Freedom Through Fitness

About Freedom Through Fitness

Freedom Through Fitness is the podcast that reclaims fitness as a tool for living — not just for looks. Hosted by Meg Batchelor, founder of Focused Personal Training, we share real conversations with everyday people, local legends, and expert guests on how movement, strength, and resilience can transform your life. Based in Southampton, UK — sharing stories that inspire everywhere.

Publisher

Megan Batchelor

Category

health & fitness · health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

14 Jun 2025

Latest episode

18 Oct 2025

Latest episodes

15 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   18 Oct 2025

   Ask The Expert: Audley Fraser (Osteopath)

   🎧 To find out more about how to discover your own Freedom Through Fitness with the Focused Personal Training team, visit freedompod.focusedpt.co.uk In this week’s Ask the Expert episode, I sit down with osteomyologist and founder of Theratopia, Audley Fraser. A calm and deeply experienced practitioner, Audley shares his journey from personal trainer to hands-on clinician — and explains how his work bridges the gap between fitness and therapy. We explore: The difference between treating pain and addressing its root cause Why spinal manipulation isn’t something to fear How core stability supports alignment and recovery Working with pregnant women and newborns Why movement, not rest, is often the real medicine If you’ve been sidelined by chronic pain or worried about taking the next step, this episode offers both practical wisdom and a powerful reminder: you don’t have to live in pain — and the sooner you take action, the sooner you get your life back. 💆🏾♂️To book time with Audley, or just to find out a little more about how Theratopia clinic can help you to move freely without pain visit https://www.theratopia.co.uk/ 🎧 To find out more about how to discover your own Freedom Through Fitness with the Focused Personal Training team, visit freedompod.focusedpt.co.uk

2. 

   11 Oct 2025

   Athlete Spotlight: Dave Henson MBE (Paralympic Sprint Medalist)

   In this powerful episode of Freedom Through Fitness, we sit down with Dave Henson MBE — local lad, military veteran, Paralympic medalist, engineer, father, and all-round inspiration. We explore fitness from a perspective most of us will never experience — how movement and resilience shaped Dave’s recovery after losing both legs in Afghanistan, and how it helped him rebuild a life filled with purpose, strength, and family. From the early days in rehab gyms and homemade weight kits in army tents, to the Invictus Games and a Paralympic podium in Rio — Dave’s journey is a raw and remarkable testament to what’s possible when we keep moving forward. This episode embodies what the Freedom Through Fitness podcast is all about: real conversations with inspirational people, whether they're experts, everyday individuals, or athletes — and Dave is all three. We also dive into: What fitness really means when everything changes overnight The role of sport in mental recovery and rebuilding identity Raising resilient kids and creating impact beyond your own story And why getting out of your comfort zone is often the key to growth If you’re ever in doubt about the power of movement — this conversation will reframe it for you. 💥 If this episode inspires you, share it, leave us a review, and help us keep these meaningful conversations going in a world full of clickbait and misinformation. 🎙️ Start your journey at: https://freedompod.focusedpt.co.uk (https://freedompod.focusedpt.co.uk)

3. 

   4 Oct 2025

   Ask The Expert: Jenna Sewart [Nutritional Therapist]

   Questions? Feedback? Looking for help? Visit freedompod.focusedpt.co.uk In this episode of Freedom Through Fitness, we dig into one of the most powerful — yet often misunderstood — aspects of our health: our relationship with food. I’m joined by Southampton-based nutritional therapist, Jenna Seward, who shares her personal journey from battling eating disorders as a teenager to helping others transform their health through nutrition. Jenna specialises in women’s health, PCOS, fertility, and gut health, but her message is universal: food should be about nourishment, energy, and freedom — not punishment or restriction. We talk about: Why health is about so much more than a number on the scales How to break free from cycles of restriction and guilt around food The impact of gut health, stress, and sleep on your energy and wellbeing Why quick fixes like weight-loss injections may create bigger problems later without the right support Practical, sustainable strategies for fuelling your body and feeling your best long term This is a frank, inspiring, and empowering conversation that will leave you rethinking what “healthy” really means — and how small, consistent changes can add up to lasting freedom through fitness. If you’d like to find out more about Jenna’s services or have questions for her, you can connect with her on Instagram or Facebook: @jenna_dawn_nutrition or visit her website at jennadawnnutrition.com

4. 

