Spencer Matthews, once known for his reality TV escapades and partying lifestyle, has undergone a remarkable transformation, emerging as a driven endurance athlete and podcast host. His recent accomplishment of 30 marathons in 30 days across the Jordanian desert serves as a testament to his newfound dedication and serves as the foundation for his latest venture, the “Untapped” podcast. This podcast, co-hosted with fellow reality TV personality Jake Quickenden, aims to inspire listeners to discover and unlock their own hidden potential. The show’s debut featured renowned free solo climber Alex Honnold, demonstrating the podcast’s ambitious reach, followed by an exclusive interview with Olympic legend Sir Mo Farah, who chose “Untapped” over more established podcast platforms.
Matthews’ enthusiasm for the podcast is palpable. He describes the work environment as uniquely fulfilling and expresses genuine excitement about the creative process, from conceptualizing episodes to securing high-profile guests. He reveals a deep commitment to producing high-quality content and building a platform that can genuinely impact listeners in a positive way. This passion project represents a significant shift for Matthews, who stepped down from a successful podcast with his wife, Vogue Williams, to dedicate himself fully to “Untapped.” He invited Quickenden to join him, reuniting the pair eight years after their appearance on the reality show “The Jump.” This partnership leverages Quickenden’s diverse talents and experiences, from singing and dancing to competitive fighting and his upcoming 1,200km kayak challenge in the Yukon.
The choice of Quickenden as co-host is strategic and meaningful. Matthews highlights Quickenden’s remarkable athleticism, humor, and resilience in the face of personal tragedies. He sees these qualities as complementary to his own and believes their combined strengths create a dynamic and engaging listening experience. Moreover, Matthews envisions “Untapped” as a vehicle for both himself and Quickenden to evolve beyond their reality TV personas and establish themselves as credible voices in the podcasting sphere. Both share a desire to move past earlier career choices and create something more meaningful and impactful.
Navigating the crowded podcast landscape, Matthews acknowledges the challenge of standing out. However, he’s confident that the unique concept and commitment to high-quality content will differentiate “Untapped” from the competition. He emphasizes the importance of delivering a superior product, both in terms of content and production value. While financial success is a necessary consideration, particularly as a father of three, Matthews underscores the primary goal of inspiring listeners and fostering a sense of positive potential. He aims to counter the negativity prevalent on social media by offering a platform that promotes self-discovery and empowerment. This dedication to quality and positive impact is central to his vision for the podcast.
The early success of “Untapped” is evident in their ability to secure guests like Sir Mo Farah, someone Matthews had previously been unable to book for other podcasts. He attributes this success, in part, to his own athletic achievements, which have garnered respect within the athletic community. The interview with Farah promises unique insights and candid reflections, further solidifying the podcast’s potential to deliver compelling and exclusive content. Matthews believes the authenticity and depth of their conversations will resonate with listeners and establish “Untapped” as a platform for genuine connection and inspiration.
Looking ahead, Matthews is preparing for another grueling physical challenge: seven Ironman triathlons on seven continents in consecutive weeks. This endeavor, consisting of a 3.8km swim, 180km bike ride, and a full marathon for each event, demonstrates his relentless drive to push his physical and mental limits. Acknowledging the daunting nature of the challenge and his need to improve his swimming skills, Matthews embraces the uncertainty and the potential for failure. It’s the unknown and the inherent difficulty that motivates him, fueling his determination to persevere and overcome the obstacles ahead. This unwavering mindset reflects the spirit of “Untapped,” encouraging listeners to embrace challenges and unlock their own potential, however daunting the task may seem.
