Big Hype Podcast with Jonathan Millard

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They told him his body wasn't built for it. He laced up anyway.

Robin Deacon was born with talipes (club foot) and faced bullying, self-doubt, and a system that tried to define him before he ever threw a punch. In this raw and honest conversation, Robin opens up about his full journey — from the amateur ranks to signing with Frank Warren, life as a journeyman, mental health battles, bare-knuckle boxing, surviving real-world violence, and what he'd tell every young fighter coming up today.

This one will hit different. 🥊

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 Thanks for tuning in to the Big Hype Podcast. We're so glad you're here. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review on your favourite podcast platform. And remember, Believe the hype, it's time to fight. Follow us on @bighypepodcast. 

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He went from the football pitch to the boxing ring — and now he's building a combat sport designed to take over the world.

On this episode of the Big Hype Podcast, we sit down with Charlie Herdman, boxing promoter turned combat sports innovator, to talk about his wild journey through football, fighting, and event promotion — and the brand new sport he created: Eight Strike.

Eight Strike blends the best of boxing, Muay Thai, MMA, and kickboxing into one high-octane format built for global audiences, massive broadcast reach, and fighters who want to compete at the highest level. The motto says it all: "Win by any means, fight clean, crowd loud."

We break down how Eight Strike works, why elite fighters from across the combat sports world are already taking notice, the business strategy behind its global expansion — and whether Charlie himself would ever step into his own creation.

Spoiler: "It's too violent, I wouldn't fight in it."

🥊 Don't miss this one if you love boxing, MMA, Muay Thai, or just great sports business stories.

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 Thanks for tuning in to the Big Hype Podcast. We're so glad you're here. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review on your favourite podcast platform. And remember, Believe the hype, it's time to fight. Follow us on @bighypepodcast. 

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In this educational interview, rising boxer Adam Gielin breaks down his journey from the amateur ranks to the professional game—what pushed him to take boxing seriously, how he’s learned through early fights, and what it really takes to keep progressing. Adam shares details on his training routine, mindset, and “toe-to-toe” fighting style, plus the lessons he’s picked up from stepping up levels and fighting away from home.

Along the way, he highlights the importance of consistency, resilience, and having the right people around you, and explains why staying ready matters when opportunities appear unexpectedly. The conversation finishes with Adam’s ambitions for titles— including chasing the Central Area title and ultimately the Lonsdale belt—plus a quickfire final round covering memorable moments from both boxing and football (including his link to Sheffield United).

Support the show

 Thanks for tuning in to the Big Hype Podcast. We're so glad you're here. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review on your favourite podcast platform. And remember, Believe the hype, it's time to fight. Follow us on @bighypepodcast. 

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In this episode, Jonathan Millard sits down with boxer Corrie to dive deep into the transformative power of the ring. From the high-stakes world of white-collar boxing to the rising semi-pro scene, Corrie shares how the sport saved his mental health and provided the structure he needed to thrive.

Corrie opens up about his daily training routines, the reality of handling pre-fight nerves, and why he believes boxing is a "form of medicine" for anyone struggling with their mental well-being. With a goal of 10 fights this year and aspirations to turn professional, he’s not just fighting for titles—he’s fighting to build a community and open an accessible gym for the next generation.

"I can't quit, I can't quit mate."

Key Takeaways:

Boxing as Resilience: How the sport serves as a powerful outlet for emotional strength and mental clarity.
The Power of Routine: The importance of structure, discipline, and the grind of solo training.
Leveling Up: The technical and mental transition from white-collar matches to the semi-pro circuit.
A Vision for Change: Corrie’s mission for mental health advocacy and making boxing accessible for local youth.

Chapter Markers:

00:00 – Introduction and Background
00:56 – Boxing as a Mental Health Outlet
04:43 – Daily Life and Training Routine
07:22 – Lessons Learned in Training
09:53 – Differences in Boxing Styles
12:45 – Experiences in Different Boxing Formats
14:46 – Handling Nerves and Mental Preparation
17:33 – Boxing Style and Self-Assessment
20:19 – The Journey of a Boxer
21:33 – Emotional Resilience in Defeat
23:32 – Vision for the Future: Going Pro
25:31 – Creating a Positive Impact through Boxing
27:33 – The Power of Community and Connection
29:01 – Upcoming Fights and Ambitions
32:20 – Final Thoughts and Reflections

Support the Show:

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! You can follow Corrie’s journey to the pro ranks by following us on social media.

#Boxing #MentalHealth #Training #SemiProBoxing #WhiteCollarBoxing #MentalHealthAdvocacy #BoxingMotivation #FitnessRoutine

Support the show

 Thanks for tuning in to the Big Hype Podcast. We're so glad you're here. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review on your favourite podcast platform. And remember, Believe the hype, it's time to fight. Follow us on @bighypepodcast. 

