From Rock Bottom Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with influencer boxer Zach Ziggy Johnson to dive deep into his journey from growing up in upstate New York to stepping into the ring on Misfits Boxing.Zach opens up about his early life, including dealing with a speech impediment and being bullied throughout school. He shares how those challenges shaped his mindset and pushed him toward sports, eventually leading him into combat sports and professional boxing.We also discuss his experience fighting on Misfits Boxing, competing against tough and experienced opponents, and what it was like fighting Prince Sammy, the son of British boxing legend Prince Naseem Hamed, on a card backed by KSI.Beyond boxing, this conversation goes deeper into men’s mental health, the stigma surrounding it, and why so many men still struggle to speak openly about their challenges.This is a powerful story of resilience, growth, and stepping into the fire both mentally and physically.

What does it really take to become an elite soldier—and what does it cost?In this powerful episode, we sit down with Ryan Yates, a 10-year veteran of the British Army, to uncover a story of resilience, trauma, and redemption.Growing up on a council estate, Ryan always dreamed of becoming a soldier—but his journey was anything but straightforward. From struggling to fit in at a high-end secondary school surrounded by wealth, to failing Army selection at just 15, Ryan’s path was filled with rejection, doubt, and setbacks.But at 16, everything changed.Against the odds, Ryan not only joined the Army—he went on to attempt selection for an elite unit at an age and experience level almost unheard of. Facing brutal physical and mental tests, and competing against seasoned soldiers, he pushed himself beyond limits most never reach.In this episode, Ryan opens up about:* The reality of modern warfare* Losing friends in combat* Operating in high-risk environments, including Iraq* Encounters with ISIS during his close protection work* Ignoring the warning signs of PTSDAfter leaving the military, Ryan faced a different kind of battle—losing his identity, spiraling into self-destruction, and even attempting to take his own life.Now, he’s turned that pain into purpose.Ryan is the founder of The Veterans Army, a charity dedicated to supporting ex-servicemen and women struggling with mental health, transition to civilian life, and finding purpose again. Through his work, he’s helping others fight the battles many never see.This is not just a war story—it’s a story about survival, brotherhood, and rebuilding from rock bottom.

Ben Hassan’s life is something you won’t believe. Known today for his viral TikTok catchphrase “click click bang bang”, his past tells a very different story.Abandoned by his mother at just 18 months old and raised by his grandmother, Ben grew up surrounded by violence, rejection, and instability. With no relationship with his father and suffering abuse from his mother’s partners, his early life pushed him down a dark path.By 16, Ben was sentenced to 7 years in prison for armed robbery and kidnap.In this episode, Ben opens up about:​ Life inside prison and segregation​ Serving time alongside notorious gangsters like the Richardson brothers and Charlie Kray​ The reality of jail violence​ His battles with mental health and being sectioned​ How he turned his life around after prisonNow a successful figure in the jewellery business and a rising TikTok personality, Ben uses his platform to inspire change and share the truth about crime and consequences.This is a raw, honest, and powerful conversation you don’t want to miss.

In this powerful and deeply emotional episode, Koa shares his untold story of childhood grooming, sexual abuse, addiction, crime, and ultimately redemption.As a young child, Koa was groomed and abused by two teenage boys—an experience that shaped how he understood relationships growing up. Believing this behaviour was “normal,” he carried that confusion into his teenage years while battling inner pain and trauma.Koa began drinking alcohol at a shockingly young age—even walking to school with beer. What started as alcohol use quickly escalated into drug experimentation, and by his late teens, he made a life-changing decision: to fully immerse himself in the world of drugs.To sustain his addiction, Koa turned to crime—robbing drug dealers and becoming caught in a dangerous cycle of violence, prison, and survival.In this raw conversation, Koa opens up about:- Childhood trauma and its long-term impact- Addiction and early exposure to alcohol and drugs- Crime, violence, and time in prison- The cycle of getting clean and relapsing- His journey toward recovery and helping others overcome addictionThis is a story of pain—but also resilience, growth, and hope.⚠️ Viewer discretion advised: This episode discusses sensitive topics including abuse and addiction.If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone.👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more real stories.#AddictionRecovery #TrueStory #SurvivorStory #MentalHealth #Trauma #RecoveryJourney #Podcast #LifeStory #PrisonStory #SubstanceAbuse

