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

Check out Ben’s new book here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fitness-Without-Limits-Training-obstacles/dp/1408733617

Find Ben on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benmudge_

“Your work is not your job or your career. Your work is what you create. And what you create is what sets you apart and is the unique contribution that is your legacy.” – Joy Spencer

Joy Spencer is a coach, speaker, and organizational development consultant who works with professionals and leaders at all levels within organizations. She hosts the podcast Reframe to Create, and is the founder of Joy Spencer coaching, where she helps leaders sharpen the most important instrument they have for fostering change and developing teams—their own personal development and transformational growth through the art of storytelling.

Joy’s passion for storytelling is to ultimately help people see themselves differently so that they can reframe their understanding of success away from a focus on being productive to a new commitment to being creators who continuously use their gifts to create beautiful things and experiences they can offer in service.

Topics we cover:

- Why your job does not define you! And why your potential to build a meaningful body of work isn’t dependent on your job.

- Why having to “pay the bills” shouldn’t stop you from doing the work that really matters to you.

- The benefit of serving fewer people, and why having a small audience shouldn’t stop you.

- The problems with productivity culture, and how to opt-out of it.

- Why the process of making something is just as valuable as the product, and how to “fall back in love” with the process of making things.

- Why you should embrace being a rebel, or being seen as “weird” or different as you eschew productivity norms.

- The art of the reframe, and a new way to think about parameters and limitations.

- How to reorient your life around the things that light you up.

- Plus, quick tips to help you make time for your creative practice and meaningful work — even if you have a busy schedule and minimal time or energy

For more, find Joy at reframetocreate.com

This episode is a bit of a departure from our usual programming. In this episode, Cam shares some reflections on the passing of their uncle, and what they learned from him.

If you’re in the mood for some introspection, or you’re seeking a bit of perspective on what matters most in your life, have a listen.