Podcast
You Can Do Hard Things
Hosted by Jenny Melling · EN
You Can Do Hard Things isn’t about perfect lives — it’s about what happens when everything falls apart.
If you’ve ever been tested by life and wondered if you’re strong enough, this is where you find out you are.
You Can Do Hard Things isn’t about perfect lives or polished success stories — it’s about what happens when things fall apart.
Hosted by Jenny Melling, this podcast is built on real, unfiltered conversations with people who’ve faced pressure, failure, loss, and doubt — and kept going anyway. Because the truth is, resilience isn’t something you’re born with. It’s something you build when life doesn’t go to plan.
From elite athletes and high performers to everyday people with extraordinary stories, each episode goes beyond the highlight reel and into the moments that actually shape us. The setbacks. The turning points. The decisions made in the dark when no one else is watching.
This is where you’ll hear what success really looks like — not the glossy version, but the version that’s messy, uncomfortable, and earned. The version that comes after rock bottom, after rejection, after things don’t work out the way you thought they would.
We talk about mental health, mindset, identity, pressure, and what it takes to rebuild when everything feels uncertain. We talk about proving people wrong, but also about proving something to yourself. About finding strength when you feel like you’ve got none left. About showing up anyway.
Whether it’s dealing with loss, navigating change, chasing something bigger, or simply trying to get through a tough season, this podcast is for anyone who’s ever felt tested by life — and wondered if they’re strong enough to keep going.
Because doing hard things isn’t just about surviving them. It’s about what you become in the process.
Expect honest conversations, powerful stories, and moments that stay with you long after the episode ends.
No fluff. No filters. No pretending.
Just real people, real experiences, and real proof that you can do hard things.
Follow and subscribe to You Can Do Hard Things so you never miss an episode — and if something resonates, share it with someone who needs to hear it.
15episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Laura Pond (Part 2) | PTSD, Grief, Losing a Parent, Arginine Vasopressin Deficiency (Diabetes Insipidus), Rare Medical Conditions, Trauma, Mental Health, Policing, Organising a Funeral, Resilience & Learning How to Carry On
Jul 1601:21:22Tap to summarize🎙️ Episode DescriptionIn Part 2 of my conversation with former Metropolitan Police detective Laura Pond, we pick up where Part 1 ended, talking honestly about what policing is really like and the emotional toll it can take on those behind the uniform.From there, the conversation becomes deeply personal.Laura shares her experience of living with PTSD, the invisible impact of trauma, and the long road to being diagnosed with Arginine Vasopressin Deficiency (formerly known as Diabetes Insipidus), a rare condition that left her drinking up to 30 litres of water a day before finally getting answers.She also opens up about one of the hardest chapters of her life: losing her dad, becoming the person responsible for everything as an only child, supporting her mum through illness, and learning how to keep moving forward when life changes forever.Despite the difficult subjects, this conversation is full of warmth, humour and honesty. It's a reminder that resilience isn't about never struggling. It's about finding a way through, one step at a time.If you haven't already listened to Part 1, I'd highly recommend starting there to hear Laura's remarkable policing career and the experiences that shaped everything we discuss in this episode.In this episode we discuss:• What policing is really like behind the scenes• PTSD and recognising the signs• The emotional impact of trauma• Living with Arginine Vasopressin Deficiency (formerly Diabetes Insipidus)• Receiving a rare medical diagnosis• Losing a parent• Organising a funeral• Grief, resilience and learning to carry onYou Can Do Hard Things is a podcast about resilience, extraordinary lives and the people behind the stories. Every conversation is a reminder that even when life feels impossible, we are often stronger than we realise.
