Latest news with #TheMothership
Metro
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
I was the fittest I've ever been when the diagnosis came
That moment, battered by the elements and yet more alive than ever, captured everything The Mothership was about (Picture: Felicity Ashely) The sky was a deep, angry grey as rain hammered down. We were somewhere mid-Atlantic, thousands of miles from land. My knuckles were white on the oars as I rowed, clinging to the last shred of control as the storm raged around our small boat. In front of me, I heard my crewmate Jo say something but her words were swept away by the wind. The storm abated as quickly as it had descended, and as the ocean calmed, from behind me, I heard my second crewmate, Lebby, ask if I was OK. I grinned back, adrenaline surging. 'It was fun!'. I'd wondered how I'd react to storms. It turns out, I thrived on them. That moment, battered by the elements and yet more alive than ever, captured everything The Mothership was about. We were four, working, mid-life mums – my sister, Pippa, was the fourth on our team – determined to row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic as part of the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, not just to test our limits, but to show our combined 11 children that no dream is too big, and that courage isn't the absence of fear but the resolve to push through. With three young children and a demanding job, my life was already a juggling act (Picture: Felicity Ashely) Training had been an endurance event in itself. With three young children and a demanding job, my life was already a juggling act. But six days a week I'd rise before dawn to protect that sacred time for myself and my goal. I did a mixture of rowing machine sessions, strength and conditioning and pilates or yoga, mainly out of the make-shift gym in our garage. In December 2022, the day finally came to say goodbye at the start line in La Gomera, Canary Islands. I'd expected to feel nervous. Instead, I felt sad but excited and calm – my quiet confidence forged by nearly two years of relentless preparation. We were four, working, mid-life mums determined to row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic (Picture: Felicity Ashely) The next 40 days of boat life was a simple routine of eat, sleep, row, repeat. We rowed in pairs for two hours on, two hours off, 24 hours per day. In off-shifts, sleep was a priority, in small cabins at either end of the boat that were just about long enough to lie down in, as well as personal 'admin' – from basic personal hygiene to eating to refuel. The ocean was a tapestry of extremes: the awe of dolphins racing alongside us and the raw fear when something threatened to derail our plans. On Christmas Eve day, our water maker broke. We spent two long, anxious hours tinkering with it before it spluttered into life, only for our steering to fail when large waves knocked us off course. We bonded deeply and laughed – a lot (Picture: Felicity Ashely) In the dead of night, with the wind raging and waves crashing, we didn't know if we'd be able to complete the race. Fortunately, in the calmer light of day, we fixed the problem and carried on. We bonded deeply and laughed – a lot. We hosted 'Mothership Awards', which saw me take the dubious title of 'Mum most likely to need an inconvenient poo on night shift'. Around halfway, I had started noticing stomach cramps and needed frequent trips to our makeshift bucket toilet. We laughed it off, blaming the dehydrated ration packs and sheer volume of food required for our physical exertion. I felt invincible (Picture: Nakul Sunuwar) Arriving at the finish line in Antigua was pure euphoria. We finished 13th out of a fleet of 37 boats, beating many of the men's and the mixed crews. The cheers, the horns and the sight of the crowds on the dock was overwhelming. My children scrambled onto my lap, my dad's hug was fierce with pride and relief. I'd lost 10kg and picked up a few aches, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary. I felt invincible. Back home, however, the stomach cramps worsened and I was alarmed to see blood in my stools, so I made an appointment to see my GP. Three weeks and several tests later, during a colonoscopy meant to 'rule out' cancer, I heard the words no one wants to hear: 'You have bowel cancer'. The news was a freight train through my life (Picture: Jacky Yao) I was stunned. I had just rowed an ocean, how could I be seriously ill? Looking back, I wonder if being so fit helped my body to cope with the disease. The news was a freight train through my life. My first thoughts were for my family. My children were just four, seven and nine at the time, and my dad was already battling terminal cancer. My parents were devastated but calm and supportive and we broke the news gradually to our children. They took it in