He started filming videos with fighters… now he’s one of the biggest personalities in MMA social media. But who is Kian King when the cameras stop rolling?Find Big Boy MMA here - https://www.instagram.com/bigboymma__?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==In this episode of The Talking Tradesman, I sit down with Kian King, better known as Big Boy MMA, to go beyond the viral clips and discover the person behind one of combat sport’s fastest-growing brands.From his upbringing and the experiences that shaped him, to building a platform that now gives him access to some of the biggest names in mixed martial arts, Kian opens up about the journey that very few people get to hear.We also dive into his infamous body shot challenge, where he’s willingly taking brutal shots from some of the hardest hitters in combat sports in pursuit of his ultimate goal—earning a UFC ticket. Along the way, he shares the physical and mental toll it’s taken, the stories behind some of the biggest names he’s worked with, and why he’s willing to keep putting himself on the line. Naturally, the conversation heads deep into the fight game. We discuss the biggest personalities in MMA, the rise of influencer boxing, the evolution of bare-knuckle fighting, and what the future holds for combat sports. Kian also shares behind-the-scenes stories from working with elite fighters, how social media has changed the industry forever, and what really goes on away from the cameras.But more than anything, this is a conversation about ambition. About backing yourself, creating opportunities where none exist, and turning a genuine passion into a career.Whether you’re an MMA fanatic, fascinated by the creator economy, or simply enjoy hearing the stories behind successful people, there’s plenty to take away from this one.In this episode we cover:* The real story behind Big Boy MMA* Kian King’s upbringing and life before social media* Building one of the UK’s fastest-growing MMA platforms* The insane body shot challenge and the pursuit of UFC tickets* Behind-the-scenes stories with some of the biggest names in combat sports* The future of MMA, influencer boxing and bare-knuckle fighting* The reality of building a career through social media* What it really takes to turn passion into purposeChapters00:00 Introduction to Big Boy MMA02:12 The Journey of Kean King10:40 School Days and Early Experiences11:43 Career Aspirations and Early Jobs13:08 The Body Shot Everyday Series17:50 Meeting MMA Legends22:15 Building Trust in the MMA Community25:46 The Future of Combat Sports and Predictions27:09 The Eddie Hall vs. Tommy Fury Showdown31:35 Influencer Boxing and Personal Aspirations34:29 Navigating the World of Social Media and Confidence40:29 Mental Health and Body Image in the Spotlight42:55 The Impact of Social Media Fame48:55 Weight Cuts and Fighter Health53:34 Surprising Encounters with Fighters54:18 The Social Side of Fighting56:53 Authenticity in Podcasting58:45 The Down-to-Earth Nature of Influencers01:00:35 The Hardest Hits in Combat Sports01:04:47 The Rise of Bare Knuckle Fighting01:08:46 Memorable Fighters and Their Stories01:14:50 The Importance of Staying Grounded01:20:46 Final Thoughts and Motivational Messages

From Eating Disorders, Trauma & Addiction to High Performance | James Roffey

What does it take to rebuild yourself when life has completely broken you down?

In this powerful episode of The Talking Tradesman, I sit down with James Roffey, a high-performance mindset coach whose own journey through trauma, eating disorders, addiction, and mental health struggles has shaped the work he now does helping others transform their lives.

At just 17 years old, James developed an eating disorder that would consume more than a decade of his life. What started as anorexia eventually developed into bulimia, leading him down a path of self-destruction, poor mental health, and a battle to find his identity beyond the struggles he was facing. After years of recovery, self-development, and rebuilding his life from the ground up, James has gone on to coach business owners, leaders, and high-performing men to improve their mindset, health, and overall performance.  

This isn’t just a conversation about mental health.

It’s a conversation about what it means to be a man in today’s world.

We discuss the pressures men face, why so many suffer in silence, the impact of childhood experiences on adult behaviour, and why physical health, fitness, purpose, and accountability are often the foundations for improving mental wellbeing.

James shares his own lived experience of trauma, recovery, and resilience, whilst also drawing upon years of coaching experience working with men who are struggling with confidence, direction, stress, burnout, and self-worth. We explore the mindset shifts that create lasting change, why self-awareness is one of the most powerful skills you can develop, and how small daily habits can completely alter the trajectory of your life.

We also dive into practical strategies around performance, including fitness, nutrition, recovery, sleep optimisation, biohacking, and the use of technology to improve both physical and mental wellbeing. More importantly, we discuss how these principles can be applied in the real world, particularly within the construction industry, where long hours, physical demands, financial pressure, and poor mental health continue to affect thousands of tradespeople every day.

James explains how he has developed coaching programmes specifically designed for tradespeople, helping them improve their physical health, mindset, energy levels, productivity, and overall quality of life without unrealistic expectations or complicated routines.

This is an honest conversation about adversity, accountability, resilience, masculinity, personal growth, and what it really takes to become the best version of yourself.

