PODCAST · health
The Stage Strong Podcast
by Rory Phelan
This is a private podcast for the Stage Strong community to help you build blockbuster confidence and find structure in the unstructed life of performing. These episodes will help you build your knowledge around health, nurition and habits!
-
90
When The Excitement Wears Off
We often think progress should feel exciting - new goals, new PBs and constant changes. But the reality is that long-term results are usually built in the weeks where nothing particularly exciting happens. This week we're looking at how to keep going when the novelty wears off, and why boring can actually be a sign that you're doing something right.
-
89
Set Yourself Up for Success This Week
A new week doesn't need a perfect plan - it just needs a clear direction. In this episode, I share a simple framework to help you prioritise what matters, stay consistent with your fitness and health, and make meaningful progress in your musical theatre career. If you've ever reached Friday wondering where the week went, this one's for you. Let's start the week with intention, not just good intentions.Enjoy!
-
88
Self-Belief: Stop Waiting for Confidence
Today I'm exploring self-belief, and this isn't about convincing yourself you're capable - it's about collecting enough evidence that you can trust yourself, regardless of the outcome.Enjoy!
-
87
How To Stay Consistent During The Edinburgh Fringe (And Any Busy Performance Run)
Whether you're heading to the Edinburgh Fringe, rehearsing a short contract or juggling a busy performance schedule, staying healthy can feel impossible. In this week's Drop In, we share practical strategies to help you adapt your training, nutrition and mindset so you can enjoy the experience without feeling like you've fallen off track.
-
86
Your Priorities Weren't Meant to Make You Feel Guilty
This episode is a follow on from this month's Stage Strong masterclass and I'm exploring the difference between living by your priorities and living by your rules....because they're not the same thing.How often do you say your health, relationships or family are your top priorities… yet end up feeling guilty when life gets in the way of your routine? This episode is a reminder that your life isn't measured by how perfectly you stick to your routine, but by how often your choices reflect what truly matters.Enjoy!
-
85
Mindset Masterclass - Priorities Over Perfection: Measuring What Matters
In todays masterclass, Frankie explored how to stop letting one missed workout or work setback derail your whole day. We explored the concept. behind the book The Measure. We also explored focuses on values over rigid routines, self-talk, and learning to treat yourself with the same kindness and support you offer others.
-
84
The Hidden Psychology of Getting Stuck Ep.3
This is the final episode of this mini series, and I'm exploring the gap between insight and change. Understanding yourself is incredibly valuable, and it's rarely enough on its own. Real transformation happens when your nervous system experiences something different, not just when your mind understands something new.Enjoy!
-
83
Intentional Rest, Recovery, and Holiday Boundaries
Today we discussed why scheduled rest matters, looking into how intentional downtime helps prevent burnout and support long-term progress. We also looked into practical holiday boundaries around work, workouts, and nutrition so we can remove and guilt by setting clear intentions.
-
82
The Hidden Psychology of Getting Stuck Ep.2
This is episode two of our mini series around the psychology of getting stuck. This episode I want to help whether you're dealing with navigating auditions, training, career changes or simply trying to become the person you know you're capable of being. I want to help you understand what's happening beneath the surface and offer a more compassionate way to move forward.Final episode coming next week..Enjoy!
-
81
The Hidden Psychology of Getting Stuck Ep. 1
Something different for you all, this is episode 1 of a mini series around the psychology of getting stuck. This episode explores how our brain tries to protect us and why that ends up manifesting in ways that goes against what we're trying to achieve. Part 2 coming next week...Enjoy!
-
80
Their Success Doesn't Take Away From Yours
In today's Drop In we're talking about comparison, celebrating other people's wins, and why someone else's success doesn't make yours any less possible. If you've ever found yourself comparing your fitness, career or life to someone else, this episode is all about shifting your mindset from competition to inspiration.
-
79
Setting Yourself Up For The Week
How often do you begin Monday by looking at everything everyone else needs from you before asking yourself what you need? In this episode, we're slowing things down. Instead of rushing into the week, I'm helping creating space to check in with our bodies, our minds and our priorities. The strongest weeks rarely begin with doing more, they begin with understanding what will actually support you.Enjoy!
