In this episode of the Elite Podcast, Lee sits down with Richard Lunt, a multiple world kickboxing champion and owner of Streetwise Fighters Liverpool. Richard digs deep into his career, opening up about a significant arm injury, his tremendous fighting spirit, and the trials and tribulations that have shaped his journey.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
01:02 Richard's Recent Fight and Injury Details
11:02 Richard's Martial Arts Journey
12:16 Training and Fighting Philosophy
26:15 A Close Call in the Ring
27:34 Understanding MMA Rules
28:34 A Swift Victory
29:24 Transitioning from MMA to Karate Combat
29:52 A Freak Injury and Unfinished Business
32:33 Respect and Rivalry in the Fight Game
34:08 Building a Martial Arts School
42:28 Future Plans and Legacy
42:59 Reflecting on Loss and Motivation
46:11 Balancing Family and Fighting
48:50 Conclusion

The Elite Podcast is a brand-new show where host Lee Matthews speaks to individuals who are at the top of their industry and profession. The guests will be from different backgrounds including combat sports, military, and business to coaching. Lee will be finding out along with you why they have become the best in their fields and enjoyed acclaimed success and what they all share – their determination to become ELITE in their field.

Lee Matthews is a former paratrooper, kickboxing world champion and now entrepreneur. He is the owner of the UK's biggest chain of martial arts centres.

Follow Lee on social media for more:
▶︎ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lee.matthewsbmma
▶︎ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/leematthewsofficial/
▶︎ Lee’s Book - https://shorturl.at/fyGI7

Recorded and Produced by Liverpool Podcast Studios
▶︎ Web - http://www.liverpoolpodcaststudios.com
▶︎ Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/liverpoolpodcaststudios
▶︎ LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/company/liverpool-podcast-studios

Join us on this episode of the Elite Podcast, where we sit down with Steve Brown, a former paratrooper, Pathfinder, and bestselling author. Steve takes us through his extraordinary experiences in the military, from grueling physical training and near-death situations to his time in Iraq encountering life-threatening ambushes. We also delve into his post-military life, exploring the challenges of integrating into civilian life and managing mental health issues through therapy and martial arts. Tune in for an insightful and candid conversation about the highs and lows of a decorated military career and the journey of finding balance afterward.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
01:14 Reminiscing About the Past
01:57 Writing and Nicknames
03:53 Travel and Military Life
05:21 The Majority Report
09:32 Political Views and Social Commentary
16:11 Childhood Memories and Family
22:28 Joining the Army
33:58 Extended Training Duration
34:37 Pathfinder Selection Process
36:29 Physical and Navigation Tests
40:41 Final Exercises and Probation
59:23 Integration and Mental Health Challenges
01:06:21 Martial Arts and Writing as Therapy
01:11:11 Conclusion and Farewell

The Elite Podcast is a brand-new show where host Lee Matthews speaks to individuals who are at the top of their industry and profession. The guests will be from different backgrounds including combat sports, military, and business to coaching. Lee will be finding out along with you why they have become the best in their fields and enjoyed acclaimed success and what they all share – their determination to become ELITE in their field.

Lee Matthews is a former paratrooper, kickboxing world champion and now entrepreneur. He is the owner of the UK's biggest chain of martial arts centres.

Follow Lee on social media for more:
▶︎ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lee.matthewsbmma
▶︎ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/leematthewsofficial/
▶︎ Lee’s Book - https://shorturl.at/fyGI7

Recorded and Produced by Liverpool Podcast Studios
▶︎ Web - http://www.liverpoolpodcaststudios.com
▶︎ Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/liverpoolpodcaststudios
▶︎ LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/company/liverpool-podcast-studios