   27 Sept 2025

   Inspirational Stories: Christine Newnham "It's never too late to start"

   Episode 4 (Series 2) – Christine Newnham: It’s Never Too Late to Start In this episode, we sit down with Christine Newnham, a proud member of the Focused Personal Training community who proves that fitness can be life-changing at any age. Two years ago, Christine took action when she felt her strength and resilience slipping away. At 66, she made the brave choice to walk through our doors after struggling to find the right support in a commercial gym. With tailored coaching and consistency, she’s transformed her health — lowering her blood pressure, reversing pre-diabetes, and building confidence that spills into every part of her life. Now, at 68, Christine is stronger than she was in her twenties. She shares openly about overcoming her fears of “being too old” or “not fit enough,” what fitness now means for her relationships, her independence, and her role as a mum and nanny, and why she’ll never give up the time she’s carved out for herself. This is a story for anyone who thinks the door to fitness has closed. Christine shows us that with the right support and mindset, it’s never too late to start — and the rewards are greater than you might imagine. 🌐 Learn more about Focused Personal Training and the Freedom Through Fitness Podcast: freedompod.focusedpt.co.uk (https://freedompod.focusedpt.co.uk)

5. 

   20 Sept 2025

   Ask The Expert: Emily Taylor (Pevic Health Physio)

   🎧 Learn more about the podcast and connect with us: https://freedompod.focusedpt.co.uk Series 2, Episode 3: Common, Not Normal – Pelvic Health, Confidence & Core Strength with Emily Taylor In this episode, we’re taking a fresh perspective on what fitness really means — because true freedom through fitness is about more than strength or aesthetics. It's about confidence, control, and living your life without hesitation. Joining us is Emily Taylor, specialist pelvic health physiotherapist and founder of Taylored Physiotherapy. Together, we dive into what can often feel like a private or taboo topic — but shouldn't be. From incontinence and prolapse to pelvic pain and breath work, this conversation sheds light on issues affecting millions of women and men, often silently. Emily shares her journey from MSK physio in the military to leading voice in pelvic health, and offers empowering insight into why symptoms like urinary leakage, pelvic heaviness, or discomfort might be common, but aren’t normal — and what can be done about them. We talk about: The overlooked role of pelvic health in fitness and daily life Why high-performers often miss key rehab pieces Misconceptions around aging, menopause, and postnatal recovery What to expect in a pelvic health consultation (it’s not as scary as you think!) How both women and men can benefit from taking action now If you've ever been told to just "put up with it" — this episode is for you. 💬 Want to know more about Emily's work or have a question? Find her on Instagram or Facebook: @taylored_physiotherapy 🌍 Based in Southampton, but with conversations to inspire everywhere. 🎙️ Powered by Focused Personal Training 🟡 Hosted by Meg Batchelor 📲 Follow us and share the episode to help keep these powerful conversations going. 👉 https://freedompod.focusedpt.co.uk (https://freedompod.focusedpt.co.uk)

6. 

   13 Sept 2025

   Athlete Spotlight: Chris Spicer (Weightlifting)