-
78
Mindset Masterclass - What’s Really Holding You Back?
In todays episode, we dig into what’s really behind the habits that hold us back - from missed workouts and self-doubt to the stories we tell ourselves. We explore the relationships we have with our bodies, routines, and identity, and how a little curiosity can unlock real change.
-
77
Understanding Health Anxiety After Difficult Experiences
I'm answering one of your questions today around health anxiety. I'm exploring why our brains become hypervigilant after difficult experiences, why anxiety can feel so convincing, and how to break free from the cycle of constant checking, reassurance seeking, and worst-case scenario thinking. I speak into practical grounding techniques, understand what's happening in your nervous system, and discover why healing isn't about getting rid of anxiety, it's about building trust in your ability to cope with uncertainty.Enjoy!
-
76
How To Make The Most Of Summer Without Starting Again In September
Summer can be one of the most challenging times of the year when it comes to body image, routine, and staying consistent. In this week's Drop In, we explore how to enjoy holidays and social events without feeling like you need to "start again" in September. From calorie banking and intermittent fasting to building confidence through action, we share practical strategies to help you stay in control while still making the most of your summer.
-
75
Don't Let Summer Become September's Regret
Summer doesn't derail progress, the "F*ck it" mentality does. In this episode, I'm exploring how to navigate holidays, social events, changing priorities and disrupted routines without falling into the all-or-nothing trap. I want you to learn and practice how to stay connected to your goals, enjoy your summer, and avoid starting from scratch in September. Enjoy, and stay hydrated this week!
-
74
Eating The Frog: The Habits You're Avoiding Are The Ones That Will Change Everything
This week we're talking about the uncomfortable habits that drive real results. From "eating the frog" to brushing your teeth, we explore why success isn't about knowing more - it's about consistently doing the things you've been avoiding, until they become automatic. If you've been feeling stuck, frustrated, or like you're not moving forward, this episode is for you.
-
73
The Monday Check In
Feeling overwhelmed before the week has even begun? In this short episode, I'm guiding you through a gentle check-in to help you ground yourself, reflect on the week that's been, and step into the week ahead with more intention and less pressure.Grab a coffee, take a breath, and join me for ten minutes of reflection, perspective, and practical mindset work to help you start the week feeling calmer, clearer, and more connected to yourself.Enjoy!
-
72
Stop Moving the Finish Line
This week, we're talking about why so many performers feel like they're failing when they're actually making progress. We explore how constantly focusing on what's missing, rather than what's been achieved, kills motivation, lowers confidence, and makes consistency harder than it needs to be. If you've ever struggled to celebrate your wins because they didn't look "perfect," this episode is for you.
-
71
Why Are Actors Such People Pleasers?
Today I'm exploring why so many performers struggle with boundaries, find themselves seeking approval, and often put everyone else's needs before their own. How do we break free from it....listen in to find out! Enjoy :)
-
70
Showing Up Doesn’t Mean Being Perfect
In today’s episode, we break down what “showing up” actually looks like - and why the all-or-nothing mindset is holding so many performers back. If you’ve ever found yourself swinging between being “on it” and completely off track, this is the reset you need.
-
69
The Voice That Tells You to Quit
In this episode, I'm exploring the negative intrusive thoughts that show up when we're trying to improve our fitness, nutrition, career, relationships, or simply ourselves. I explore why these thoughts often get louder when you're tired, stressed, or stepping outside your comfort zone, and why having them doesn't mean they're true.Enjoy!
-
68
Mindset Masterclass - Choice Over Perfection: Mindset for Socials, Holidays & Hard Weeks
In todays masterclass myself and Frankie explore how to stay on track mentally through holidays, socials, and all-or-nothing moments.We explore making intentional choices, dropping guilt and shame, and using our 5 Gear System to stay consistent in a realistic way.We also look into emotional eating, long-term thinking, and the power of community support when life feels chaotic.