In this episode we discuss:

• James’ battle with anorexia and bulimia

• Trauma, addiction, and mental health recovery

• The challenges facing men in modern society

• Why so many men struggle to ask for help

• Mindset, discipline, and personal responsibility

• Fitness and mental health

• High-performance coaching principles

• Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

• Biohacking, sleep, recovery, and productivity

• Building habits that create lasting change

• The unique challenges faced by tradespeople

• Improving physical and mental wellbeing in construction

Whether you’re a tradesperson, business owner, parent, or someone simply trying to improve their life, this episode is packed with practical insights, honest conversation, and valuable lessons from somebody who’s lived through the darkest moments and come out the other side.

How to Talk About Suicide - Rose Rowkins on Prevention, Stigma & Saving LivesSuicide remains one of the biggest public health challenges we face, yet many of us still feel uncomfortable talking about it.In this powerful and essential episode of The Talking Tradesman Podcast, I sit down with Rose Rowkins, a psychotherapist, speaker, and suicide prevention specialist who has dedicated her career to helping people develop the confidence and skills needed to support those in crisis. Through her work delivering suicide prevention training and founding Start The Conversation, Rose has helped countless individuals and organisations understand how open, honest conversations can save lives. Find Rose here -https://www.instagram.com/start_the_conv?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Together, we tackle one of society’s most difficult subjects.How do we recognise when someone is struggling? What do we say if we’re worried about a friend, colleague, family member, or workmate? Why are so many people still afraid to talk openly about suicide? And what role do all of us have in preventing it?Rose shares practical advice, real-world experience, and simple but powerful tools that can help anyone start these conversations with confidence. We explore the myths surrounding suicide, the warning signs that are often missed, and why asking direct questions could be the first step towards getting someone the support they need.We also discuss the unique challenges facing the construction industry, where stigma, isolation, and a culture of “getting on with it” can often stop people from speaking up when they’re struggling.This isn’t a conversation about having all the answers.It’s about understanding that you don’t need to be a therapist to make a difference. Sometimes the most important thing you can do is start the conversation.In this episode:* How to talk to someone you’re worried about* Suicide prevention myths and misconceptions* Recognising warning signs and risk factors* Why people often struggle in silence* Mental health and suicide in construction* Building confidence to have difficult conversations* Reducing stigma around suicide and mental health* Practical tools that could help save a lifeIf you’ve ever worried about someone but didn’t know what to say, this episode is for you.The conversation could feel uncomfortable.Not having it could cost far more.Chapters00:00 Understanding Suicide and Its Impact04:19 The Journey into Suicide Prevention08:47 The Role of Friends in Suicide Prevention10:36 Reaching In: A New Approach to Support15:03 The Importance of Starting Conversations15:34 First Aid for Mental Health20:49 The Reality of Suicidal Thoughts24:52 The Need for Honest Conversations31:51 Creating Safe Spaces in Communities35:34 The Ripple Effect of Suicide38:22 Support Systems for Survivors of Suicide41:42 Introduction and Setting the Stage43:20 Trusting Your Gut: Starting Conversations About Mental Health46:36 Tools for Talking About Suicide48:43 Navigating the Conversation: Where and When to Talk51:09 The Importance of Active Listening53:22 Understanding the Impact of Fixing vs. Listening55:56 Recognizing Signs of Distress Beyond Words59:25 The Role of Community in Mental Health01:01:48 Learning from the Past: Recognizing Signs of Distress01:03:40 The Need for Proactive Engagement01:14:38 Creating a Livable Life: Beyond Conversations01:18:38 Building Community Connections01:22:13 Honoring Those Lost: Speak Their Name Initiative