their stride but they hated seeing my PICC line – a catheter for administering medications – crying out 'Put it away, Mummy!' if it became visible. Later, Mum told me how upset Dad was – he knew too well the journey I was about to go on. Exercise became my anchor (Picture: Felicity Ashely) Soon after my diagnosis, I had surgery to remove part of my bowel, but when cancer cells were found in my lymph nodes two weeks later, I faced six rounds of chemotherapy. Each round drained me and left me nauseous for a few days before I gradually regained my strength for the next one. My rowing experience had honed my physical and mental resilience, and I leaned on it. Exercise became my anchor, walking and running, finding comfort and positivity in moving my body in nature. It helped me recover physically and mentally, I had my final chemo session almost exactly a year after the row, which felt surreal. I was grateful, but also adrift, no longer protected by the routine of active treatment. I don't think this is unusual. I had my final chemo session almost exactly a year after the row (Picture: Felicity Ashely) Read Felicity's book Felicity's book, Stronger Than the Storm, is available here. I threw myself back into a more varied fitness regime, determined to feel like 'me' again – but cancer was a catalyst for change. I left my corporate role and pursued a new path as a motivational speaker and now, author. In the autumn of 2024, I started writing my book, Stronger than the Storm, which I hope inspires others to believe in themselves and keep going, no matter what life throws up. Now three years into a five-year surveillance period, I'm still clear of cancer. I celebrated in May 2025 by trekking to Everest Base Camp to run the world's highest marathon, The Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon. I wanted to prove to myself that I've not just survived but come back stronger. We're all capable of far more than we think but too often, we let self-doubt or society's limits hold us back. My message, especially to young girls and my own children, is this: don't let fear or other people's expectations define you. You are stronger than you know, and you can weather any storm. Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing Share your views in the comments below. Arrow MORE: Until I had one, I was ignorant about the reality of miscarriages Arrow MORE: My holiday breakfast buffet hack is controversial but it's a money saver Arrow MORE: Alcohol has made my soulmate a monster – I sleep with defence spray
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Why was the Liver King arrested and what's Joe Rogan got to do with it?
Brian Johnson, the controversial fitness influencer known as the 'Liver King,' was arrested in Austin, Texas, on Tuesday evening after posting a series of bizarre videos targeting podcast host Joe Rogan. Johnson, 47, was charged with a misdemeanor for making a terroristic threat and booked into the Travis County Jail around 8:30 p.m., according to online records. The arrest came shortly after he uploaded a string of erratic clips to social media in which he referenced being arrested, going to prison, and even challenging Rogan to a fight. Wearing a tactical vest, hoodie, and sweatpants, Johnson appeared in one video pacing his living room, muttering about his fate while meditation music played in the background. He was seen attempting to pocket a utility knife—something his cameraman advised against—before two individuals entered the room to escort him out. Johnson pleaded for '12 more minutes to s--t' before being led away. In another clip, Johnson addressed a black ammo box labeled with 'The Joe Rogan Experience' logo, telling those around him that if he was arrested, the box should be delivered to 'The Mothership,' Rogan's comedy club in Austin. The stunt escalated with a group prayer and a hug involving his family, all while sirens blared outside. The arrest's connection to Joe Rogan remains unclear, and Rogan himself has not commented publicly. Notably, Rogan has never hosted Johnson on his podcast, but he has previously criticized Johnson's alleged steroid use. In response, Johnson—dressed in a wolf pelt—posted multiple videos calling out Rogan, saying, 'Man to man, I'm picking a fight with you,' and declaring he was 'willing to die' in the ring. Live Events Johnson's larger-than-life persona was also spotlighted in the Netflix documentary Untold: The Liver King , which explored how he built his social media empire promoting raw organ meat diets and extreme fitness. While Johnson claimed his physique came from hard work and supplements, leaked emails revealed he was spending over $11,000 a month on steroids. He eventually admitted to using performance-enhancing drugs. As of now, the Austin Police Department has not provided an official statement regarding the arrest.
