The Couch to 5K Podcast
Episodes
John Robins - from Alcohol Addiction to Becoming a Runner; "The Act of Beginning is Where the Magic is"
09 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Podcast host, radio presenter and stand-up comedian John Robins opens up to Giovanna Fletcher about his journey from addiction to becoming a runner. I...
Jodie Ounsley - on Defiance to be a Gladiator, Rugby Player and Runner whilst Profoundly Deaf
02 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Giovanna Fletcher introduces Jodie Ounsley as her latest Couch to 5k guest. Jodie has a remarkable back-story. She was profoundly deaf as a baby and b...
Harry and Izzy Judd - from teen pop star to serious marathon runner
16 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
McFly’s drummer Harry Judd talks about his switch from a pop star lifestyle to running marathons…quickly. Whilst his wife Izzy, an author and pres...
Javeno McLean - Don't negotiate with your mind and taking opportunities now
09 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Javeno McLean brings his enthusiasm and inclusiveness to this episode. Javeno is a Pride of Britain award winner for helping to transform the lives of...
Reece Parkinson and Sally Chambers - Running with a Chronic Illness
02 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Today's conversation is about running with a life-changing condition. Couch to 5k coach and TV and radio presenter Reece Parkinson talks about his rel...
Bryony Gordon - Running Saved My Life(tackling body image and addiction)
26 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This is an incredible story. From addiction to drink and drugs... to running the London Marathon in just a bra and knickers. Bryony Gordon's story is ...
Steve Cram CBE - believe in yourself and trust the plan
19 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Giovanna’s guest today is one of the greatest names in British Athletics, Steve Cram. If you’re doing the NHS Couch to 5k programme, you’ll know...
Savannah Sachdev - Running at least 10 minutes every day since 2021
12 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Savannah Sachdev chats with Giovanna Fletcher about her life-changing decision to run every day. She began in 2021 and hasn't stopped. She's now a suc...
Maisie Adam – where the mind drifts whilst running and overcoming the struggles of a marathon
05 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Comedian Maisie Adam joins Giovanna Fletcher to chat about her running journey. Maisie is great fun as she talks about her sporty life but also the d...
The Traitors Special – Minah Shannon and Freddie Fletcher on life on the show and why running matters
01 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We’re starting the second season of the Couch to 5K Podcast with two guests from the BBC TV series The Traitors joining Giovanna Fletcher.Minah Shan...
Season 2 Trailer
29 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Giovanna Fletcher is back for 2026 with more inspiration and motivation wherever you're at on your running journey. She returns with a great guest lis...
Sara Davies MBE – the life-changing Couch to 5K prescription and finding time to run as a busy mum and TV Dragon.
23 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Podcast Giovanna Fletcher sits down with the unstoppable Sara Davies MBE, entrepreneur, star of Dragons’ Den and crafter. Co...
Dr Alex George – From an ED doctor to Love Island and why Couch to 5K is one of the greatest ever health interventions
16 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Dr Alex George shares his inspiring journey from struggles with grief, mental health and weight into fitness and running…and finding...
Jowita Przystal – the Strictly dancer on running for happiness and joy and being told she would never make a runner.
09 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Strictly’s Jowita Przystal is Giovanna Fletcher’s guest on today’s podcast. She tells how a life-long love of dancing has now been joined by a ...
Dame Laura Kenny on taking up running, competitiveness with her husband Jason and exercise in pregnancy.
02 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Britain’s most successful female Olympian is Giovanna Fletcher’s guest on this episode. Dame Laura Kenny talks about her switch from full-time cy...
Colson Smith on his life-changing journey from an overweight 11 year old Coronation Street actor to regular runner.
25 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Giovanna Fletcher welcomes Colson Smith, the Coronation Street actor who’s been through a remarkable body transformation and running journey.Colson ...
Dr Punam Krishan on prescribing running for better health and how best to be injury-free
18 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Giovanna Fletcher is joined by Dr Punam Krishan – GP, mum, and passionate supporter of Couch to 5K.Dr Punam shares her personal jour...
Lindsey Burrow on running to cope with the pressure of being a carer and dealing with grief
12 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Giovanna chats today to Lindsey Burrow, the widow of rugby legend Rob who passed away in June 2024 after a very public battle with MND. Lindsey is a m...
Tik Tok star Charley Marlowe on trying to find motivation to exercise and a fear of being seen running in public.
05 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Giovana Fletcher’s guest today is Charley Marlowe, Tik Tok star and TV presenter, who’s fun and energy is infectious. She talks about the pressure...
Jo Whiley on being a Couch to 5K coach, music, nature, family and running and menopause.
25 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the first Couch to 5K podcast where we’re helping you along your running journey. Giovanna Fletcher’s guest today is Jo Whiley, Radio 2...
Introducing the Couch to 5K Podcast
11 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Giovanna Fletcher presents the Couch to 5K Podcast new to BBC Sounds. You'll find inspiration and motivation as you head off on one of your runs.