What happens when your life is defined by one moment at just 17 years old?In this powerful and unfiltered podcast episode, Declan Moore shares his story of being handed a life sentence with a 13-year minimum tariff under joint enterprise laws. From a promising athletics future to navigating one of the harshest realities imaginable, this is a conversation that challenges perception, accountability, and the system itself.We dive deep into Declan’s early life, including his struggle with dyslexia and how the education system failed many young people growing up in tough council estates where survival often comes before success. He opens up about living in the shadow of his older brother, whose reputation for violence and gang involvement shaped how others saw him—and how that pushed Declan to try and build his own identity.Declan walks us through the day that changed everything, the court case that followed, and what it feels like to receive a life sentence as a teenager. We also explore the realities of prison life, breaking down common myths, the mental toll of incarceration, and the lasting impact of being labelled a murderer.This episode also sheds light on the constant paranoia of potential retaliation, the long-term psychological effects, and what life looks like after prison when your past follows you everywhere.If you’re interested in true crime, real-life prison stories, joint enterprise laws, or raw, honest conversations about life, choices, and consequences—this episode is not to be missed.Topics covered: • Joint enterprise murder explained • Life sentence at 17 • Prison life realities vs myths • Growing up in council estates • Dyslexia and the education system • Gang culture and family influence • Life after prison and stigma • Mental health and paranoia after convictionSubscribe for more real stories and powerful conversations.

In this powerful and emotional podcast episode, we sit down with Paul Fogarty to hear one of the most unbelievable life stories you’ll ever hear.Paul was born into incredibly difficult circumstances. Due to his mother drinking heavily during pregnancy, Paul was born with one arm and no legs. At just 2 years old, his life took an even darker turn when he was abandoned in a bush by his own mother.No one knows exactly why she did it. Maybe she couldn’t cope. Maybe Paul was a painful reminder of her actions.Thankfully, Paul was adopted by a caring woman who did everything she could to give him a better life. She encouraged him to maintain a relationship with his father and tried her best to guide him as he grew up.But as Paul entered his teenage years, things began to spiral.With little discipline and growing anger, Paul started to act out, rebel, and fall into drugs and alcohol. When his father passed away when Paul was just 16, Paul moved into his father’s flat — a decision that unfortunately fueled his downward spiral. The flat soon became a place where drugs were used and sold, and Paul struggled to keep jobs or stability in his life.Eventually, things became so bad that Paul’s adoptive mother sold the flat and funded Paul to travel the world, hoping he might find a new path.Paul traveled solo to Thailand, chasing the sun, alcohol, and drugs — and that’s exactly what he found.After returning to England, his addiction intensified. Paul became addicted to crack cocaine, experimented with heroin, and turned to shoplifting and violence to fund his habit. Arrests became common, and nothing stood in the way of his next fix.But Paul’s story doesn’t end there.After meeting a woman he truly cared about, Paul realised he had something worth changing for. Determined not to lose her, he made the life-changing decision to get sober and rebuild his life.This episode is a raw, honest conversation about:• Surviving childhood abandonment• Living with severe disability• Addiction and criminal life• Hitting rock bottom• Finding a reason to change• The power of redemptionPaul’s story is shocking, inspiring, and deeply human.If you enjoy real conversations about addiction recovery, resilience, and life transformation, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.👍 Like, Comment & Subscribe for more powerful podcast conversations.

