From life threatening illness to peak fitness: This story is ♥️

If you know me, or you’ve been reading this newsletter a while, you’ll know that I grew up thinking a lot of physical activity was off limits for me, due to the heart condition I was born with.

While I resisted the notion that I should be sidelined — because I actually was quite healthy and capable — I also internalized the notion that there were certain things I would simply “never be”. 

I would never be a long distance runner. (Not true as it turns out; I ran a half marathon last year.) 

I would never play sports. (Also not true; while I largely prefer “solo together” type stuff, I’m pretty sure that some of my favourite activities, like boxing, climbing, and standup paddleboarding, “count” as sports.)

I would never be a “gym” or “fitness” person. (This one’s straight up laughable, given how fitness has been one of my top priorities for over 10 years, and as a storytelling and communications pro, I primarily serve the fitness, health, and sport industry.)

→ Psst, on that note, I am currently booking projects for spring/summer 2025. If you want to create a Certification, course, non-fiction book, or take your thought leadership or leadership communications up a notch, reply to this email. We should chat. ←

My point here, is that many of our perceived limitations might not be so limiting, once we actually challenge them.

Dig in a little deeper to the things you think you can’t do. While there may be genuine obstacles, challenges, and some things that are truly off-limits, there are probably many MORE solutions, opportunities, and workarounds than you realize.

Want some inspiration on this? (The kind that’s grounded in first-hand experience, practical wisdom, and compassion, not some “no excuses bro” type B.S.)

Look no further than my friend and client, Ben Mudge.

Remember the book I co-wrote in just three months last year? Ben was the author / client I did that with!

And now you can get to know him on the latest episode of the Storytelling with Heart podcast!

Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis as a baby, Ben Mudge was told he could be dead before his twenties and faced a short and sedentary life. 

Thankfully, Ben’s life today is very different from the one medical professionals told him he could have.

Refusing to let his illness define him, Ben reinvented himself through fitness, and devoted himself to exploring – and appreciating – what he can do. 

That approach has taken him through some incredible experiences ranging from competitive bodybuilding and fitness modelling, to getting recognition as a fitness influencer, to daredevil highlining in Scotland, to working as a health and fitness coach, which he does with compassion and care.

Now — with me as his writing partner — Ben has authored a new book, called Fitness Without Limits: Training to break through obstacles, live without fear, and find a better you. 

In this podcast episode, Ben shares his story, and offers some practical wisdom for anyone looking to break through limitations and get more out of life.

Topics we cover:

💛 What it was like growing up with CF and being told he wouldn’t make it to twenty years old

🏋️ Why getting and staying fit is actually WAY less complicated (and less sexy) than you probably think it is

💪 What Ben learned from bodybuilding and getting super lean — and how he stopped judging and shaming his body

🚩 How Ben overcame feeling like he needed to hide who he was in order to be a successful fitness coach, and why he lets his nerd flag fly 

😱 Ben’s most terrifying moment and the pact he made with himself that changed his life

✅ Why you don’t need to be perfect (far from it) to get good results

👻 Why Ben chose to work with a ghostwriter (i.e. me) to write his first book, and what the process was like

🍯 How to get unstuck and get past the limitations that stand in your way 

Have a listen at: my website, Spotify, Apple, Amazon, and anywhere else you listen to podcasts.

And when you’re done, check out Fitness Without Limits. It’s currently available for pre-order in the UK, and will be coming soon to the US and other markets! 

So… we are really close to wrapping up the year. 

What are your most outlandish, radical, ridiculous goals and dreams for the year ahead? 

Let’s go get ‘em! 

And hey, if they involve storytelling or communications in some way, maybe I can help. Drop me a line, and let’s find out.