In this episode of The Elite Podcast, host Lee speaks with Tony Anderton, an international kickboxing coach and qualified sports scientist. Tony shares his journey and insights on coaching, discussing the development and success of his fighters, his methods, and the important role of understanding athletes individually. With a background in traditional karate and a sports science degree, Tony has coached numerous champions and run successful kickboxing schools, all from humble beginnings. They also delve into the intricacies of organizing and evolving competitive kickboxing through the GB Grand Slam League, and the relationship dynamics within the sport. If you're interested in martial arts, coaching, and the mindset for success, this insightful conversation is one not to miss.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:29 Achievements and Success Stories
00:49 Guest Introduction and Recent Travels
01:30 Fighter Highlights and Achievements
03:34 Balancing Coaching and Production Work
04:39 Entrepreneurial Ventures and Partnerships
07:48 Coaching Philosophy and Techniques
13:44 Sports Science Background and Early Career
16:26 Building a Successful Martial Arts School
18:57 Kickboxing Tournament League and Standards
28:42 Fair Competition and Monitoring
29:13 Growing the Sport in the UK
30:57 Future Plans and Regional Events
31:59 Building Strong Relationships
32:48 Entrepreneurial Ventures and Lessons
34:03 Rise to Fame and School Expansion
37:11 Developing World-Class Athletes
43:29 Kickboxing's Olympic Journey
50:53 Leadership and Collaboration
55:40 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

The Elite Podcast is a brand-new show where host Lee Matthews speaks to individuals who are at the top of their industry and profession. The guests will be from different backgrounds including combat sports, military, and business to coaching. Lee will be finding out along with you why they have become the best in their fields and enjoyed acclaimed success and what they all share – their determination to become ELITE in their field.

Lee Matthews is a former paratrooper, kickboxing world champion and now entrepreneur. He is the owner of the UK's biggest chain of martial arts centres.

Follow Lee on social media for more:
▶︎ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lee.matthewsbmma
▶︎ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/leematthewsofficial/
▶︎ Lee’s Book - https://shorturl.at/fyGI7

Recorded and Produced by Liverpool Podcast Studios
▶︎ Web - http://www.liverpoolpodcaststudios.com
▶︎ Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/liverpoolpodcaststudios
▶︎ LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/company/liverpool-podcast-studios

In this episode of the Elite Podcast, we speak with Major Finlay Anderson, a British Army officer and winner of BBC's Gladiators 2024. Major Anderson shares his experiences of growing up in Edinburgh, joining the Royal Regiment of Scotland, and his dedicated journey through military training, including his attempts at joining the Parachute Regiment's P Company. He reflects on his victorious participation in Gladiators, his family's influence, and his views on the physical demands and mental resilience required in both military and competitive environments. Now transitioning from the army, Finlay also discusses his new ventures and the values he carries forward from his robust military career.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:47 The Elite Podcast Begins
01:07 Gladiators Experience and Reflections
04:26 High Rocks Race and Living in Edinburgh
06:38 Private School and Military Influence
08:58 Military Career and Mental Resilience
15:25 P Company and Physical Challenges
19:22 Gladiators Competition Details
27:57 Military Tours and Modern Warfare
31:59 Reflecting on Herrick Tours
32:29 Experiences of Combat and Loss
34:58 Returning Home: Adjusting to Civilian Life
38:16 Deciding to Leave the Military
42:51 Joining the Reserves: New Beginnings
53:24 The Importance of Purpose and Passion
58:53 The Role of Combat Sports in Military Training
01:06:04 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell

The Elite Podcast is a brand-new show where host Lee Matthews speaks to individuals who are at the top of their industry and profession. The guests will be from different backgrounds including combat sports, military, and business to coaching. Lee will be finding out along with you why they have become the best in their fields and enjoyed acclaimed success and what they all share – their determination to become ELITE in their field.

Lee Matthews is a former paratrooper, kickboxing world champion and now entrepreneur. He is the owner of the UK's biggest chain of martial arts centres.