In this powerful podcast episode, Ben Sheriff shares his incredible journey from deep anxiety and the desperate need to fit in, to becoming a successful professional battling a hidden life as a functioning alcoholic.Behind the success, Ben was struggling with alcohol addiction that created an alter ego version of himself – confident, reckless, and often destructive. Through years of addiction, failed attempts at sobriety, and periods of drug use, Ben openly reflects on how his behaviour affected his marriage and family life, often avoiding his responsibilities as a husband and father.After countless attempts to get sober, Ben reached a breaking point and gave himself one final chance to change his life. If he failed, he believed he had nothing left to live for.That final attempt worked.Today Ben is sober, a qualified therapist, and someone who uses his experiences to help others overcome addiction and rebuild their lives. He even took on an extraordinary challenge, busking his way from the UK to Russia using only public transport.In this honest and inspiring conversation, Ben talks about addiction, recovery, shame, resilience, and what it truly takes to rebuild a life after hitting rock bottom.

No Fear, No Limits, No Control sees Matthew Lemm open up about a life lived on the edge and the hard lessons that finally forced change.Growing up in the 1980s, physical discipline was normal and accepted in Matthew’s home. What he learned early was simple: never back down, always fight, act first and deal with the consequences later. That mindset followed him everywhere. School fights, expulsion, reckless behaviour and a reputation for chaos became part of daily life.Matthew shares laugh-out-loud stories from his early working years, moments so outrageous they sound unreal, alongside darker chapters that include repeated jail time, going AWOL, and the brutal reality of life behind bars. We talk honestly about how violence became his default setting and how losing close friends pushed everything even further off the rails.The conversation goes deep into fatherhood at a young age, heartbreak, and the toll an erratic lifestyle took on the people closest to him. Matthew speaks openly about reaching a point where he no longer wanted to be here, and the moment that forced him to confront the life he was living.Turning things around wasn’t instant. Matthew found structure and purpose through the pub trade, learning discipline the hard way, before going on to open his own successful restaurant. Today, his focus is on giving back, supporting others, and doing meaningful charity work within the community.This episode is raw, honest, funny, uncomfortable at times, and ultimately hopeful. It’s a real conversation about anger, accountability, second chances, and what it actually takes to change your life when chaos is all you’ve ever known.If you connect with stories of real-life redemption, growth after rock bottom, and unfiltered honesty, this one’s for you.

In this powerful episode, I sit down with nearly 100x award-winning bodybuilder Daniel Jay Smith Jr to break down the REAL story behind success in professional bodybuilding.Daniel has competed across the globe, earning close to 100 awards in bodybuilding — but his journey didn’t start on stage.We dive into: • Growing up in school and how easy it is to fall into the wrong crowd • The moment you realize you’re falling behind while others are leveling up • Developing a relentless self-improvement mentality • The mindset required to compete at an elite bodybuilding level • The sacrifices behind being a professional athlete • Relationships while competing at the highest level • Radical accountability and choosing to change your lifeWe also have an honest, mature conversation about: • Steroid use in bodybuilding — myths vs reality • The pressures of performance enhancement • The rise of Mounjaro and its impact on weight loss cultureThis episode is about discipline, growth, ownership, and what it truly takes to build a championship life — physically and mentally.If you’re interested in bodybuilding, self-development, mindset, fitness culture, or the realities of performance enhancement, this episode is for you.

In this hard hitting episode of the podcast we sit down with Byron Highton, one of the UKs leading anti knife crime campaigners and an OBE nominee for his work protecting young people and communities.Byron shares the tragic story of his brother, who after moving away from antisocial behaviour and trying to build a better life, was targeted in a gang attack and brutally murdered after previously being stabbed 23 times. This life changing loss became the driving force behind Byrons mission to educate children and prevent knife crime across the UK.We discuss the impact the media and music, particularly drill music, is having on children and how it may be influencing behaviour and normalising violence. The conversation also covers the cost of living crisis, struggling communities, and how the government continues to fail those most at risk.This episode also explores the work Byron does in schools, how he educates young people on the real consequences of knife crime, and his teaching style that connects with students before it is too late.This is an honest and emotional conversation about knife crime in the UK, youth violence, personal responsibility, community breakdown, and what needs to change to save lives.If you care about youth safety, education, parenting, crime prevention, or social issues in Britain, this episode is essential listening.Please like, subscribe, and share to help spread this important message.