   🎧 Ready to take action on your own Freedom Through Fitness? Learn more about working with us at 👉 freedompod.focusedpt.co.uk (https://freedompod.focusedpt.co.uk) Episode 2 – Chris Spicer: Training for Life, Not Just the Podium In this episode, we sit down with local athlete, RAF chef, CrossFit coach, and father of three — Chris Spicer. Chris brings a refreshingly honest and down-to-earth perspective on fitness, fatherhood, and finding balance when life is full-on. From competing at the British Masters in Olympic weightlifting, to coaching functional fitness at CrossFit Wessex, to cooking for thousands in RAF deployment kitchens — Chris has done a bit of everything… and then some. We talk about: Why learning to move well matters more than lifting heavy How CrossFit helped him build resilience through grief What he’s learned about fuelling performance from life as a chef How he supports clients who are juggling family life and fitness And how staying fit helps him keep up with three young daughters — bikes, holidays, chaos and all This one’s full of practical tips, gentle mindset reframes, and stories that remind us that fitness isn’t just about PBs — it’s about showing up for yourself, your people, and the life you want to live. Whether you're just starting out or you're already in the game, Chris's approach is proof that you can train hard and be kind to yourself — all while keeping a coffee in one hand and a toddler in the other. 💥 Inspired by what you heard? We’d love to hear what landed for you — and if you’re ready to take action toward your own version of fitness freedom, we’re here to help. 👉 freedompod.focusedpt.co.uk

7. 

   6 Sept 2025

   Inspirational Stories: George Middleton

   🎧 Want to explore what freedom through fitness could look like for you? Start here: https://freedompod.focusedpt.co.uk In this season opener, we sit down with George Middleton — a local Southampton man whose fitness journey has transformed not just his body, but his entire life. From being told he could lose a foot due to complications from type 2 diabetes… to running 10Ks, rehabbing broken bones, and gaining the confidence to step into the gym — George’s story is brutally honest, unexpectedly funny, and deeply moving. This isn’t a story about six-packs or before-and-after photos. It’s about: 💭 The mental toll of body dysmorphia 👟 Why walking for 15 minutes a day was the most powerful place to start 🤝 The importance of community, kindness, and asking questions 🧠 How fear, education, and persistence reshaped his mindset 🗣️ And how fitness didn’t just change his health — it helped him reclaim his life If you’ve ever felt unsure, unmotivated, or like you were starting from too far back — this episode will meet you where you are. George's story is a powerful reminder that no matter how long you’ve been stuck, no matter how many times you’ve “failed” — you can always start again. 🎙 Hosted by Meg Batchelor 💛 Powered by Focused Personal Training 📍 Southampton-based, but stories that inspire everywhere — ✨ Inspired to take that first step? Let’s talk. Book your free discovery call at https://freedompod.focusedpt.co.uk

8. 

   5 Aug 2025

   Ask The Expert: Piers Day (Hypnotherapy)

   🎙 Episode 8 — Piers Day: Out of the Darkness Founder of Suffolk Hypnotherapy | Subconscious Coach | Mental Health Advocate In this final episode of Season 1, we’re joined by the brilliant Piers Day — a subconscious coach, speaker, and founder of Suffolk Hypnotherapy, as well as the powerful new mental health initiative, Out of the Darkness. After a deeply personal experience with loss, Piers set out on a journey to understand the mind, heal from grief, and support others in doing the same. In this honest and emotional conversation, he shares: Why so many people suffer in silence — and how to reach them How subconscious beliefs affect our self-worth and well-being His own journey from physical crisis to personal transformation The simple daily actions that build confidence and clarity What freedom through fitness means when both body and mind are in balance Piers is passionate about helping people feel safe, seen, and fully human again — no labels, no diagnoses, just real conversations and deep, lasting change. This episode is for anyone who wants to better understand themselves or support the mental health of those they love. Although much of Piers' work focuses on men’s mental health, this conversation transcends gender — because empathy, openness, and healing are for all of us. ✨ And since recording, we’re thrilled to share that Out of the Darkness is now live — another huge step in making mental health support more accessible and human. 🔗 Learn more about working with us at: https://freedompod.focusedpt.co.uk (https://freedompod.focusedpt.co.uk)

9. 

