RunPod Sprint! Ben West

In this episode of RunPod, host Jenny Falconer speaks with Ben West, founder of Reasons to Stay. The discussion begins with Ben addressing how he manages his own mental well-being while being surrounded by others' struggles. He emphasizes the importance of setting personal boundaries and having a rule to share thoughts that linger for two weeks. Ben also encourages listeners experiencing hard times to give themselves a break, acknowledging that talking about issues and taking action can be challenging on tough days.

The episode includes a conversation about the mental health landscape and how stigma has decreased since 2018, although Ben cautions that conversations around mental health at work may still harbor some stigma. He points out the need for ongoing education and improved access to mental health support.

Towards the end, they discuss running strategies, including the importance of training with the right nutrition during marathons. Ben shares personal anecdotes about his training, highlighting the need for self-acceptance and enjoying running for the sake of well-being rather than competition. The episode wraps up with Ben encouraging listeners to get involved with mental health initiatives, particularly through writing letters to share their stories.