In this powerful episode of From Rock Bottom, we sit down with professional boxer Hosea Stewart to talk about his incredible journey from school expulsions, street fights, and gang life to becoming an amateur champion and professional fighter.After moving around a lot as a child, Hosea’s family settled in a predominantly white area. Although he was warned about racism, he never expected how much he would stand out. Bigger than everyone his age, Hosea quickly became a target — and school became a battleground. Constant fights led to suspensions, expulsions, and a reputation for violence.As a teenager, things escalated into gangs, street fights, and self-destructive behaviour — until he discovered boxing.With almost no experience, Hosea realised he had a natural talent. He went on to become an amateur champion, turned professional, and has since shared the ring and training environments with world champions Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois.In this episode, we talk honestly about: • Growing up angry and always fighting • Racism, identity, and feeling like an outsider • Gangs, violence, and nearly throwing his life away • Discovering boxing and turning pain into purpose • Life in pro boxing and experiences with Anthony Joshua & Daniel Dubois • Men’s mental health, emotional control, and disciplineThis is a raw, honest conversation about redemption, masculinity, and finding a way out.If you’re into boxing podcasts, comeback stories, or real conversations about men’s mental health, this episode is for you.👇 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & COMMENT 👇Let us know what part of Hosea’s story hit you the hardest.

In this powerful and deeply emotional episode of our men’s mental health podcast, we sit down with John McCullum, who bravely shares his lifelong journey of surviving childhood sexual abuse, PTSD, depression, and suicidal thoughts.From a very young age, John was sexually abused by his own father, with the abuse continuing throughout his childhood and teenage years. John stayed silent for years, driven by fear of not being believed and a desperate desire to protect his mother from the truth. Tragically, John was also sexually abused by his father’s best friend — an attack that lasted several hours before John managed to escape. Once again, he carried this trauma alone.At just 15 years old, John finally confronted his father and told him the abuse had to stop. While the abuse ended, the emotional damage followed John into adulthood. He turned to alcohol, drugs, and violence as coping mechanisms, while his unresolved trauma deeply affected his relationships. John avoided becoming a father for years, haunted by the fear that he might become like his abuser.John’s mental health deteriorated further, leading to psychiatric care and multiple suicide attempts. When John bravely spoke out about his faher friend and saw justice in court, John still remained silent about his own father. It wasn’t until later in life — after rebuilding his life, becoming a father himself, and losing his mother — that John finally disclosed the abuse to his siblings, only to face disbelief.Today, John speaks openly about his experiences with male sexual abuse, PTSD, and depression, using his voice to encourage other men to break the silence, seek help, and know they are not alone.We are also joined briefly by John’s son, Kieran, who shares what it’s like growing up with a father living with PTSD and depression — offering a rare and honest perspective on intergenerational trauma and healing.⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of sexual abuse, suicide, PTSD, and addiction.If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek professional help or reach out to a trusted support service.

In this powerful episode, Andy sits down with Jacob Guy — a mentor who helps fathers prepare for fatherhood and navigate the emotional, physical and mental challenges that come with it.Whether you’re an expecting dad, a new father, or facing the realities of co-parenting, this conversation delivers raw honesty, valuable insights, and practical support.Jacob opens up about:👶 The excitement and fear of expecting a child💪 Supporting your mental and physical health as a father❤️ How relationships can change when a baby arrives⚠️ What to do when a relationship breaks down with a child involved⚖️ His personal journey through the family court system and fighting for custody🙌 The lessons, joys and life-changing moments of becoming a dadThis episode is packed with advice for dads who want to show up as their best selves — emotionally, mentally and physically.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Matthew Norford, a former Manchester gang leader who transformed his life after growing up in extreme trauma, experiencing ruthless gang warfare, and losing his brother in the most shocking circumstances.Matt grew up in a single-parent household where he faced harsh discipline, emotional neglect, and constant comparison to his older brother Gary. Despite representing Manchester and England in youth basketball, and being on track for a U.S. scholarship, Matt never received the love or support he desperately needed.Instead, he followed Gary into the drug trade—dealing crack and heroin, carrying guns as a teenager, and becoming deeply involved in violent gang conflicts. Matt openly shares how he manipulated young teenagers into the lifestyle and the reality of shootings, leadership in the gang, and the £2,000-a-day criminal life.Everything changed when, during one of Matt’s prison sentences, Gary attempted to rob a shop and was stabbed and killed—one of the attackers being Matt’s own father. This loss forced Matt to confront the life he had built and the pain he had been running from since childhood.Today, Matthew Norford is the founder of a successful mentoring organisation, using his past to inspire young people, prevent gang involvement, and break cycles of violence.This is one of the rawest, most honest, and most transformative stories you will ever hear.

