ben Shephard and Men’s Health Fitness Director Andrew Tracey to discuss the meteoric surge of interest in running over the last few years. Covering a lot of ground, the guys explore whether the right kit is necessary to hit your running goals, the truth about nutrition and supplementation, the importance of strength training for performance and injury prevention, and the biggest mistakes runners make. From fuelling performance to acing recovery,...

Mar 05, 20261 hr 10 min

Roger Gracie on How to Strength Train for BJJ

Brazillian jiu-jitsu legend Roger Gracie joins Ben Shephard and Andrew Tracey to talk legacy, longevity and why BJJ might be the most complete training system on the planet. . We break down how the 10-time world champion built his game, why technique always beats brute strength, and the three lifts he believes every BJJ athlete should prioritise. Roger explains why you don’t need to ‘get fit’ before you start, how rolling builds resilience under pressure, and why jiu-jitsu forces you to rethink ...

Feb 26, 202655 min

Tom Aikens Ripped Michelin Starred Chef: Forget Meal Prep, Do This InsteadDefault

Michelin-starred chef Tom Aikens joins Ben Shephard and Andrew Tracey to talk discipline, endurance and why most blokes are overcomplicating their nutrition. . We break down how years of 14-hour kitchen shifts and knee surgery pushed him towards daily mobility work, ultramarathons and a ruthlessly consistent routine. Tom opens up about desert racing in brutal heat, fuelling without gels, and the mindset required to stay lean and strong in a high-stress profession. . Along the way, we get into wh...

Feb 19, 20261 hr 20 min

The Gym Is Non-Negotiable for My Mental Health - Here's How I Train

Former England football turned Men's Health cover superstar, Rio Ferdinand, joins Andrew Tracey to talk through how his approach to training, health and performance has changed since retiring from football. . We break down what stopped working once the weekly match mileage disappeared, why longevity now matters more than ego, and how his training has shifted towards staying strong, mobile and pain-free. Rio opens up about balancing heavy lifting with functional movement, adapting nutrition for r...

Feb 12, 202626 min

Spencer Matthews: World Record Triathlon on 7 Continents

Spencer Matthews joins Ben Shephard and Andrew Tracey fresh off one of the most extreme endurance challenges ever attempted — completing seven Iron-distance triathlons on seven continents in 21 days. . We break down what that actually involved, from the brutal logistics and relentless travel to the moments where the project nearly fell apart. Spencer opens up about the Antarctic swim that haunted him for months, the safety briefing that made him question whether they should even be doing it, and...

Feb 05, 20261 hr 2 min

Hybrid. Hyrox. Bodybuilding. How Should You Be Training in 2026?

Ben Shephard and Men’s Health Fitness Director Andrew Tracey cut through the noise around training in 2026. We get into hybrid training vs HYROX, why bodybuilding is having a comeback, what actually builds muscle, how hard you really need to train, and why most people are overthinking it. From strength and cardio to time-efficient training and long-term health, this is a no-nonsense look at how to train smarter, get fitter, and build muscle without letting fitness take over your life in 2026 . H...

Jan 29, 20261 hr 8 min

Paddy Pimblett: Every Morning I was Waking up Crying – People Thought I Was Tough

Paddy Pimblett joins Ben Shephard and Andrew Tracey ahead of his interim title bout with Justin Gaethje at UFC 324. We get into what’s going through his head pre-fight, lying awake thinking about finishes, cutting weight without losing your mind, why most gyms are sh*te, why he avoids 'that stupid HYROX stuff', and how many calories he can eat post-fight without blinking. Paddy also opens up about mental health, therapy, and why being tough isn’t what people think. . Hosts: https://www.instagram...

Jan 28, 202642 min

The Men's Health Built For Life Podcast with Ben Shephard and Andrew Tracey

Men’s Health: Built For Life — with hosts Ben Shephard and Men’s Health Fitness Director Andrew Tracey — is the podcast for men looking to take control of their fitness, health and life. Sharing practical science, actionable, real-world advice and incredible stories from inspiring guests, we can’t promise that listening to this podcast will change your life… but it will give you everything you need to go away and do that yourself. . Join us for new episodes, every Thursday. . Hosts: https://www....