-
67
Why Can I Show Up For Work But Not Myself?
If you’ve ever found yourself motivated and structured when someone else 'needs' you, but unable to hold yourself accountable on your own days off, this episode is for you. I explore the difference between external accountability and internal motivation, why rest can sometimes become avoidance, and how your brain can convince you to stay stuck even when you know movement would make you feel better.Enjoy!
-
66
How Much Is Your Time and Energy Actually Worth?
In today’s episode, we explore what it really means to value your time and energy as a creative.From reducing friction to making smarter, simpler choices, this episode is about building a setup that actually supports consistency.Because there’s no prize for doing things the hard way - only results for doing what works.
-
65
Am I Holding Myself Back?
Why do we say we want change… while repeating the same patterns that keep us stuck?In this episode, I explore the subtle ways we might be holding ourselves back across career, fitness, nutrition, and relationships. From fear of failure and fear of success to comfort zones, people-pleasing, perfectionism, and self-worth, I'm unpacking why growth can feel so uncomfortable - even when we deeply want it.Enjoy!
-
64
How to Achieve Your Dream Transformation
In today’s episode, we break down what it really means to “listen to your body” and how misinterpreting those signals could be the very thing holding you back from your dream transformation.
-
63
The 2026 Check In
We're getting closer to the halfway mark of 2026 and I wanted to offer you all this...to reflect on how things are going. Success, challenges, goals and give you an opportunity to zoom out and see where a subtle shift could make a powerful difference to the end of the year. Enjoy!
-
62
-
61
Your Body Is Your Instrument: Training with Your Cycle
Many fitness programmes aren’t designed taking a menstrual cycle into consideration, especially in the performing industry, where consistency is often prioritised over sustainability. In this episode, I break down how the menstrual cycle impacts energy, strength, recovery, and performance, and how actors can train in a way that actually works with their bodies. I also explore important considerations for those living with PMDD and Endometriosis, offering a more compassionate and realistic approach to fitness on and off the stage. Enjoy!
-
60
Attachment in the Industry: Agents, Relationships & Self-Worth
In todays masterclass we follow up on our previous session focusing on relationships.On the back of this, today we dive deeper into attachment theory and how anxious, avoidant, and secure styles show up in professional relationships - especially with agents. We explore why performers stay in unhealthy dynamics, introducing the "Trigger Story Strategy" framework for reframing situations, and challenge you to ask yourself what do you actually want from your industry relationships.
-
59
Breaking Free from All-or-Nothing Thinking
All-or-nothing thinking can feel structured and disciplined, but it often leads to inconsistency, frustration, and burnout. In this episode, I'm exploring why this mindset develops, how it shows up in training and nutrition, and how to build a more flexible, sustainable approach. Including a neurodiverse lens on why structure matters, and how to make it work for you, not against you.Enjoy!
-
58
Why You Self-Sabotage When Things Start Working
So you start seeing results… and then suddenly feel the urge to blow it all up. This week we break down the success → fall off → reset cycle and why it happens. More importantly - how to stay consistent when things are finally working.
-
57
-
56
Alcohol & Performance: Finding the Balance
This week’s drop-in explores how alcohol impacts your training, recovery, and results - without the all-or-nothing mindset.We break down how to stay social, navigate industry pressure, and make more intentional choices.Because it’s not about cutting it out… it’s about taking control.
-
55
Keeping Going When Life Gets Hard
When difficult or unexpected news hits, it can feel impossible to stay grounded, let alone keep up with training or daily demands. In this episode, I explore how to navigate fitness and life during emotionally heavy moments without pushing yourself into burnout or shutting down completely. The episode also includes a simple 5-minute grounding practice to help you reconnect with your body, steady your nervous system, and move forward one step at a time.Enjoy!
-
54
Nutrition & Performance Masterclass with Sydnie Hocknell
In todays masterclass we dive into all things nutrition. The incredible Sydnie tasks us through the fundamentals of nutrition, what we should be looking for and how to get the most out of what we eat. We also cover supplements looking at what you should be having, and where you may be wasting your money!
