Today's guest has a remarkable story, turning round his life from armed robber to professional athlete.

John McAvoy tells a redemption story that is compelling to listen to. He tells us about a childhood which began with the sudden death of his father just weeks before he was born.

At the age of 8, his step-sister's dad came into his life and brought him in to the criminal world. John didn't know this at the time. But when he found newspaper clippings he discovered a background of crime and armed robbery.

John tells us that watching a film about a £26million gold bullion robbery, which involved his uncle, glamourised the criminal world. As a teenager, he decided to join it and bought himself a firearm.

18 months later he was arrested, place on remand in a high security prison and eventually jailed.

John's life changed when he started using the gym and embarked on an intense fitness programme which led him to breaking World Records for indoor rowing and becoming a professional Ironman athlete sponsored by Nike.

He talks about the impact of a prison warden called Darren and how his life now includes addressing politicians and working with young people.

John's book is called Redemption.

The Be Braver Podcast is presented by Annie Emmerson and Dr Josie Perry.

Annie is a former international triathlete and world champion. She's now a broadcaster and motivational speaker. She left school and education at the age of 15 after a family breakdown and that's led to a life of self-improvement.

She had a transition from party-girl to a life with purpose after being robbed at knife point. She talks candidly about how she has redefined herself several times.

Josie Perry's life first changed when she failed in her A levels which ended her plans to go and study law at a top university. She worked in journalism and communications before becoming passionate about performance psychology which led to a complete career change.

So what's your purpose? What's your why? How can we help you on your journey?

Thanks for listening!

The Be Braver Podcast - because life is not a dress rehearsal.

Insta: @bebraverpod

Today's guest is Nikki Freeman who talks about navigating a big career change.

Nikki moved from 17 years in the corporate world to do something she was truly passionate about. That's when she set up Tempr Media.

Nikki talks about getting burn-out and starting to feel 'there's got to be more to life than this!'.

She embraced the fear of failure and moved to set up her own business in a very different field.

Nikki talks about the impacts on her life as a teenager - with her parents divorcing and her dad getting sent to prison. Annie reveals her dad also went to prison. And Josie presents them with research which shows elite athletes can often have a big adversity in teen years.

We hear about how Nikki took the big leap to leave a safe job and good salary to change her career path and life. Her message is to be authentic and be happy with who you are.

Nikki's business is temprmedia.co.uk

The Be Braver Podcast is presented by Annie Emmerson and Dr Josie Perry.

Annie is a former international triathlete and world champion. She's now a broadcaster and motivational speaker. She left school and education at the age of 15 after a family breakdown and that's led to a life of self-improvement.

She had a transition from party-girl to a life with purpose after being robbed at knife point. She talks candidly about how she has redefined herself several times.

Josie Perry's life first changed when she failed in her A levels which ended her plans to go and study law at a top university. She worked in journalism and communications before becoming passionate about performance psychology which led to a complete career change.

So what's your purpose? What's your why? How can we help you on your journey?

Thanks for listening!

The Be Braver Podcast - because life is not a dress rehearsal.

Insta: @bebraverpod

Today's guest is the remarkable Mike Bates. He went off the rails as a teenager after his dad walked out of the family home. His search for connection drew him to the commando life of the Royal Marines, where a young Mike found himself in Afghanistan searching for Bin Laden followed by a posting to Iraq.

His early lesson in life was how he needed support around him to achieve success.

Mike reveals the four qualities of the Commandos that we all can learn from:

Courage

Determinations

Cheerfulness in the face of adversity

Unselfishness

Mike left the Royal Marines for a career in counter-terrorism where he trained as a surveillance officer working close to some of the most dangerous people in the country.

He left his job to raise money for his local hospital which saved his baby's life. And he decided to do something pretty big! He chose to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean. And raised £137000.

How do you deal with a 40ft wave in the dead of night in the Atlantic Ocean? How do you deal with the Taliban waiting for you in Afghanistan? How do you deal with the terrorist wanting to take your life? The answer - the wall of evidence is explained in the podcast.

His latest project is 'Unify" to help men become better versions of themselves and define masculinity in the modern age. (insta @unifymen)

Mike Bates(insta @mikebates_official)is an entrepreneur, adventurer and motivational speaker.

The Be Braver Podcast is presented by Annie Emmerson and Dr Josie Perry.

Annie is a former international triathlete and world champion. She's now a broadcaster and motivational speaker. She left school and education at the age of 15 after a family breakdown and that's led to a life of self-improvement.

She had a transition from party-girl to a life with purpose after being robbed at knife point. She talks candidly about how she has redefined herself several times.

Josie Perry's life first changed when she failed in her A levels which ended her plans to go and study law at a top university. She worked in journalism and communications before becoming passionate about performance psychology which led to a complete career change.

So what's your purpose? What's your why? How can we help you on your journey?

Thanks for listening!

The Be Braver Podcast - because life is not a dress rehearsal.

Insta: @bebraverpod