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Inside the Met Police: The Stories Officers Rarely Get the Chance to Share | Laura Pond (Part 1)
Jun 2601:45:13Tap to summarizeWhat is it really like to spend almost 20 years policing London?In Part 1 of this conversation, I sit down with one of my closest friends and former Metropolitan Police colleague, Laura Pond.From the outside, policing is often reduced to headlines and headlines rarely tell the full story.Together we look back on our time in the Met, talking honestly about Hendon training school, response policing, becoming detectives, Counter Terrorism, Professional Standards, major incidents and the unseen pressures that come with wearing the uniform.Laura shares how she nearly never joined the police because of anxiety, how putting on the uniform transformed her confidence, and how she went on to work in Counter Terrorism, helping improve the UK's response to victims following the Tunisia terrorist attack.This isn't a conversation about sensational stories.It's about the people behind the badge.It's about responsibility, resilience, friendship, humour, and the things police officers rarely get the opportunity to talk about once the cameras are off.Whether you've worked in policing, know someone who has, or you've simply wondered what life inside the Met is really like, I hope this conversation gives you a perspective you may never have heard before.In this episode we discuss:• Joining the Metropolitan Police• Hendon Police Training School• Life on response policing• Becoming a detective• Counter Terrorism Command• The Tunisia terrorist attack• Professional Standards (DPS)• War crimes investigations• Public perception of policing• Why good officers leaveIf you enjoy honest conversations about resilience, leadership and the experiences that shape us, please follow You Can Do Hard Things wherever you listen to your podcasts.Part 2 is coming soon... and trust me, you won't want to miss it.
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Holly's Story: Meningitis, Memory Loss, Grief, a Psychic Medium & Learning to Live Again (Part 2)
Jun 1900:33:19Tap to summarizeWhat are the warning signs of meningitis?Can meningitis cause memory loss, brain fog and speech problems years later?How quickly can meningitis become life-threatening?In Part 2 of my conversation with Holly, we explore the life-changing impact of meningitis, grief and survival.Holly shares her terrifying experience of developing meningococcal meningitis, from repeatedly collapsing at Stansted Airport to being rushed to hospital after a meningitis rash appeared and ultimately helped save her life.She opens up about the symptoms she experienced, the treatment that followed, and the lasting effects she continues to live with today, including memory problems, speech difficulties and brain fog.We also discuss the devastating loss of her best friend Rachel, the mental health battles that followed, moments when Holly questioned whether she wanted to carry on, and an unexpected visit to a psychic medium that left her questioning everything.This is a raw, honest and emotional conversation about trauma, resilience, loss and finding a way forward when life changes forever.Topics covered:• Meningococcal meningitis • The early warning signs of meningitis • The meningitis rash • Long-term effects of meningitis • Memory loss, speech difficulties and brain fog • Mental health and suicidal thoughts • Grief and losing a best friend • A psychic medium and unexplained experiences • Type 1 diabetes awareness • Living4RachIf sharing Holly's story helps just one person recognise the signs of meningitis sooner, this conversation was worth having.
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Holly shares the story of her best friend Rachel, their 20-year friendship, her journey with Type 1 Diabetes, and the devastating loss that changed everything. A powerful conversation shared in memory of Rachel and support of #Living4Rach.
May 2900:50:17Tap to summarizePart 1 of 2Rachel was Holly's best friend for over 20 years.In this deeply personal episode of You Can Do Hard Things, Holly shares Rachel's story. From growing up with Type 1 Diabetes, through years of health challenges, to the devastating phone call that changed everything.Together we discuss the realities of living with Type 1 Diabetes, the impact of Diabulimia, DKA, Charcot Foot, friendship, family support, and the strength it takes to keep going when life feels impossible.More than anything, this is a story about friendship, resilience and remembering someone who meant the world to those around her.This episode is shared in memory of Rachel and in support of #Living4Rach, helping to raise awareness of Type 1 Diabetes, Diabulimia and the importance of education and understanding.In this episode:• Rachel and Holly's friendship spanning more than 20 years • Growing up with Type 1 Diabetes • The hidden reality of Diabulimia • DKA and repeated hospital admissions • Charcot Foot, sepsis and the threat of amputation • Relationships, family support and finding hope • Pregnancy, future plans and new beginnings • The heartbreaking phone call that changed everythingThis is Part 1 of a two-part conversation.In Part 2, Holly shares her own incredible story of surviving meningitis, nearly losing her life, and how both experiences changed her perspective forever.💙 In memory of Rachel 💙 #Living4RachYou Can Do Hard Things is a podcast sharing real stories of resilience, adversity and ordinary people overcoming extraordinary challenges.
