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Abel Lifestyle

by Adam Abel

Self-Improvement Mental Health

Season 3

E21 Elmo Shorland's Story: Builder by Day, Cheerleader by Night. Fatherhood, Overcoming Loss & Breaking Stereotypes

Today’s guest is somebody with one of the most unique stories we’ve had on the Abel Lifestyle Podcast. By day, Elmo Shorland is a builder. By night, he’s a two-time National Champion cheerleader. On paper, those two worlds couldn’t be more different, but after spending nearly two hours with Elmo, you quickly realise this episode isn’t really about cheerleading. It’s about perspective, resilience and having the confidence to be yourself. We go right back to the beginning, talking about growing up, losing his dad at just eight years old and how that experience shaped the man he is today. Rather than allowing adversity to define his life, Elmo chose to focus on gratitude, positivity and making the very best of every opportunity that came his way. His outlook on life is genuinely one of the most refreshing I’ve come across. We also dive into how he found cheerleading, what it’s really like behind the stereotypes, winning back-to-back National Championships, being named Cheerleader of the Year, appearing on BBC News and even his experience on Channel 4’s First Dates. Alongside that, we explore what becoming a father has taught him, the values he hopes to pass on to his daughters and what success really means away from medals and achievements. This is one of those conversations that simply leaves you feeling better than when it started. It’s honest, uplifting and full of reminders that your circumstances don’t have to define your future. If you’ve ever doubted yourself, worried about what other people think or needed a reminder to see the positives in life, I genuinely think you’ll take something away from this episode. We explore: Losing his dad at just eight years old Choosing positivity through adversity Growing up and finding purpose Builder by day, cheerleader by night Breaking stereotypes and backing yourself Winning back-to-back National Championships Becoming the father he never had Confidence, resilience and mindset Behind the scenes of competitive cheerleading BBC News & Channel 4’s First Dates Raising two daughters

E20 Laura Hurcombe's Story: From Surviving to Thriving. Overcoming Antidepressants & Building the Life She Always Wanted

Everyone has someone in their life who changes the way they think. For me, that’s Laura Hurcombe. In this episode of the Abel Lifestyle Podcast, I sit down with one of my closest friends for one of the most honest conversations we’ve ever had. Over the past few years, Laura has challenged me to think differently, believe in myself and become a better version of who I am. But behind the positivity and resilience is a journey that hasn’t always been easy. We talk openly about her struggles with mental health, the reality of taking antidepressants, the difficult decision to come off them, and what it really took to rebuild her confidence and create a life she’s genuinely proud of. This isn’t a story about overnight success. It’s about the small decisions, uncomfortable moments and consistent actions that slowly changed everything. We also explore how somebody who once said they’d never complete an endurance event went on to finish a Decathlon 5K, MacTuff, a walking marathon and a 15K inflatable obstacle course, proving that we’re often capable of far more than we believe. Throughout the conversation we dive into friendship, education, confidence, identity, mindset and the people who shape our lives without even realising it. If you’ve ever felt stuck, questioned your self-worth, struggled with your mental health or wondered whether life can genuinely get better, I hope this conversation gives you hope. Because Laura’s story is proof that you don’t have to stay where you are. If you enjoy the episode, please leave a rating, subscribe and share it with someone who might need to hear it.

E19 Dease Kerrison's Story: From Goalkeeper to Ironman, Building DK1GK, Coaching & Never Standing Still

In this episode of the Abel Lifestyle Podcast, I sit down with goalkeeper coach, teacher and DK1GK founder Dease Kerrison. Having coached together at both Swindon Town Women and Southampton Women, we reflect on over a decade in football, the lessons coaching has taught us, and what it really takes to help young players reach their potential. We discuss the journey of building DK1GK over the past ten years, balancing business with full-time work in education, the biggest misconceptions around goalkeeping, and why coaching is ultimately about people rather than football. We also dive into Dease’s latest challenge, training for his first Ironman. From football fitness to endurance sport, we explore what has surprised him most, how his training has changed, and the mindset required to take on one of the toughest endurance events in the world. Finally, Dease opens up about suffering a broken arm, dealing with setbacks, and how adversity has shaped both his coaching and outlook on life. Whether you’re a football coach, teacher, athlete or simply someone looking to keep improving, there’s plenty to take away from this conversation. In this episode we discuss: Building DK1GK over the last 10 years Goalkeeping coaching and player development Lessons from football and education Coaching at Swindon Town Women & Southampton Women Balancing business, teaching and family life Preparing for an Ironman Football fitness vs endurance training Overcoming setbacks and injury Leadership, resilience and continuous improvement If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating, follow the podcast and share it with someone who might benefit from the conversation.