   26 Jul 2025

   Ask The Expert: Ruth Guest

   In this powerful and refreshingly honest episode, host Megan Batchelor is joined by her sister — Dr. Ruth Guest, GP, lecturer in military medicine, and specialist in women’s health. Together, they explore the intersection of professional expertise and lived experience — covering everything from postpartum recovery and mental health to menstrual education, pelvic floor myths, and how to navigate fitness across the lifespan. With stories from military life, motherhood, and even indoor rowing championships, Ruth shares how movement has helped her reclaim personal strength and identity. This is a must-listen for anyone who wants to better understand women’s health — and that includes men who are seeking to bring greater empathy and awareness to the women in their lives. 💬 Honest. Informative. Empowering. 💻 Want to explore what working with Focused PT could look like for you? Visit freedompod.focusedpt.co.uk (https://freedompod.focusedpt.co.uk) to book your free discovery call.

10. 

    19 Jul 2025

    Inspirational Stories: Leon Edwards

    Visit https://freedompod.focusedpt.co.uk/ for further support on attaining your own Freedom Through Fitness Training for the Camino: A Journey of Strength, Survival and Self-Belief At 72 years old, Leon Edwards set himself a bold and deeply personal challenge — to walk the 800km Camino de Santiago across Spain. Not as a lifelong adventurer, but as someone who had faced a quadruple heart bypass, a PTSD diagnosis, borderline type 2 diabetes, and the physical setbacks that come with age and injury. In this powerful and heartwarming episode, Leon shares how he worked with the Focused Personal Training team to transform his strength, health and mindset — preparing his body and spirit for the pilgrimage he had dreamed of for more than four decades. And we’re thrilled to share that since this episode was recorded, Leon has completed his 800km pilgrimage. His journey is living proof that it’s never too late to reclaim your health, pursue a goal, or rediscover what your body is capable of. This one’s for anyone who thinks they might be “too old,” “too unfit,” or too far gone. You’re not.  Fitness can open doors to you that you may have thought already closed for good. Let Leon's story inspire you to get out there and live! Visit https://freedompod.focusedpt.co.uk/ for further support on attaining your own Freedom Through Fitness

11. 

    12 Jul 2025

    Athlete Spotlight: Ellie Steel (Powerlifting)

    In this week's Athlete Spotlight, we sit down with international powerlifter, British record holder, and World Champion bench presser — Ellie Steel. Just a few weeks after this recording, Ellie travelled to Norway for the Equipped Powerlifting Open World Championships, where she took gold for Great Britain in the under 57kg women’s bench press. But there’s so much more to her journey than the podium. Ellie is also a mum to her two-year-old son, Blakey, and plays a key role in supporting her husband’s business — New Forest Family Butchers (https://nffbutchers.co.uk/) — a beloved local brand with locations in West Wellow, Winchester, and Lyndhurst. We talk about: What it takes to train and compete at elite level The physical and mental resilience behind lifting heavy How motherhood reshaped her approach to recovery and strength Breaking stereotypes for women in powerlifting Balancing sport, business, and family life Follow Ellie on Instagram at @elliefrickensteel (https://www.instagram.com/elliefrickensteel) Whether you're a seasoned lifter, new to training, or just curious about what’s possible when strength meets intention — this one’s for you.

12. 

    5 Jul 2025

    Ask The Expert: Sean Cole (Performance with Presence)

    Fitness expert Sean Cole shares his evolution from performance-focused coaching to a holistic approach, highlighting authenticity and the importance of serving the community, in this interview.

13. 

    28 Jun 2025

    Ask The Expert: Amy Linford

    Amy Linford, applied neurology practitioner, discusses how trauma and anxiety affect training, advocating for safety and compassion in fitness, in an interview with the host.

14. 

    21 Jun 2025

    Inspirational Stories: Dave Hurlock

    Dave Hurlock shares his inspirational fitness journey overcoming Cerebral Palsy to build strength and independence, proving the power of self-belief in this interview with the host.

15. 

    14 Jun 2025

    Athlete Spotlight: Kelly Friel (Crossfit)

    CrossFit athlete Kelly Friel shares her journey from a late start in fitness to international competition, highlighting resilience and the freedom found in physical strength in this interview.

Who has been a guest on Freedom Through Fitness

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Sean Cole
• Amy Linford
• Dave Hurlock
• Kelly Friel

Podcast Authority Score: 38 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

76

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.