This conversation with Barry Blanchard goes far beyond climbing. We talk about his Métis identity, spirituality, and the deep pull the mountains have had on his life from an early age. Barry reflects on epic ascents, profound loss, love, injury, and the moments that forced him to redefine who he was when climbing was taken away.

We explore fulfilment, fear, writing and journaling, and what it means to build a life of meaning rather than just achievement. It is an honest, reflective conversation about identity, purpose, and the lessons the mountains quietly teach if you are willing to listen.

Follow Barry:

Instagram - @blanchard_barry

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Contact Me: www.plantoendure.com

Instagram: @plan.to.endure

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Ana returns to reflect on a standout year racing at both the Ironman and Ironman 70.3 World Championships. Rather than the build up, we dive into the race days themselves, the challenges she faced, the emotions that surfaced, and what those experiences taught her long after crossing the finish line. Ana shares honest reflections on performance, shifting expectations, and learning to balance ambition with perspective. We explore the emotional side of endurance sport, the importance of support on race day, and how setbacks, pressure, and self belief shape long term growth. It’s a grounded conversation about resilience, progress, and what these experiences leave you with long after the finish line.

Instagram: @anaagarciaaa

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Contact Me: www.plantoendure.com

Instagram: @plan.to.endure

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode with Laurence we dive into the drive, creativity, and resilience behind building one of the UKs most exciting running communities. We talk about the origins of Rally Life, Up and Running Events, and Formula Run, and how confidence, community engagement, and smart marketing have shaped their growth. Laurence shares lessons from event logistics, the challenges of innovation, and the realities of navigating council regulations, pricing, and competition. We explore his journey into ultra running, the mental side of endurance, and how he balances multiple ventures with long term vision. It's an honest look at ambition, endurance, and the mindset required to turn your passions into something people genuinely want to be part of.

Instagram:

@laurenceprior

@upandrunningevents

@formularun_

@rallylife.co

Websites:

www.upandrunningevents.co.uk

www.rallylife.co

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Contact Me: www.plantoendure.com

Instagram: @plan.to.endure

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I sit down with Andy, the current organizer of Night of Lies, and Wade, the original founder, to explore how the event grew from a small, informal storytelling night amongst friends into a cherished part of the Bow Valley community. We talk about the charm that makes Night of Lies so enduring, the balance of humor and honesty on stage, and the effort to keep the event authentic as it evolves. Andy and Wade share insights on audience engagement, community impact, the chaos and comedy behind the scenes, and the importance of grassroots spaces where real stories can thrive. It’s a conversation about creativity, connection, and the spirit that keeps events like this alive.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NightOfLies/

Andy's Instagram: andy_a_arts

Wade's Instagram: wgraham1976

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Contact Me: www.plantoendure.com

Instagram: @plan.to.endure

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode with Sam, we explore the many layers of fear, identity, and personal growth—from early family influences and teenage anxiety to understanding how medication, language, and self-perception shape the way we move through the world. We talk about balancing analysis and intuition, navigating anxiety while travelling, and the lessons that come from experiencing new cultures in Nepal, Tanzania, and beyond. Along the way, we touch on generosity, perspective, overcoming challenges, and the philosophies that help us face fear, time, and uncertainty. It’s a reflective journey through adventure, mindset, and the ongoing effort to live fully in the present.

Instagram: @jolleyman

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Contact Me: www.plantoendure.com

Instagram: @plan.to.endure

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I sit down with my sister Sophie to talk about her journey through the world of theatre, costume design, and film. We explore her path from early theatre groups in Scotland to working at the Edinburgh Fringe, moving to London, and eventually joining major productions like Strictly Come Dancing, The Crown, and Harry Potter. Sophie shares honest insights into the realities of theatre life, the shift into film and TV, the creative communities that shaped her, and how upbringing, opportunity, and passion influenced her career. It’s an open and grounded conversation about creativity, resilience, and what it really takes to build a life in the arts.

Instagram: @sophiebgarbutt

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Contact Me: www.plantoendure.com

Instagram: @plan.to.endure

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Amanda and I dive into an honest conversation about major life choices, the fear and excitement behind moving abroad, and how our surroundings shape our mental and emotional wellbeing. We talk about the pressure of adulthood, the search for purpose, and what it means to pursue a life that feels meaningful rather than just comfortable. Amanda reflects briefly on her earlier career in publishing, using it as a lens to explore creativity, boredom, and how people grow through changing interests. From career transitions and financial realities to friendship, connection, and communicating with intention, this episode is a wide-ranging look at navigating adulthood with curiosity, courage, and self-awareness.

Instagram: @halfapintofcolman

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Contact Me: www.plantoendure.com

Instagram: @plan.to.endure

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode with Sam, we explore the space between structure and freedom, work and rest, and the quiet fulfillment found in doing what you love. From his time in the cadets and journey into self-employment to cold water surfing and canoeing across Scotland, Sam shares how simplicity, challenge, and curiosity guide his approach to life. We also reflect on the Fisherman’s Parable — a story that reminds us that success isn’t always about more, but about knowing what’s enough, and finding peace in the life you already have. It’s a reflective conversation about simplicity, ambition, and the ongoing process of learning what truly matters.

Instagram: @samfallow⁩

Excerpt Reference – The Fisherman’s Parable:

An American investment banker was at the pier of a small coastal Mexican village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked. Inside the small boat were several large yellowfin tuna. The American complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them.

The Mexican replied, “only a little while.”

The American then asked why didn’t he stay out longer and catch more fish?

The Mexican said he had enough to support his family’s immediate needs.

The American then asked, “but what do you do with the rest of your time?”

The Mexican fisherman said, “I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take siestas with my wife, Maria, and stroll into the village each evening where I sip wine, and play guitar with my amigos. I have a full and busy life.”

The American scoffed. “I have an MBA from Harvard, and can help you,” he said. “You should spend more time fishing, and with the proceeds, buy a bigger boat. With the proceeds from the bigger boat, you could buy several boats, and eventually you would have a fleet of fishing boats. Instead of selling your catch to a middle-man, you could sell directly to the processor, eventually opening up your own cannery. You could control the product, processing, and distribution,” he said. “Of course, you would need to leave this small coastal fishing village and move to Mexico City, then Los Angeles, and eventually to New York City, where you will run your expanding enterprise.”

The Mexican fisherman asked, “But, how long will this all take?”

To which the American replied, “Oh, 15 to 20 years or so.”

“But what then?” asked the Mexican.

The American laughed and said, “That’s the best part. When the time was right, you would announce an IPO, and sell your company stock to the public and become very rich. You would make millions!”

“Millions – then what?”

The American said, “Then you could retire. Move to a small coastal fishing village where you could sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take siestas with your wife, and stroll to the village in the evenings where you could sip wine and play guitar with your amigos.”

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Contact Me: www.plantoendure.com

Instagram: @plan.to.endure

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.