E17 Richard Train's Story: "Why not?" The Power of Community & Perspective

In Episode 17, I'm joined by Richard Train for a conversation centred around community, perspective and what it really means to pursue high performance. Growing up in South Africa shaped Richard's outlook on life, teaching him the value of resilience, gratitude and the strength of community. We explore how those experiences continue to influence his work in education, his leadership style and his approach to personal growth. Richard is an LSA, co-leads our High Performance Team sessions, is completing a Master's in International Politics with with aspirations of pursuing a PhD, and has recently discovered a passion for endurance running. Together we discuss: Growing up in South Africa. The importance of community. Leadership in education. Building a high-performance culture. Health, fitness and running. Developing the right mindset. Why asking yourself "Why not?" can change your perspective. Finding gratitude through the phrase "It could be worse." Whether you're interested in education, leadership, endurance sport or simply becoming the best version of yourself, there's something in this conversation for you. If you enjoy this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a rating and share it with someone who would benefit from listening.

E16 Life Catch Up With Mike: The Journey Behind the Goal & the Truth About Success

After two years away, the podcast is finally back and this isn’t just a return, the journey never stopped This is Episode 16, and it felt right to come back with someone who’s been there from the very beginning. I’m joined by Mike Pyman for a real life catch-up. Not a highlight reel. Not a polished version of events. Just an honest conversation about where we’ve been, where we’re at, and where we’re going. This episode was recorded back in November, capturing a raw snapshot in time, what had already been done, what we were chasing next, and the mindset required to keep moving forward when things aren’t perfect. We get into: Mike’s journey into fighting, the preparation, the pressure, the discipline, and what it actually takes to step into that environment My experience completing a 15K Tough Mudder, the physical challenge, the mental battles, and what it really demands when you push yourself What’s still ahead: Mike taking on Endure 24, and me stepping into the Spartan Series, with bigger challenges still to come But this episode isn’t really about events. It’s about what sits underneath all of it. We talk about discipline, not the version people post online, but the real version. The early mornings. The tired sessions. The days where nothing feels good and you still show up anyway. We talk about motivation and how it’s not something you can rely on. It comes and goes. It fades. It disappears when you need it most. And that’s where discipline has to take over. We talk about inspiration, how it isn’t found, it’s built. Through reps. Through consistency. Through doing the work long before you feel ready. And then we get into something deeper. What success actually feels like. Because everyone talks about the moment you win. Very few talk about what happens after. What it feels like to chase something for years… To finally achieve it… To stand at the top of the mountain you once looked up at and realise the feeling doesn’t last. The noise fades. The excitement drops. Life gets quiet. And in that silence, you’re faced with a different challenge: Who are you without the goal? What do you do next? And can you keep going when there’s no external reward waiting for you? This episode is about that. About learning to fall in love with the process, not just the outcome. About building something bigger than a single goal. About becoming the kind of person who shows up regardless of how they feel. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about one race, one fight, or one achievement. It’s about who you become in the process of chasing it. No hype. No shortcuts. No pretending it’s easy. Just the reality of what it takes and what it actually feels like along the way. The podcast is back. And this time, we’re building something that lasts.

E15 Bridget Lynn's Story: From Couch to Champion: The Transformative Journey of a World Champion Powerlifter

In this exhilarating episode, we dive into the inspiring story of Bridget Lynn, a once self-proclaimed fitness avoider who transformed into a world champion powerlifter in just two years. Join us as Bridget shares the pivotal moments that sparked their fitness journey, from the struggles of self-doubt and intimidation at the gym to discovering the empowering world of strength training. Through candid reflections and motivational insights, Bridget discusses the importance of setting clear goals, building a supportive community, and finding the right coaching. We explore the ups and downs of their training, the mental resilience required to overcome obstacles, and the exhilarating feeling of achieving a personal best. Listeners will be inspired by Bridget's relentless dedication and the life lessons learned along the way, including the power of believing in oneself and the impact of perseverance. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just starting your fitness journey, this episode is a testament to the incredible transformations that can occur when passion meets determination. Tune in and get ready to be motivated to chase your own dreams!