Jan 21, 20262 min

Chandler Smith & The Decision That Shook the CrossFit World

What does it take to push your body to the limit and still walk away when your values are tested? In this unfiltered conversation, elite CrossFit athlete and U.S. Army officer Chandler Smith opens up about the sacrifices behind his Games career, the discipline forged in military life, and why he made the bold choice to step back from competition in 2025. 655d4191f91b6448b98ca23267e80cddf41c26fd Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Dec 12, 202558 min

Noah Ohlsen: Why CrossFit Games Athletes Can’t Hang with The Top Hyrox Guys

CrossFit Games veteran Noah Ohlsen dives into the future of CrossFit, why even the best athletes can’t keep up with the top Hyrox competitors, and how hybrid training and Ironman racing have reshaped his approach to fitness. He also shares insights on the new World Fitness Project, lessons from over a decade at the CrossFit Games, and what’s next as he prepares for fatherhood. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Aug 18, 202558 min

How And Why Rich Froning Still Trains Like a Champion at 38

He was the Fittest Man on Earth. Now? He’s training for life. In this raw and honest sit-down, CrossFit Games champion Rich Froning opens up about what it takes to age strong, stay competitive into your late 30s and raise a family while keeping a fire lit under your training. We cover how his workouts have evolved, the movements he’ll never drop, why he still pushes himself, and what he'd do if asked to run CrossFit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Aug 01, 202547 min

From Expelled Teen to World’s Strongest Man: The Eddie Hall Story

“If you lined up all 70 million people in the UK... I’d pick you as the most likely to have a heart attack right now.” Eddie Hall, former World’s Strongest Man, record-breaking deadlifter, boxer, MMA fighter, and father, sits down with Men's Health to reveal the full story behind the strength. We talk mental health, steroids, addiction, carnivore diets, gym therapy, 12,000-calorie days, and what it really takes to lift half a ton… and walk away from it all alive. Learn more about your ad choices...

Jul 28, 202538 min

Why Training Outdoors Changes More Than Your Body | Men's Health UK

From flipping tractor tyres to coaching elite athletes, Tom Kemp's journey is a masterclass in functional strength. Founder of Farm Fitness, Tom walks us through how a childhood on a working farm forged a new training philosophy - one built for performance, not aesthetics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 14, 202550 min

Ben Shephard: I’m Stronger at 50 Than I Was at 38

Ben Shephard returns to the Men’s Health cover 13 years after his first shoot – this time at 50 – to find out if he can still match the physique he built at 38. What began as a personal “Fit at 50” challenge quickly became a deeper journey into strength, resilience and consistency. Shephard shares how his training has evolved into a hybrid of calisthenics, cardio and functional strength – with a focus on longevity, not just looks. He opens up about bouncing back from serious injury, navigating m...

May 27, 20251 hr

Psychotherapist Owen O'Kane: Why we're addicted to anxiety

Owen O’Kane, psychotherapist and bestselling author of Ten to Zen and Addicted to Anxiety, joins the Men’s Health podcast to deliver a powerful, myth-busting conversation about modern mental health – especially for men. He explains why high-functioning anxiety often hides in plain sight, how we can become unknowingly addicted to worry, and why therapy shouldn’t always feel comfortable. Drawing from decades of clinical experience – and his own upbringing during the Troubles in Northern Ireland – ...

May 06, 20251 hr 17 min

Chris Eubank Jr on the Fight of His Life: 'If I Lose to Conor Benn, I Retire' -

Chris Eubank Jr. speaks passionately about legacy, discipline, and his personal feud with Conor Benn. He’s driven by the need to uphold the Eubank name and refuses to let the Benn name overtake it - admitting it would “kill him” if it did. He describes his transformation into a focused, different man when preparing for war (a fight), and outlines the intense lifestyle of a clean fighter: weekly drug tests, relentless training, strict nutrition, and monastic discipline. His training involves spar...

Apr 22, 202544 min

Jake Dearden: Becoming a World-class Hyrox Athlete

Men's Health sat down with world-record holder, Hyrox champion and newly minted Men's Health cover start, Jake Dearden, for a podcast and Q&A filmed live at FIIT studios in London. Jake opened up about his first foray into Hyrox, and how he's subsequently sought out advice from some of the best coaches and athletes in the world, from multiple disciplines, to help him in his quest to become the fastest man on Earth in the fitness racing phenomenon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit mega...

Apr 15, 202557 min

Joshua Patterson: I Ran 76 Marathons - But This Nearly Broke Me

Men’s Health sat down with Joshua Patterson – endurance athlete, mental health advocate and record-breaking fundraiser – whose extraordinary feats include running 76 marathons in 76 days. We spoke about the devastating injury to his closest friend that inspired his first challenge, the transformative power of service, and how pushing his physical limits has become a way to find healing, purpose and deeper connection – both with himself and others. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphon...

Apr 11, 20251 hr
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