In this powerful episode of From Rock Bottom, we sit down with Adi Harper, who shares his raw and inspiring journey from a childhood of neglect, rebellion, and guilt, through the pressures of military life, to facing a moment where he nearly ended his life.Adi opens up about: • Growing up with material wealth but no love or affection • The guilt he carried after his father’s heart attack • Struggles in relationships and hiding anxiety behind a military uniform • The breaking point that led him to a suicide attempt • How he transformed his pain into purpose, helping men heal and thriveThis episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking hope, understanding, and practical insight into men’s mental health, trauma recovery, and personal transformation.🎧 Tune in to hear Adi’s full story and learn how to overcome trauma, embrace vulnerability, and reclaim your life.

In this deeply emotional episode, Dean Simpson-Humphreys shares his extraordinary true story of love, tragedy, and resilience.After a breakup, Dean took a solo trip to Ibiza where he met Gary — a chance encounter that blossomed into a beautiful romance. What started as a holiday fling soon turned into fate when they discovered they’d be living just streets apart back home. They fell in love, moved in together, and married — but their fairytale life took a devastating turn.Their home was destroyed in an arson attack, they were burgled while sleeping, and Gary courageously fought off an intruder — naked. Soon after, Gary’s health began to decline, and doctors discovered a spinal tumour that left him paralysed. Despite the countless challenges — from rebuilding their home to navigating life in a wheelchair without government support — Dean never stopped caring for the man he loved.When Gary passed away, Dean was left to face unimaginable grief, mental health struggles, and the painful reality of life after loss. In this interview, Dean opens up about: • Meeting his soulmate in Ibiza 💕 • Surviving an arson attack & burglary 🔥 • Caring for a paralysed partner 🦽 • Facing mental health battles & suicidal thoughts 💭 • Learning to live again after loss 🌅This is a powerful story of love, resilience, and hope — and a reminder that even in the darkest moments, light can be found.🎧 Listen now and be inspired by Dean’s strength.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more real-life stories of courage and healing.

In this powerful episode, former professional boxer Luke Paddock opens up about the highs and lows of his life — from growing up in a tough area and chasing glory in the boxing ring, to the night that changed everything.After a mass brawl broke out during his final pro fight, one of Luke’s fans tragically lost their life. Haunted by guilt, Luke spiraled into drugs, alcohol, and depression, losing his passion and direction.Luke talks candidly about:🥊 His boxing career from amateur to pro⚔️ The tragic night that ended his fighting dream💔 Blaming himself and battling addiction🚪 Working as a doorman while losing control👩‍👦 Getting clean to spend time with his dying mom🧠 Failing his comeback due to a brain scan🔥 Finding new purpose as a personal trainer and role modelThis episode is about more than boxing — it’s about resilience, redemption, and rebuilding your life when you hit rock bottom.🎧 Listen now to hear how Luke Paddock turned his pain into power, and what he’s doing today to inspire others.

In this powerful episode, Andy sits down with Mickey Bushell MBE, a Paralympic gold medalist and record-breaking athlete who defied every expectation life threw at him.Born with a rare condition, Mickey’s parents were told he’d never move or live independently. But Mickey had other plans. From walking on his hands as a child to breaking world records in wheelchair racing, his story is one of pure resilience, determination, and heart.Mickey opens up about: • The pressures of being the best in the world • His struggles with mental health after facing sepsis • The stigma of being in a wheelchair and how society often gets it wrong • Why he believes the government fails new wheelchair users • What it really takes to achieve greatness—and keep going after setbacks🎧 Listen as Mickey and Andy have an honest, emotional, and deeply inspiring conversation about overcoming obstacles, mental resilience, and what success really means.If you’ve ever felt limited by what others think you can do — this episode will change your mindset.