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Ashley Watson: Inside The Olympic Village, Jamaica Bobsleigh & Post Olympic Depression | Part 2/2
May 2000:49:00Tap to summarizeAshley Watson returns for Part 2 of this powerful conversation on You Can Do Hard Things.From representing Jamaica at the Winter Olympics to the reality of life inside the Olympic Village, Ashley opens up about the moments most people never hear about.We discuss:What REALLY happens inside the Olympic VillageThe pressure of competing on the world stageJamaica’s bobsleigh journey and the Cool Runnings comparisonsMedia attention and representing a countryThe emotional comedown after the OlympicsPost Olympic depression and identity lossAthlete mindset, resilience and disciplineBuilding success beyond sportAshley also shares stories about Olympic parties, elite athlete culture, travelling to Beijing 2022 and the hidden side of chasing a lifelong dream.This is an honest conversation about ambition, sacrifice, mental health and what happens after achieving the thing you thought would change your life forever.🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and wherever you get your podcasts.#AshleyWatson #Olympics #OlympicVillage #JamaicaBobsleigh #PostOlympicDepression #YouCanDoHardThings
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Ashley Watson: From Peterborough United Rejection to the Jamaican Bobsleigh Team at Beijing 2022
May 1300:50:51Tap to summarizeIn this episode of You Can Do Hard Things, Jenny Melling sits down with Ashley Watson, Olympian, British athlete and member of the Jamaican Bobsleigh Team at Beijing 2022.Ashley shares the real story behind his Olympic journey, from growing up in Peterborough and chasing football dreams with Peterborough United and Norwich City, to the disappointment of rejection, moving into athletics, discovering bobsleigh and eventually representing Jamaica on the Olympic stage.The conversation explores resilience, identity, self-coaching, sacrifice and what it really takes to keep going when the obvious route doesn’t work out.We also talk about the reality behind the famous Cool Runnings image of Jamaican bobsleigh, and what life in the sport actually looks like behind the scenes.Please forgive the audio issues that kick is part way through - if anyone can fix it - holla at me!In Part 1:Football trials with Peterborough United and Norwich CityBeing released as a young footballerSprinting and athletics ambitionsDiscovering bobsleigh almost by accidentGB Bobsleigh and Olympic qualificationFunding struggles in elite sportBalancing training, business and a Masters degreeWhy representing Jamaica meant so muchHosted by Jenny Melling. Podcast: You Can Do Hard ThingsPart 2 coming soon - want to know what really happens in the Olympic Village? Best subscribe so you dont miss out!
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I RAN TOWARDS IT!!! Tom Gray on the London Bridge Terror Attack, The Summit UK & Regret Part 2/2
May 200:43:54Tap to summarizeHe didn’t run away… he ran towards it.In Part 2, Tom Gray (That Guy Gray) opens up about being at the centre of the London Bridge terror attack in November 2019, where he was one of the people who helped stop the attacker.But this isn’t just about that day.It’s about what it says about you when everything kicks off. How you process it. And how life just carries on afterwards.We also get into something very real between us… After I cut Tom’s future short on The Summit, can you actually build a genuine bond after something like that? Does he blame me? And the question I had to ask — do I regret it… and am I sorry?In this episode, we talk about:Tom Gray’s first-hand experience of the London Bridge attackWhy he ran towards dangerWhat happened in those moments on the bridgeHow he processed it afterwardsWhy he never wanted to use it for attention or “clout”The reality of being recognised as “That Guy Gray”Whether there’s any bad blood after The SummitRegret, decisions and living with the choices you makeDealing with pressure, failure and self-worthWhy happiness isn’t always what we think it isThis is Part 2 — if you haven’t seen Part 1 yet, go back and watch it first. There’s more coming as well.I genuinely appreciate every single person who watches, listens, shares or messages me about these. I do this because I love it — and because I hope these conversations resonate, make you think, or help you feel a bit less alone.At the end of the day, we’re all just people.And something someone said to me recently really stuck:You are your superpower. No one else can be you. So own it, be proud of it, and live your life — your truth.#TomGray #ThatGuyGray #LondonBridgeAttack #LondonBridge #YouCanDoHardThings #TheSummitUK #Resilience #Mindset #PodcastInterview #MentalHealth #SelfWorth #TrueStory #UKPodcast #RealTalk
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Tom Gray Opens Up: The Summit UK, That Guy Gray, Imposter Syndrome & “As You Were” | You Can Do Hard Things Podcast by Jenny Melling - Part 1/2
Apr 2500:46:39Tap to summarizeThomas Gray, also known online as That Guy Gray, joins me for Part 1 of our You Can Do Hard Things conversation.You might know him from The Summit UK, his viral “As You Were” videos, his automotive content, or his very impressive moustache… but this episode goes far beyond the online persona.In this first part, Tom talks openly about where That Guy Gray came from, how “As You Were” became his signature phrase, building a following of around 800,000 people, imposter syndrome, mental health content, self-doubt, relationships, dating apps, and what really happened during his time on The Summit UK.We also get into the behind-the-scenes reality of The Summit, including the first challenge, the edit, the cast dynamics, Dockers, Patrick’s lack of screen time, Tom’s fear of heights, and the moment he knew he was probably going home.This is funny, honest, awkward in places, and properly human.