Follow Lee on social media for more:
▶︎ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lee.matthewsbmma
▶︎ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/leematthewsofficial/
▶︎ Lee’s Book - https://shorturl.at/fyGI7

Recorded and Produced by Liverpool Podcast Studios
▶︎ Web - http://www.liverpoolpodcaststudios.com
▶︎ Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/liverpoolpodcaststudios
▶︎ LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/company/liverpool-podcast-studios

In this episode of the Elite Podcast, we sit down with Karl Bushby, a former Paratrooper and adventurer, who has been on an extraordinary 25-year journey to walk the longest continuous footpath around the globe. Starting from the bottom of South America in 1998, Karl has faced incredible challenges, including visa bans, border crossings, and even swimming across the Caspian Sea. We explore his motivations, the physical and mental endurance required, and the incredible experiences he's had along the way. Join us as Karl shares his inspiring story of resilience and determination, flying the flag for the Parachute Regiment and adventurers everywhere.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Karl Bushby's Epic Journey
00:29 The Genesis of the Journey
01:54 Challenges and Rules of the Expedition
06:15 Military Background and Early Life
08:49 The Caspian Sea Swim
18:32 Life on the Road and Financial Struggles
25:08 Personal Sacrifices and Relationships
30:24 Surviving on the Road
31:10 Support from Sponsors
32:45 Book Deal and Financial Relief
33:35 Challenges in Siberia
34:13 Documenting the Journey
37:46 Health and Injuries
39:23 Cultural Encounters in South America
40:45 Close Calls and Dangerous Situations
42:10 Crossing the Bering Strait
48:18 Legal Troubles in Russia
55:27 Final Stretch and Future Plans

The Elite Podcast is a brand-new show where host Lee Matthews speaks to individuals who are at the top of their industry and profession. The guests will be from different backgrounds including combat sports, military, and business to coaching. Lee will be finding out along with you why they have become the best in their fields and enjoyed acclaimed success and what they all share – their determination to become ELITE in their field.

Lee Matthews is a former paratrooper, kickboxing world champion and now entrepreneur. He is the owner of the UK's biggest chain of martial arts centres.

Follow Lee on social media for more:
▶︎ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lee.matthewsbmma
▶︎ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/leematthewsofficial/
▶︎ Lee’s Book - https://shorturl.at/fyGI7

Recorded and Produced by Liverpool Podcast Studios
▶︎ Web - http://www.liverpoolpodcaststudios.com
▶︎ Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/liverpoolpodcaststudios
▶︎ LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/company/liverpool-podcast-studios

In this episode of the Elite Podcast, we speak with Carl Thomas, a world record holder, extreme athlete, and owner of Team Energize, one of the UK's top tournament fighting teams. Carl shares insights from his esteemed career in martial arts, achievements with Team Energize, and personal challenges, including running ten marathons in ten days and pulling a 1.25-ton plane for a marathon distance.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:56 Interview Start
01:42 Success of Team Energize in Competitions
03:28 The Role of Parents and Support Networks
08:40 Carl's Martial Arts Journey and Family Connection
12:02 Starting a Martial Arts School
15:49 The Importance of Good Coaching
23:15 Recognition and Respect in Martial Arts
30:03 Frustrations with Fight Tactics
31:58 Endurance Challenges and World Records
32:38 The 10 Marathons in 10 Days Challenge
37:27 Cycling Challenge Across the UK
42:15 Guinness World Record: Marathon Pulling a Plane
52:13 Future Plans and Aspirations

The Elite Podcast is a brand-new show where host Lee Matthews speaks to individuals who are at the top of their industry and profession. The guests will be from different backgrounds including combat sports, military, and business to coaching. Lee will be finding out along with you why they have become the best in their fields and enjoyed acclaimed success and what they all share – their determination to become ELITE in their field.

Lee Matthews is a former paratrooper, kickboxing world champion and now entrepreneur. He is the owner of the UK's biggest chain of martial arts centres.