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In this episode of the Big Hype Podcast, host Jonathan Millard sits down with Jason Jenkins—a unique talent balancing two demanding worlds: professional MMA and music.

Jason shares how his journey began with Taekwondo at a local gym and evolved into a pro career with 10 professional fights, including the step up in production and pressure that comes with bigger promotions like Cage Warriors. We also talk about what makes MMA so addictive, why it stands out from other combat sports, and what it’s really like travelling abroad to fight (including experiences in Greece and Cyprus).

On the music side, Jason opens up about playing in a band, the grind of promoting original music, and how injuries have shaped (but not stopped) his next chapter—both inside and outside the cage.

Key takeaways

• From Taekwondo beginnings to professional MMA
• The jump from amateur shows to pro promotions (including Cage Warriors)
• Why “MMA just excites me” (and what makes it different)
• Fighting abroad: travel, preparation, and pressure
• Balancing training camps with a music career
• Injury setbacks—and the mindset to come back stronger

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jason Jenkins
 02:16 Transitioning from Amateur to Professional
 03:05 Experiences in Cage Warriors
 04:36 The Impact of Local Legends in MMA
 05:19 Boxing Background and Experiences
 06:48 Fighting on Various Platforms
 07:57 Preference for MMA Over Other Disciplines
 08:47 Understanding MMA for New Viewers
 11:23 Fighting Abroad: Experiences in Greece and Cyprus
 13:23 Training and Preparing for Fights Abroad
 14:41 Balancing Music and Fighting Career
 15:12 The Music Scene and Upcoming Projects
 17:26 Unique Stage Presence and Performance Style
 18:57 Signature Acts and Social Media Presence
 19:18 The Evolution of Music and Content Creation
 20:44 Journey into Drumming: Influences and Inspirations
 22:17 Dream Collaborations: Bands and Future Aspirations
 24:15 Overcoming Challenges: Injuries and Future Goals
 27:42 Engaging with Fans: Social Media and Community
 30:13 Closing Thoughts and Future Events

Support the show

 Thanks for tuning in to the Big Hype Podcast. We're so glad you're here. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review on your favourite podcast platform. And remember, Believe the hype, it's time to fight. Follow us on @bighypepodcast. 

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Big Hype Podcast, host Jonathan Millard sits down with the reigning Flyweight Champion, Nicola Hopewell. Nicola's story is one of incredible transformation—starting as a fitness enthusiast who just wanted to get in shape, she evolved into a dominant force in professional women's boxing.

We dive deep into her transition from the amateur ranks to the professional scene, the mental grit required to bounce back from losses, and the emotional journey of capturing the Commonwealth and IBO titles. Whether you are an aspiring athlete or a fan of the sweet science, Nicola's insights on training, investment in self, and championship mindset are a must-watch.

✨ Key Takeaways:

• The Accidental Boxer: How Nicola went from a fitness class to a stoppage victory in her first amateur fight.
• The Pro Transition: The reality of media, promotion, and the step up in competition when turning professional.
• Championship Mindset: Why Nicola believes losses are valuable lessons and how she prepared mentally to win the IBO title.
• The Future: Nicola's goals for collecting more belts and her passion for mentoring the next generation of fighters.

🕒 Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Nicola Hopewell
 01:09 Journey into Boxing: From Fitness to Competition
 04:13 The Transition from Amateur to Professional Boxing
 08:47 First Professional Fight: Expectations and Reality
 12:04 Challenges of Professional Boxing: Media and Promotion
 14:42 Facing Adversity: The Commonwealth Title Fight
 17:21 Bouncing Back: Learning from Losses
 19:47 Defending the Title: Pressure and Preparation
 21:35 Training Camp: A Day in the Life of a Boxer
 23:50 Building a Supportive Team
 24:18 Preparing for the Championship Fight
 25:50 Mental Preparation and Visualization Techniques
 27:44 Learning from Past Experiences
 28:24 Training Challenges and Sparring Dynamics
 30:06 The Emotional Victory of Winning the Title
 31:32 Transitioning to a New Management Team
 34:04 Future Aspirations and Goals
 36:29 Acknowledging Supporters and Sponsors
 38:29 Life After Boxing and Future Plans
 38:43 The Final Round: Quickfire Questions

🔗 Connect with the Show:

• Subscribe to Big Hype Podcast: [Link]
• Follow Nicola Hopewell: [Link]
• Follow Jonathan Millard: [Link]

🏷️ Keywords:

#Boxing #NicolaHopewell #WomensBoxing #ProBoxing #CommonwealthChampion #IBOTitle #BoxingTraining #SportsMotivation #BigHypePodcast #BoxingJourney #AthleteMindset

Support the show

 Thanks for tuning in to the Big Hype Podcast. We're so glad you're here. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review on your favourite podcast platform. And remember, Believe the hype, it's time to fight. Follow us on @bighypepodcast. 

