Soundtrack composed by Jamir Adiong and Brian Haines of NileXStream.
Podcast editor: Chris McCallum.
Born Active
Profiling people who lead active lives: the how and why, and what makes their fitness journeys unique. How much exercise is enough? Why staying active at any age really does reduce the risk of obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The Born Active series is hosted by Julie Marks and begins in Kenya.
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Episodes
Monday Mar 31, 2025
Monday Mar 31, 2025
Meet a celebrated underwater cinemaphotographer and commercial diver in Thailand: Dorn Ratanathatsanee. He's been filming underwater sequences for over 40 years for commercials and feature films, such as The Medallion with Jackie Chan, Bangkok Dangerous starring Nicolas Cage and Indian classic Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai. Dorn's unique life story took him from Bangkok to Anchorage, in Alaska, and back to Thailand - and staying fit has been a common thread, including in his 70's.
Monday Jan 27, 2025
Monday Jan 27, 2025
"Invincible"! According to former world squash champion Sarah Fitz-Gerald, that's what it feels like to be at your physical peak and a world-class sportsperson. Be inspired by Sarah as she recalls memorable moments from her professional playing career, broader contributions to the sport of squash, nuggets of wisdom on how to stay active and her life today on a farm in Australia. Recorded in Hong Kong, December 2024.
Tuesday Oct 10, 2023
Tuesday Oct 10, 2023
Ever wondered what distinguishes some athletes from others, what it takes to be a dual Olympic gold medallist and world record holder? Hear more from the King of 800m - Kenyan David Rudisha - in part 2.
“Having pressure from outside is one of those things that helps to push us to move forward.... ”
“Of course it’s not easy. It’s full of challenges. Going for surgery, coming back, strongly focusing... and if I was someone else, maybe I could have given up a long time ago... ”
Sunday Sep 17, 2023
Sunday Sep 17, 2023
Hear from David Rudisha - the dual Olympic gold medalist and World Record holder in 800 metres - as he shares insights into his stellar athletics career. In a lively two-part conversation, David talks openly about his early days training in Kenya, his winning mindset and what he is up to these days, including his recent experience as an ambassador at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest.
Wednesday Aug 02, 2023
Wednesday Aug 02, 2023
Despite its population of just 225,000 people, the Pacific island nation of Samoa is a world-beater in rugby. Yet the country also faces dual crises: obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Two Samoan players - Visesio Junior Amituanai and Tagiilima Ripine - take time out during the World Rugby Under 20 Trophy to reveal secrets behind their nation's rugby heritage and discuss health issues affecting their communities.
Note: This features some words in Samoan, mainly fish species.
Wednesday Jul 05, 2023
Wednesday Jul 05, 2023
Join Kenyan businesswoman Anne-Marie Burugu as she discusses fitness, fashion and falling from the sky. Recorded at Studio 249, Nairobi, June 2023.