Follow Lee on social media for more:
▶︎ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lee.matthewsbmma
▶︎ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/leematthewsofficial/
▶︎ Lee’s Book - https://shorturl.at/fyGI7

Recorded and Produced by Liverpool Podcast Studios
▶︎ Web - http://www.liverpoolpodcaststudios.com
▶︎ Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/liverpoolpodcaststudios
▶︎ LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/company/liverpool-podcast-studios

Join Lee as he interviews Joe, a seasoned military professional, about his remarkable journey through military ranks and his eventual shift to civilian life. Joe delves into his experiences with the King's Regiment, his leadership roles in operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and his insights into the restructuring of regimental units into specialized infantry, such as the Ranger units. He also discusses his post-military endeavor of developing a leadership course to enhance character development within the army and beyond, including schools and veteran support. Tune in for an engaging look at military life, leadership evolution, and innovative concepts in training and development.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:16 Joe's Military Background
01:53 Transition to Reservist and Current Role
03:45 Growing Up in Liverpool
06:16 Joining the Army
08:44 Basic Training and Early Army Life
16:47 Boxing in the Army
20:11 Deployments and Operations
37:46 Reflecting on Early Military Experiences
40:55 Rising Through the Ranks
42:23 Challenges and Triumphs in Training
45:58 Transition to Specialized Infantry
01:00:18 Formation of the Rangers
01:06:07 Current Role and Leadership Insights

The Elite Podcast is a brand-new show where host Lee Matthews speaks to individuals who are at the top of their industry and profession. The guests will be from different backgrounds including combat sports, military, and business to coaching. Lee will be finding out along with you why they have become the best in their fields and enjoyed acclaimed success and what they all share – their determination to become ELITE in their field.

Lee Matthews is a former paratrooper, kickboxing world champion and now entrepreneur. He is the owner of the UK's biggest chain of martial arts centres.

Follow Lee on social media for more:
▶︎ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lee.matthewsbmma
▶︎ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/leematthewsofficial/
▶︎ Lee’s Book - https://shorturl.at/fyGI7

Recorded and Produced by Liverpool Podcast Studios
▶︎ Web - http://www.liverpoolpodcaststudios.com
▶︎ Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/liverpoolpodcaststudios
▶︎ LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/company/liverpool-podcast-studios

In this episode of the Elite Podcast, we have Andrew Williams, a former paratrooper, MI5 officer, firefighter, and author. Andrew shares his harrowing experiences in Afghanistan's Sangin Valley, struggles with PTSD, and the life-altering diagnosis of cancer that led to his medical discharge from the military. He recounts the daunting early years, his journey into the Parachute Regiment, and the intense battles faced in Helmand Province. The conversation delves deep into the mental health challenges he endured upon returning, his failed suicide attempt, and the path to recovery through writing his book 'Beyond the Drop Zone.' Andrew now continues to share his story to help others and serves as a firefighter, cherishing his second chance at life.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Personal Struggles
01:29 Training and Early Military Life
03:20 Unorthodox Childhood
04:48 Life in Saudi Arabia
07:18 Return to North Wales
11:05 Joining the Parachute Regiment
19:50 Boxing in the Military
25:15 Career Decisions and Boxing Challenges
26:27 Training and Experiences in Kent
27:37 Transition to Support Company
30:05 Deployment to Iraq
31:59 Introduction to the Book
33:37 Struggles with PTSD and Health Issues
51:24 Life After the Military
57:53 Final Reflections

The Elite Podcast is a brand-new show where host Lee Matthews speaks to individuals who are at the top of their industry and profession. The guests will be from different backgrounds including combat sports, military, and business to coaching. Lee will be finding out along with you why they have become the best in their fields and enjoyed acclaimed success and what they all share – their determination to become ELITE in their field.

Lee Matthews is a former paratrooper, kickboxing world champion and now entrepreneur. He is the owner of the UK's biggest chain of martial arts centres.