-
53
Letting Go of Easter Guilt
Feeling off-track after Easter? This episode unpacks why guilt around food and training actually holds you back, and how to move forward without punishment. A grounded, practical guide to returning to routine with consistency, not shame.Enjoy!
-
52
Run Down and Training When Your Head and You Aren't Feeling 100% - The Grey Area
In todays drop in we looked at how to handle training, nutrition, and mindset when you're feeling under the weather or in a "grey zone" mentally. We looked at practical ways to adapt your workouts, fuel your body, and reach out to others for support during those times, rather than pushing too hard or isolating yourself.
-
51
When The Show Isn't Enough
Booking the job doesn’t always bring the fulfilment you expect. This episode unpacks how to handle that reality, navigate the inner conflict, and build a life outside of the show that keeps you grounded and supported.Enjoy!
-
50
Mindset Masterclass - Navigating Relationships: Attachment, Jealousy, and Staying Grounded
In todays masterclass we dive deep into the complexities of relationships, exploring attachment styles, managing jealousy and comparison, and strategies for staying true to yourself in intense situations like "showmances."We look at practical insights and encourage you to get curious about your own patterns and needs.
-
49
When You’re Burnt Out But the Show Goes On
When stopping doesn’t feel like an option, how do you keep going without losing yourself? This episode offers a compassionate, practical approach to burnout - helping us performers adjust expectations, protect energy, and move through demanding periods more sustainably.Enjoy!
-
48
Overcoming Analysis Paralysis: Taking Imperfect Action
Today we dive into the concept of analysis paralysis and why taking imperfect action is often the key to real progress. We explore the trap of overthinking, why it holds so many people back, and how shifting your focus from thinking to doing can change everything.We also share practical, actionable strategies to help you break out of procrastination, build momentum, and start making progress on the things that actually matter.
-
47
Navigating Training, Show Schedules & Life, Whilst Dealing With Loss
Grief doesn't pause life. Rehearsals, performances and training often continue even when you're carrying loss. In this episode I explore how as performers we can navigate workouts, work and everyday life whilst grieving. Adjusting expectations and allowing yourself to move through loss one step at a time. Enjoy!
-
46
Mental Blocks/ Hitting The Wall
This week we explored mental blocks and the feeling of “hitting the wall” when facing difficult exercises or tasks. We talked about how breaking big challenges into small, actionable steps can help us move forward, build self-trust, and create a confidence loop that carries into training and everyday life.
-
45
Guided Reset
This episode is a quick but powerful moment of calm. A guided nervous system reset, where you'll be led through a simple self-regulation practice to release tension and bring you back into your body. Use this when you need to feel grounded, focused and ready for action. Enjoy!
-
44
You’re Not Back at Square One - But Your Habits Might Be Holding You There
This week we discussed the feeling of being "back at square one" after periods of inconsistency. We looked at the "brick" analogy and the concept of pausing construction as opposed to building from the rubble. We also looked into strategies for adjusting habits and maintaining momentum through small, sustainable changes.
-
43
You Said It Matters..So Act Like It Does
If you want to earn more, change your physique, or move your career forward, ownership is a non-negotiable. This episode challenges blame, exposes passive patterns, and helps you step fully into responsibility for your results.Enjoy!
-
42
Stress Management for Creatives
In todays episode, we look at practical strategies for managing stress and burnout. We dive into the importance of controlling the controllables, protecting non-negotiable habits, building recovery in advance, and separating identity from performance.
-
41
Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone. How Do We Do That?
Comfort feels safe, but growth lives just outside it. This episode breaks down how to stretch yourself intentionally in training, relationships, and your performing career.Enjoy!
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
This is a private podcast for the Stage Strong community to help you build blockbuster confidence and find structure in the unstructed life of performing. These episodes will help you build your knowledge around health, nurition and habits!
HOSTED BY
Rory Phelan
CATEGORIES
Loading similar podcasts...