The Borne Podcast

Welcome to The Borne Podcast, the podcast that brings you stories of research, resilience, and real-life experiences of pregnancy and preterm birth. Join Ellie Gibson, Caro Tasker and Professor Mark Johnson as they bring together parents, experts, and scientists to share their stories with honesty and compassion. We talk about the science, but we also talk about hope, heartbreak, courage, and the small victories that mean everything. Because every insight, every conversation, and every breakthrough moves us towards a future where more babies can arrive safely, at the right time. In this episode, Ellie and Caro are joined by Zack George, known to millions of Gladiators fans as Steel. He’s CrossFit athlete, won the title of the UK's Fittest Man in 2020, before joining the Gladiators team in 2024. He lives in Leicester with his wife Samantha and daughter Ivy. In March 2025, their son, Leo, was born prematurely at just 23 weeks, and spent 13 days in the neonatal intensive care unit at the Leicester Royal Infirmary before he died. Zack and Samantha have launched a charity in Leo’s memory - Leo and Friends - which supports families facing the challenges of neonatal care, with practical resources and emotional support. Listen to the full audio episode: https://podfollow.com/1743814435Watch the full video episode:    / @borne_charity   Borne is a medical research charity dedicated to funding pioneering research and uniting scientists and doctors to advance our understanding of pregnancy, identifying risks of preterm birth, and developing groundbreaking ways to prevent preterm labour before it begins. By listening to The Borne Podcast, you're not only gaining valuable insights but also supporting our vital cause. Consider contributing to our efforts by donating to Borne today at borne.org.uk/donate. Your generosity fuels our research and brings us one step closer to answers. A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated hosts, Professor Mark Johnson, Caro Tasker, Ellie Gibson, and producer Laura Grimshaw, for their unwavering commitment and passion in bringing The Borne Podcast to life. For further information about Borne, visit borne.org.uk. Follow us on social media:Twitter: @BorneCharityFacebook: @BorneCharityInstagram: @BorneCharityTikTok: @BorneCharityLinkedIn: Borne Our hosts:Ellie Gibson: @itsmeelliegibson @scummymummiesCaro Tasker: @spikeyProfessor Mark Johnson Support is always available. Explore the following resources for additional help and guidance: Mental Health Support: mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/postnatal-depression-and-perinatal-mental-health/about-perinatal-mental-health-problems/NICE Guidelines for follow-up of children born pre-term: nice.org.uk/guidance/ng72/chapter/RecommendationsNICE Guidelines for preterm pregnancy & birth: nice.org.uk/guidance/ng25NHS Pregnancy: nhs.uk/pregnancy/NHS Premature Birth: nhs.uk/pregnancy/labour-and-birth/signs-of-labour/premature-labour-and-birth/NHS NICU Guidance: nhs.uk/pregnancy/labour-and-birth/after-the-birth/special-care-ill-or-premature-babies/ Tune in, learn, and make a difference with The Borne Podcast. Together, let’s shape a healthier future for generations to come.