Follow Lee on social media for more:
▶︎ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lee.matthewsbmma
▶︎ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/leematthewsofficial/
▶︎ Lee’s Book - https://shorturl.at/fyGI7

Recorded and Produced by Liverpool Podcast Studios
▶︎ Web - http://www.liverpoolpodcaststudios.com
▶︎ Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/liverpoolpodcaststudios
▶︎ LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/company/liverpool-podcast-studios

Join Lee as Trevor shares an enthralling story of military camaraderie, experiences from various operations, and personal challenges. Spanning over 30 years of knowing each other, Trevor and his friend recount a serendipitous meeting, a hair-raising car crash, and their intriguing connections through mutual friends and the military. The conversation delves into their time with the Royal Irish Regiment, the struggles and reforms within the regiment, and Trevor's personal reflections on leadership, responsibility, and the controversies that have followed him. Through tales of valour, introspection, and the harsh realities of military life, this podcast offers a raw and profound look into the life of a decorated soldier and his journey toward redemption and resilience.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:19 A Memorable Night Out
02:05 Military Service and Regimental Changes
03:23 Challenges and Changes in the Regiment
05:50 Deployment Stories and Experiences
09:13 Training and Commanding
15:40 Return to the Unit and Deployment
17:24 Engagement and Recognition
25:52 A Year of Intense Deployments
27:15 Reflecting on Leadership and Regret
28:36 The Day Before the Attack
29:40 The Attack and Its Aftermath
31:16 Dealing with Accusations and Trauma
33:11 The Impact of Rumors and Social Media
37:52 Charity Work and Public Perception
46:02 Writing as a Form of Healing
50:19 Final Thoughts and Farewell

The Elite Podcast is a brand-new show where host Lee Matthews speaks to individuals who are at the top of their industry and profession. The guests will be from different backgrounds including combat sports, military, and business to coaching. Lee will be finding out along with you why they have become the best in their fields and enjoyed acclaimed success and what they all share – their determination to become ELITE in their field.

Lee Matthews is a former paratrooper, kickboxing world champion and now entrepreneur. He is the owner of the UK's biggest chain of martial arts centres.

Follow Lee on social media for more:
▶︎ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lee.matthewsbmma
▶︎ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/leematthewsofficial/
▶︎ Lee’s Book - https://shorturl.at/fyGI7

Recorded and Produced by Liverpool Podcast Studios
▶︎ Web - http://www.liverpoolpodcaststudios.com
▶︎ Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/liverpoolpodcaststudios
▶︎ LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/company/liverpool-podcast-studios

Join us as we catch up with Connor Hughes, a decorated British, European, and World Kickboxing champion, who has now made a significant mark in the Professional Fight League (PFL). Conor takes us on a journey through his early days in kickboxing, growing up in a family of accomplished martial artists, and his transition into the world of MMA. Hear about the challenges he faced, his training regimen, mental fortitude, and the strategic nuances of weight cutting. Discover how Conor's unique background in point fighting has shaped his striking abilities in MMA, making him a formidable contender in the PFL European League. Don't miss to learn about his upcoming fight and aspirations to clinch the PFL European and World titles.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:24 Kickboxing Achievements and Family Legacy
01:32 Signing with PFL and Early Professional Fights
04:00 Weight Cutting Challenges and Strategies
06:46 Fight Camp Mentality and Preparation
17:36 Transition from Point Fighting to MMA
21:26 Adjusting Fighting Style for MMA
24:45 Influence of Family in Martial Arts
27:20 Transitioning from Kickboxing to MMA
30:24 Challenges and Growth in MMA
35:05 Mental Strategies for Success
43:02 Upcoming Fights and Future Goals

The Elite Podcast is a brand-new show where host Lee Matthews speaks to individuals who are at the top of their industry and profession. The guests will be from different backgrounds including combat sports, military, and business to coaching. Lee will be finding out along with you why they have become the best in their fields and enjoyed acclaimed success and what they all share – their determination to become ELITE in their field.

Lee Matthews is a former paratrooper, kickboxing world champion and now entrepreneur. He is the owner of the UK's biggest chain of martial arts centres.

Follow Lee on social media for more:
▶︎ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lee.matthewsbmma
▶︎ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/leematthewsofficial/
▶︎ Lee’s Book - https://shorturl.at/fyGI7

Recorded and Produced by Liverpool Podcast Studios
▶︎ Web - http://www.liverpoolpodcaststudios.com
▶︎ Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/liverpoolpodcaststudios
▶︎ LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/company/liverpool-podcast-studios