E14 Mike Davani's Story: The Ultimate Guide To Hack Your Mindset and Live Your True Abel Lifestyle Plus A HUGE Announcement

In this episode myself and Mike delve into the world of how to hack your mindset to live your true Abel Lifestyle. This is an episode you truly don't want to miss as the amount of "golden nuggets" that you will take away from this will truly help elevate your life to a whole new level. What do you feel are issues in today society? Is there an identity crisis and lack of purpose in todays world that are causing all these issues? Just how important routine and habits can be towards mental clarity? Can embracing the uncomfortable lead to greater experiences and relationships? How should you handle confrontation and what is the one single piece of advice you need to hear that will change how you have conversations going forward? This is hands down the most important and influential conversation you could listen to that will help expand your mindset and self awareness that could change your life. A massive thank you to Mike for coning onto todays episode as he is full of lots of wisdom and knowledge.that will no doubt have a huge positive impact.

E13 Ruth Barkers Story: Everything You Need To Know About Running, Her Incredible Work Within Respiration & How She Helped Me Go From Non Runner To A 3:16 Marathon

In this episode we delve deep into the art of running, how to unlock your unbreakable mindset and get to know the woman who helped coach me for my recent Manchester Marathon Success. We also explore COPD and the positive effects that running can have on respiratory management. This was an incredibly interesting chat as we got to pick the brains of Ruth Barker who is highly successful within her professional career as well as her reasons as to why she has been so successful within her running career currently. If you want to know how you can start your running journey then this is the episode for you! A huge thank you to Ruth for not only coming and having an open and realistic surrounding running but, also for all she has done for myself throughout my short running career. Ruth has the most fascinating and positive mindsets there is and has experienced plenty of adventures and stories throughout her life. If you want to be inspired then this is the episode for you!

E18 Traff Sharpe's Story: Addiction, Recovery, Faith & Finding Purpose

What happens when you hit rock bottom and find the strength to rebuild your life? In this episode of the Abel Lifestyle Podcast, I sit down with Traff Sharpe, founder of Trackdaze, to discuss his journey through addiction, recovery, endurance sport, travel, faith and purpose. Traff shares the reality of addiction, the challenges of rebuilding trust, how endurance sport became an outlet for growth, how travel transformed his perspective and why faith and serving others has become central to the life he lives today. Whether you’re facing your own challenges or simply looking for an honest conversation about resilience, this episode offers valuable lessons on discipline, identity and hope. In this episode we cover: Childhood and early life Addiction and recovery Rebuilding trust and self-belief Endurance sport and mindset The story behind Trackdaze Travel and personal growth Faith and purpose Defining success If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating, follow the podcast and share it with someone who might benefit from the conversation.

Season 2

E12 Annie Colston's Story: Women's National League Footballer, The Reality of Childbirth & Her Battle With Alopecia & Scoliosis

In this episode we discuss Annie's journey to becoming one of the most feared goal scorers within the Women's National League. We delve deep into all the trials, tribulations and blessings about becoming a mother as well as the stigma behind how it can affect a women's career, that most don't think about. We also speak about Annie's battle with alopecia and scoliosis. What would you do if you were made to choose between stopping something you love and becoming a parent? Growing up can be difficult enough but, when you're diagnosed with an auto immune disease that makes this more difficult, how does one cope? What does it really feel like when you have that "Pinch me, this doesn't feel real" moment? A huge thank you to Annie for coming onto the podcast to talk about challenges and successes that many women face which I know no doubt, will help break stigmas, inspire many and get more people talking. Hopefully Annie has paved the way for not only women to continue to go and pursue their dreams regardless of the environment but also for more women to come onto the podcast to tell their incredible story.

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