USA Today
05-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Cowboys Headlines: Trevon Diggs risking half a million, news on big energy, TV series
Cowboys Headlines: Trevon Diggs risking half a million, news on big energy, TV series Big news as the final voluntary practice of the offseason has arrived ahead of the Cowboys mandatory mini-camp next week. That will be the final pieces of team activity before the dreaded dead period begins. All eyes will be open to see if defensive end Micah Parsons will be among those in attendance, or risk a fine to make a point. Cornerback Trevon Diggs is already at risk of losing serious coin for his actions over the last several weeks. Energy is key, for both head coach Brian Schottenheimer and the cheerleaders, whose next installment of their Netflix series is ready for a sneak peak. Elsewhere the Cowboys find themselves with two boom or bust acquisitions and a backup quarterback who ranks higher than two former first-round picks. Fans, national media should be like Cowboys HC Schottenheimer and just 'move on' :: Cowboys Wire Link: Worrying about what those in the past couldn't accomplish isn't on the mind of Cowboys first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer. When it comes to the 2025 season, any pressure is felt more by the fans and media than in the locker room itself. Cowboys new backup QB outranks 10 drafted higher, including 2 first-round picks :: Cowboys Wire Link: A recent backup QB ranking was the first chance to see how the NFL world outside of Dallas views the recently acquired Joe Milton. The former Patriot has flashed at Cowboys OTAs but even more impressive is where he lands on this list. Marist Liufau on Matt Eberflus' philosophy, Schotty's 'infectious' energy :: The Mothership Link: Second-year linebacker Marist Liufau is one of many players who has noticed the infectious energy provided by Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer. When it comes to his new defensive coordinator, effort and running to the football is their new philosophy. Stephen Jones says Cowboys could look to familiar source to round out roster :: The Dallas Morning News Link: Cowboys All-Pro kicker Brandon Aubrey and return specialist KaVontae Turpin are two players Dallas landed via the spring football league. Cowboys VP Stephen Jones revealed Dallas has their eye on players from the USFL in hopes of striking gold again. Last Week of OTAs :: The Mothership Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs rehabbing away from team during OTAs :: Fort Worth Star Telegram Link: A year after a team source leaked friction between cornerback Trevon Diggs and the training staff existed, the former All-Pro has rehabbed away from the team facility. He now risks a $500,000 de-escalator by not being at the Cowboys facility. Cowboys' $6.6 million plus draft pick investments land them 2 flop warnings from ESPN :: Cowboys Wire Link: ESPN named 15 players who could make big impact for their new teams or fail despite the initial excitement. With $6.6. million plus draft capital invested, these two Cowboys players land on Bill Barnwell's list of breakout or flop candidates. Takeaways from Cowboys' final week of OTAs: Micah Parsons, Trevon Diggs absences, notable plays, injury updates :: The Athletic Link: Edge defender Micah Parsons and cornerback Trevon Diggs highlight the big names not in attendance at Cowboys OTAs. On the field, wideout George Pickens takes advantage of the extra opportunities while defensive end Sam Williams returns to action. Micah Parsons destroys NFC East rival in Madden NFL 26 official trailer :: Sports Illustrated Link: Many quarterbacks throughout the league have felt the wrath of Cowboys pass rusher Micah Parsons. Although its just a video game, the new trailer for Madden 25 shows Giants quarterback Russell Wilson being tossed like a rag doll by the All-Pro defender. America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Season 2 :: Netflix Cowboys LT Tyler Guyton is saying and doing all the right things heading into year two :: Blogging the Boys Link: A year after being a first-round pick, left tackle Tyler Guyton ranks among the biggest question marks heading into the 2025 season. Despite the reservations, he has said and done all the right things to change the narrative surrounding him. Cowboys quietly sitting on potential breakout star from 2021 draft :: The Landry Hat Link: Dallas appears poised to revitalize their ground game and running back Javonte Williams could be an underrated free agent signing if he can return to his 2021 form. Two torn ACL's have derailed what should have been a promising career. Follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook to join in on the conversation with fellow fans!
