The Bento Club

Life Is a Marathon Not a Sprint

In this episode, we are joined by Rotimi Merriman-Johnson DipFA [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rotimimerrimanjohnson/], also known as Mr MoneyJar [https://www.mrmoneyjar.com/] - a financial educator who helps people build better relationships with money. Rotimi shares how running is both a batchable and stackable habit - something you can pair with podcasts or audiobooks to make the most of your time. He also reflects on how small, consistent efforts - whether in running or finances - add up to meaningful, long-term progress.

How Running Calibrates Your Inner Compass

In this episode, we are joined by Bryony Hancock [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryony-hancock/], a former product designer turned strategist at London-based consultancy 8TH DAY [https://www.8th-day.com/]. We explore how running fits into her triathlon training, and how it’s become a powerful tool for personal growth, clarity, and creative thinking. From embracing limits to navigating uncertainty, Bryony shares why running is a paradox that both humbles and empowers, and how it helps calibrate your inner compass in sport, strategy, and life. She also writes beautifully on these themes and more on her Substack, Contrast Therapy: https://bryhancock.substack.com/ [https://bryhancock.substack.com/]

Running Is Like the Cinema (With More Sweat)

In this episode, we are joined by Josh Dickins [https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-dickins-170420137/], Head of Consulting at Modern Citizens [https://www.moderncitizens.com/] and a recently reborn runner. We cover a lot - from football to finding your own rhythm with running. Josh shares why running reminds him of going to the cinema, and how it helps him reconnect with the world around him.

Racing Around The World

In this episode, I’m joined by Paula Martinez Gutierrez [https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-martinez-gutierrez-606653112/] and Stephanie Vincent [https://www.linkedin.com/in/steph-vincent/], two inspiring voices from across the pond. They’re both involved with the Marketing Research Education Foundation MREF [https://www.mrgivesback.org/], and this May, the market research industry is once again coming together for the Race Around the World for Education. This is a global, month-long challenge to log miles and raise funds for education-focused nonprofits, including Hogar Montiel in Costa Rica, one of this year’s grantees. There's still time to take part - miles can be logged retroactively, so it’s not too late to join! Register here [https://www.givesignup.org/Race/MN/SaintPaul/MREFAroundtheWorldRace]

Post-Marathon Special: Stories From the Finish Line

Join us for a special post-London Marathon debrief where Dave [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-kaye-peek-fnc/] will be chatting with fellow finishers and market research specialists Jemma Ralton [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jemmaralton/], Hollie Jones [https://www.linkedin.com/in/holliejones/], Paul Kingsley-Smith [https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulkingsleysmith/] and Field Notes' Giulia Romanò [https://www.linkedin.com/in/giulia-roman%C3%B2-mobile-ethnography/]. Together, they share their highs, lows, unexpected moments (emotional and otherwise), and what crossing that iconic finish line meant to them. They also discuss brand campaigns and activations at the event - what stood out, what worked, and what brands can learn from the marathon crowd experience.