He was a champion, a leader, and one of British boxing’s brightest hopes. Andy Flute captained Team England, sparred with Eubank Sr., Nigel Benn, and Joe Calzaghe, and lived the high life.But behind the glory was darkness.At 17, alcohol crept in. By 30, crack cocaine had taken everything — his career, his family, his freedom.Stabbed in a street fight. Locked up for violence. Spending £150,000 in three months on drugs.Andy Flute’s story is a brutal descent into addiction, chaos, and despair.In this raw interview, Andy opens up about his darkest moments — the nights he nearly died, the prisons, the overdoses — and how he finally found a way out.🎧 Watch until the end. This is more than a story — it’s a warning, and a miracle.

In this gripping episode, we sit down with Chris Booth, a man who spent 14 years in prison across multiple sentences — from a teenage armed robbery to surviving near-death encounters on the streets.Growing up in the biker community of Portsmouth, crime was a way of life. By 15, Chris was robbing post offices. By adulthood, he was dealing drugs, battling addiction, and living every day in survival mode.Chris shares how he was attacked with a claw hammer, leaving it lodged in his skull — a moment that changed his life forever. Now, years later, he’s turned his pain into purpose through his organisation “The Breath of Life,” helping others overcome mental health struggles and addiction.💥 Expect raw honesty, shocking moments, and a message of hope and redemption.🔔 Subscribe for more powerful real-life stories and conversations that matter.

In this week’s episode, we sit down with Mike, a man whose world was turned upside down by paternity fraud and false accusations.Mike met the woman he thought was the love of his life. Despite a few red flags, he chose to see the good in her. They married, and soon after, their relationship began to crumble — filled with gaslighting, manipulation, and suspicion of infidelity.Just when Mike planned to walk away, his wife announced she was pregnant. Overjoyed at the chance to become a father, Mike returned home and dedicated himself to his growing family.For two years, he raised his son with love — until a DNA test revealed the unthinkable truth: he was not the biological father.Heartbroken but determined, Mike tried to remain in the child’s life. Instead, he faced false allegations of domestic abuse and was cut off completely. Out of his pain, Mike founded two organisations: The Falsely Accused Network and Paternity Fraud UK, helping others who’ve experienced similar injustice.👉 Watch this powerful story of love, betrayal, and resilience, and how one man turned heartbreak into hope for thousands of fathers.

Harry Bassant’s life spiraled out of control — binge eating, nightly drinking, and nearly 20 stone of numbness. When his father became terminally ill, he hit rock bottom and had to confront his demons or lose everything.A raw, honest story of addiction, despair, and the fight to reclaim life.

Kyle’s life was shaped by violence long before that night. Raised in a home filled with drunken fights, abuse, and fear, he learned early how to survive in chaos.After years of pain and bullying, Kyle turned to the wrong crowd — a path that led him to Marbella, Spain. One night, he woke up in a hospital bed, bloodied and broken… with trainer footprints stamped across his head.That savage beating became a turning point — the moment Kyle realized something had to change.In this powerful true story, Kyle opens up about:🔹 Growing up in an abusive home filled with fear and violence🔹 Enduring years of ruthless bullying and emotional trauma🔹 Getting lost in a world of crime and chaos🔹 The brutal attack that nearly ended his life🔹 His battle with mental health, suicide, and finding purpose againThis episode is raw, real, and deeply human — a journey through darkness, trauma, and redemption.Kyle’s story proves that even in the darkest moments, you can still choose to fight for your life.💬 Watch now if you believe in survival, second chances, and the power of resilience.👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more true stories of pain, recovery, and strength.

Former British Army sniper Ted Shirley opens up about the dark side of war — from deadly precision and sniper missions in Afghanistan, to the haunting aftermath of PTSD, nightmares, and addiction to killing.Ted shares raw stories of his first kill, his battle with mental health, and how war followed him long after he left the battlefield. This is a brutally honest look at trauma, survival, and the fight to find peace after war.