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Joel Fearon: The Real Story Behind The Summit, Olympic Sport, ADHD, Grief & Finding Purpose
Apr 2401:52:49Tap to summarizeWhat happens when the person who's always supposed to save the day… can't?In this powerful episode of You Can Do Hard Things, I sit down with Joel Fearon. Olympian, Team GB athlete, one of Britain's fastest sprinters, and a contestant on BBC's The Summit UK. What started as a conversation about reality TV quickly became one of the most honest and emotional discussions I've had on the podcast.Joel is often seen as someone who stays strong under pressure. But behind the medals, elite sport and television appearances is a story of loss, identity, resilience and the constant search for purpose.We explore what really drives high performers, why success doesn't always bring happiness, and how growing up with ADHD and dyslexia shaped Joel's determination to prove himself.Joel also shares the devastating story of losing his sister, the guilt he still carries, and the moment he realised he couldn't "save the day". A moment that completely changed the way he sees himself, his family and his future.Along the way, we also lift the lid on what really happened behind the scenes of The Summit UK, discussing the cast, the friendships, the strategy, the votes and how everyone's relationships changed once filming ended.In this episode we discuss:• What it's really like to compete as an Olympian and Team GB athlete• Life as one of Britain's fastest sprinters• The pressure of always being "the strong one"• Growing up with ADHD and dyslexia• Losing his sister and the guilt that still follows• Survivor's guilt and learning to live with grief• Why success never quite feels like enough• The reality behind elite sport and chasing validation• What happens when your identity is built on being needed• Finding purpose after trauma• Mental resilience and overcoming adversity• The truth about life behind the scenes of The Summit UK• Trust, friendships, strategy and difficult decisions on reality TV• The lessons Joel has learned from sport, loss and lifeThis is a conversation about resilience, purpose, grief, identity and what it really means to keep moving forward when life doesn't go to plan.It's raw, honest and, at times, uncomfortable... but it's exactly what You Can Do Hard Things is all about.If you enjoy conversations about resilience, mental health, elite sport, personal growth, ADHD, grief, Olympic athletes, reality TV and extraordinary life stories, make sure you follow You Can Do Hard Things for new episodes
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PatzMB - From Engineering Degree to 400K Followers – The Summit’s Patrick on Trolls & Fame
Apr 2001:47:26Tap to summarizeWhat does it really take to build a life online… and what happens when it all disappears overnight?In this episode of You Can Do Hard Things, I sit down with Patrick — content creator and my fellow cast member from The Summit — for a conversation that’s as honest as it is entertaining.We go behind the scenes of the show and beyond the highlight reels to talk about:The real journey from engineering degree to 400K+ followersHow social media actually works (and how he turned it into a full-time income)Trolling, online hate, and why “the comments are brutal”Losing his TikTok account and the reality of relying on platforms you don’t controlWhat really happened on The Summit — including the injury that forced him outThe mindset it takes to keep going when things don’t go to planPatrick also shares how he built brand deals from scratch, why not everyone is cut out for content creation, and what he’s building next — including plans to take things to YouTube in a big way.This is a raw, funny, behind-the-scenes look at both reality TV and the creator world — and a reminder that doing hard things doesn’t always look the way you expect.
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