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Big Hype podcast, host Jonathan Millard interviews professional boxer Billy Pickles, who shares his journey from amateur boxing to the professional scene. Billy discusses his early involvement in boxing, the challenges he faced, and the lessons he learned from tough fights. He reflects on his recent achievements, including a championship win, and outlines his aspirations for the future. The conversation also touches on life outside the ring and the dedication required to succeed in boxing.

Support the show

 Thanks for tuning in to the Big Hype Podcast. We're so glad you're here. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review on your favourite podcast platform. And remember, Believe the hype, it's time to fight. Follow us on @bighypepodcast. 

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Big Hype podcast, host Jonathan Millard speaks with Misfit's Boxer Joey Knight, a professional boxer and pundit, about his unconventional journey into boxing, his experiences in the sport, and his involvement with influencer Boxing. Joey shares insights into his early life, the challenges he faced, and how personal experiences shaped his boxing career. The conversation also touches on his football background, notable fights, and the future of his boxing career, concluding with rapid-fire questions that reveal his preferences and thoughts on the sport.

Support the show

 Thanks for tuning in to the Big Hype Podcast. We're so glad you're here. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review on your favourite podcast platform. And remember, Believe the hype, it's time to fight. Follow us on @bighypepodcast. 

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In this episode, Jonathan Millard interviews Cory Sagar, a young professional boxer, about his journey in the sport. Cory shares insights into his family legacy in boxing, his transition from amateur to professional, and the rigorous training regimen he follows. He discusses the financial support he receives, his experiences in the ring, and his aspirations for the future, including his desire to give back to the community. The conversation also touches on the challenges and learning experiences he has faced in his early fights, as well as his goals for becoming a successful boxer.

Support the show

 Thanks for tuning in to the Big Hype Podcast. We're so glad you're here. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review on your favourite podcast platform. And remember, Believe the hype, it's time to fight. Follow us on @bighypepodcast. 

Send us Fan Mail

In this engaging conversation, James Turner shares his journey through the world of combat sports, detailing his early influences from martial arts movies, his transition to kickboxing, and the challenges he faced in securing fights. He emphasises the importance of mental resilience, structured training, and the significance of his recent Hall of Fame induction. James reflects on his experiences leading up to a world title fight and his aspirations for the future, showcasing his dedication to the sport and his commitment to being a positive example for others. In this engaging conversation, James Turner shares his journey from kickboxing champion to aspiring actor in martial arts films. He discusses the importance of moderation in lifestyle choices, the influence of Bruce Lee on his career, and the challenges of transitioning from a fighter to an actor. Turner emphasises the significance of respect in the martial arts community and the dedication required to succeed in kickboxing and filmmaking. He also reflects on his future aspirations and the importance of passion and integrity in pursuing one's career.

00:00 Introduction to James Turner and His Journey
02:40 The Roots of Martial Arts Passion
05:30 Transitioning to Kickboxing
08:09 Early Competitive Experiences
10:53 The Path to Professional Kickboxing
13:51 Navigating Challenges in the Sport
16:32 Recent Developments and Future Aspirations
20:50 The Turning Point: Embracing New Opportunities
23:51 Navigating the Wilderness Years: Challenges and Resilience
26:38 The Road to the World Title: Preparation and Strategy
36:43 The World Championship Fight: Overcoming Adversity
39:00 Recognition and Legacy: Hall of Fame Induction
43:07 Navigating Social Norms and Personal Choices
45:02 Moderation and Balance in Lifestyle Choices
46:59 The Challenges of Maintaining Nutrition on the Go
48:46 The Journey into Authorship and Film
52:59 Transitioning from Fighter to Actor
57:30 The Art of Choreography in Film vs. Real Fighting
01:03:02 Respecting the Legacy of Martial Arts Icons
01:06:49 Defining Success in Film and Combat Sports
01:10:39 Foundations of Film and Martial Arts
01:13:01 Pursuing Passion in Film and Martial Arts
01:14:33 Future Aspirations and Legacy
01:17:27 Rapid Fire: Insights from a Champion
01:30:19 The Fight of the Titans: AJ vs. Fury

Support the show

 Thanks for tuning in to the Big Hype Podcast. We're so glad you're here. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review on your favourite podcast platform. And remember, Believe the hype, it's time to fight. Follow us on @bighypepodcast.