Dan Wharton shares his journey through mental health struggles, suicidal thoughts, a narcissistic relationship, and a near-fatal motorcycle crash — and how he rebuilt his life through the True North biking community.

From childhood abuse to extremism, violence, and suicide attempts — Ben Butler’s story is raw, real, and unforgettable.Growing up in an abusive household, facing daily racial abuse, and struggling with identity, Ben spiraled into drugs, crime, and even joining a neo-Nazi group.In this episode, he opens up about hitting rock bottom, surviving suicide attempts, and how he now mentors youth to break the cycle of violence.⚡ Listen to this powerful journey of trauma, survival, and redemption.

James Young shares his raw journey through alcohol, drug, and gambling addiction after the tragic suicide of his mum. From grief to debt and self-destruction, this is a brutally honest story of loss, addiction, and survival.

⚠️ Content Warning: Childhood abuse, sexual abuse, addiction, and crime.Lee Marvin Hitchman, author of Born in Prison, shares his raw and powerful story — from being born in prison, adopted, and abused, to a lifetime of drug addiction and crime, including time in prison. Now clean, Lee opens up about overcoming trauma and addiction, and the importance of speaking out about sexual abuse.🎧 Listen now and be inspired by a journey of survival, recovery, and hope.

From boxing champion to prison inmate, from Channel 4’s Repo Man to the depths of cocaine addiction, Marcus Portman’s story is as dark as it is inspiring.A former British Kickboxing and Boxing Champion, Marcus lived with one foot in the ring and the other in the world of gangs, crime, and drugs. He spent time in prison, was stabbed, and nearly lost his life to an eight-year cocaine and steroid addiction. Even at the height of TV fame, he was spiraling toward destruction.Now sober, Marcus shares his brutal journey — a raw story of boxing, prison, Repo Man, addiction, and redemption.

12-0 pro boxer Ollie Cooper, Midlands Champion and ranked 7th in Britain, opens up about his toughest battles outside the ring. From alcohol struggles, street fights, and waking up with anxiety and embarrassment, to the heartbreak that left him feeling lost and empty — Ollie shares the reality behind the gloves, and why he wishes he had opened up sooner.

Ryan Whitehead’s life is a story of struggle, violence, redemption, and resilience. Born to a 17-year-old single mother and raised on a tough council estate, Ryan’s childhood was marked by anger, behavioural struggles, and eventually football hooliganism, alcohol, and drugs. After arrests and years of violence, Ryan turned his life around through boxing — first in white-collar fights and later as an undefeated professional.In this raw and inspiring interview, Ryan shares:​ His troubled childhood and time in behavioural schools​ How he got pulled into football violence at just 15​ The turning point that made him walk away from crime​ His rise to professional boxing and why he retired undefeated​ His mission today: coaching, charity challenges, and raising awareness for mental health👉 If you’re interested in boxing, personal growth, mental health, or real-life redemption stories, this episode is for you.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Matt Sen, a former professional boxer whose life story is nothing short of extraordinary. Growing up in a single-parent household, Matt faced hunger, neglect, and trauma at an early age. At just 15, his world was turned upside down when his mother was caught smuggling drugs and sent to prison — leaving him to survive alone.With no guidance, Matt was pulled into gang life, facing the brutal realities of drug dealing, violence, stabbings, and even being shot at. But his story didn’t end there. Against all odds, Matt rebuilt his life, creating businesses from scratch, battling bankruptcy, and finally stepping back into the ring to chase the dream he left behind as a teenager.This is the raw, unfiltered story of resilience, redemption, and the fight of a lifetime — from the streets to the spotlight of Wembley Stadium.👉 If you’re looking for real stories about mental health, survival, gangs, and second chances, this episode is for you.

Will Mahaffey’s life took a tragic turn at just 12 years old when his father died by suicide. Grief consumed his family, and by 14, Will was trapped in the cycle of drug addiction, dealing on the streets, and surviving multiple suicide attempts.Searching for a way out, he joined the British Army and served on one of the bloodiest tours of the war—facing death and trauma head-on. But after a dishonourable discharge, Will spiraled back into addiction, crime, and eventually prison.In this raw and unfiltered conversation, Will opens up about:Childhood trauma and losing his father to suicideAddiction, overdoses, and life on the streetsPTSD from war and prisonThe turning point that led him to rebuild his life for his familyThis is a story of survival, redemption, and the power of confronting mental health struggles head-on.👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more inspiring stories around mental health, addiction, recovery, and everything in between.🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.

In this episode, we sit down with Stephen Ruddick, local leader of the nationwide Men’s Walking and Talking support groups, to explore how open conversations and community can transform men’s mental health. We discuss the origins of the movement, the stigma men face around seeking help, and the most common mental health challenges impacting men today. Whether you’re looking for support, curious about mental health advocacy, or passionate about breaking down barriers, this conversation sheds light on why talking really does save lives.👉 Tune in to discover how walking, talking, and connecting can change the way society views men’s mental health.

In this powerful episode of From Rock Bottom, professional boxer Francy Luzoho shares his raw and inspiring journey from a childhood marked by racism, domestic violence, and abuse to finding freedom and purpose in the boxing ring. Growing up in Ireland after his mother immigrated, Francy endured unimaginable challenges—witnessing his father abuse his mother, suffering at the hands of his stepfather, and battling the weight of trauma.Now, as a pro fighter, Francy opens up about how boxing became his escape and salvation, the ongoing fight to be present in his children’s lives, and the resilience it takes to move forward when life tries to knock you down.This conversation is about more than boxing—it’s about healing, perseverance, and turning pain into power.

What do you do when the dream you’ve worked for your entire life is ripped away?For Craig Timmins, it was the chance to play alongside David Beckham at LA Galaxy. But one devastating injury ended it all. What followed was heartbreak, eating disorders, depression, and addiction.Yet out of the darkest moments came a second chance at life. Craig rebuilt himself—becoming a personal trainer, a role model, and raising over £250,000 for charity.This is not just Craig’s story of loss. It’s a story of resilience, hope, and what it really means to find purpose after pain.👉 Watch until the end—you’ll never look at setbacks the same way again.

In this powerful interview, a former British soldier opens up about his tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, the horrors of war, and the lasting impact of PTSD.After a dishonourable discharge, his life spiralled into drug addiction, partying, and regret — until he found the strength to turn it all around.This is a raw, honest conversation about military life, mental health, and redemption.🎙 About the Podcast:From Rock Bottom is a mental health podcast sharing real stories from veterans, athletes, influencers, and everyday people. We break the stigma and talk openly about the struggles that shape us.Subscribe on YouTube https://youtube.com/@fromrockbottompodcast?si=WpJalJxOI9g2kwcOFacebookhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579146386263Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/fromrockbottom_podcast?igsh=c2tzMzRleGc0bW80&utm_source=qrTikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@fromrockbottom_podcast?_t=ZN-8yw0y2ouQVC&_r=1

Professional boxer Marco Simmonds shares his deeply personal journey — from being adopted at birth alongside his siblings, to discovering that his mother had died from drug addiction when he was just 13 years old.With his father in and out of prison, Marco turned to boxing as an outlet and a path forward. Now an active professional fighter, he opens up about his constant drive to succeed, the pressure of comparing himself to others, and the struggles of opening up about his feelings.This is more than a boxing story — it’s about resilience, loss, and learning to believe in yourself.🎙 About the Podcast:From Rock Bottom is a mental health podcast sharing real stories from veterans, athletes, influencers, and everyday people. We break the stigma and talk openly about the struggles that shape us.Subscribe on YouTubehttps://youtube.com/@fromrockbottompodcast?si=WpJalJxOI9g2kwcOFacebookhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579146386263Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/fromrockbottom_podcast?igsh=c2tzMzRleGc0bW80&utm_source=qrTikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@fromrockbottom_podcast?_t=ZN-8yw0y2ouQVC&_r=1