What happens when childhood trauma, addiction and self-destruction take over your life?In this powerful episode of The Talking Tradesman Podcast, I sit down with Reece, a roofer whose life journey has taken him through some of the darkest places imaginable before finding recovery, purpose and hope.Find Reece Here - https://www.instagram.com/annex_roofing?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Growing up in an environment shaped by trauma and abuse, Reece found himself carrying emotional wounds long before he understood the impact they would have on his future. As the years passed, those unresolved struggles fuelled a battle with addiction that spiralled out of control, leading him down a path of substance abuse, mental health struggles, rehabilitation and complete rock bottom.Reece speaks openly and honestly about the reality of addiction, the lies it tells you, the relationships it destroys, and the devastating effect it can have on every area of your life. He shares what it was like living in active addiction, the moment he realised something had to change, and the difficult road that followed as he fought to rebuild himself from the ground up.Today, Reece lives a clean and sober life and uses his experiences to help others understand that recovery is possible, no matter how hopeless things may seem. His story is a powerful reminder that addiction is often the symptom, not the cause, and that healing starts when we’re willing to confront the things we’ve spent years trying to escape.This conversation explores childhood trauma, addiction recovery, sobriety, mental health, rehabilitation, resilience, personal growth, men’s mental health and the life-changing power of speaking openly about our struggles.Whether you’ve battled addiction yourself, supported a loved one through recovery, or simply want to hear an incredible story of resilience and transformation, this is an episode you won’t forget.Topics Covered:✅ Childhood trauma and abuse✅ Addiction and substance abuse✅ Drug recovery and rehabilitation✅ Mental health and men’s mental health✅ Sobriety and staying clean✅ The impact of unresolved trauma✅ Recovery after rock bottom✅ Personal growth and resilience✅ Construction industry mental health✅ Finding purpose after addictionIf this episode helps you, inspires you, or makes you think differently about addiction and recovery, please share it. You never know who might need to hear this story today.Chapters00:00 Childhood and Family Dynamics01:12 The Impact of Abuse and Dysfunction04:25 Transition to Wales and New Challenges07:24 School Life and Behavioral Changes10:26 Early Encounters with Drugs13:32 Finding Stability in Work and Family16:24 The Role of Substance Use in Adolescence19:23 Reflections on Addiction and Recovery25:53 The Social Acceptance of Alcohol vs. Drugs28:23 Personal Experiences with Alcohol and Drug Use31:56 The Progression of Addiction and Its Impact35:08 Recognizing the Problem and Seeking Help39:41 The Turning Point: Entering Rehabilitation51:21 The Journey of Recovery and Finding Hope01:04:15 The Power of Conversation and Mental Health01:07:54 Breaking Down Barriers: Sharing Personal Stories01:10:24 Finding Freedom: Life After Addiction01:14:59 Rebuilding Relationships and Finding Purpose01:17:29 The Importance of Purpose in Sobriety01:22:12 Cultural Norms and the Need for Change01:25:30 The Role of Community in Recovery01:30:44 Generational Patterns and Emotional Awareness

In one of the most unbelievable stories ever told on The Talking Tradesman Podcast, Adnan Alisic shares his journey from surviving the brutal Bosnian War to becoming the mastermind behind one of America’s most audacious casino heists.Find Adnan Here - https://www.instagram.com/alisicadnan?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==https://www.facebook.com/alisicadnanauthorAs a child, Adnan witnessed the horrors of war in Bosnia, experienced ethnic cleansing, violence, and unimaginable trauma before arriving in the United States as a refugee with nothing. Through relentless determination, he built successful businesses, achieved the American Dream, and created a life many people would envy.But behind the success was a growing gambling addiction that spiralled out of control.After losing hundreds of thousands of dollars at the blackjack tables, Adnan became obsessed with getting his money back. What followed was an elaborate, Hollywood-style casino heist involving underground tunnels, fake weapons, smoke bombs, getaway vehicles, months of planning, and a daring attempt to steal millions from an armored cash delivery outside Casino Arizona. The robbery made international headlines.The plan failed.Adnan was arrested, convicted in federal court, and sentenced to 17 years in a US federal prison. In this powerful conversation, Adnan opens up about prison, faith, redemption, gambling addiction, trauma, personal responsibility, and how he rebuilt himself after losing everything.This isn’t just a story about crime.It’s a story about survival, obsession, consequences, resilience, and finding peace after destruction.Topics include:* The Bosnian War and growing up as a refugee* Building successful businesses in America* Gambling addiction and self-destruction* The Casino Arizona armored truck heist* Federal prison life* Faith, redemption and personal growth* Life after prison* Lessons from losing everythingIf you’re interested in true crime, prison stories, gambling addiction recovery, redemption stories, entrepreneurship, resilience, or powerful real-life journeys, this is an episode you won’t forget.You can Find Adnan's book here -https://tinyurl.com/Arizona-DreamChapters00:00 The Gambler's Journey Begins03:26 Escaping War-Torn Bosnia06:12 Adapting to a New Life in America09:13 Building a Business Empire12:20 The Descent into Gambling Addiction15:11 The Casino Heist: A Turning Point18:11 Planning the Heist21:13 The Execution of the Plan34:32 Planning the Casino Heist38:56 The Shift in Strategy41:08 The Day of the Heist53:35 Executing the Plan01:06:48 The Aftermath and Escape01:15:25 The Heist: A Plan Gone Awry01:18:34 The Chase: A Desperate Escape01:22:30 The Calm Before the Storm: Facing the SWAT Team01:26:00 A Miraculous Escape: Slipping Through the Cracks01:33:32 The Aftermath: Consequences of the Heist01:37:09 Facing Justice: The Reality of Sentencing01:44:43 Life in Prison: Surviving the System01:52:26 Returning Home: Adjusting to Life After Prison01:56:04 Finding Redemption: Overcoming Addiction

From serving in the military to building a successful painting business, Steve Macfarlane, owner of Cotswold Painters opens up about the highs, the lows, and the battles most people never see.Find Steve here -https://www.instagram.com/cotswold_painters?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==In this powerful episode, Steve shares his journey through bipolar disorder, the pressures of the trades, and why he’s now pushing himself to the limit with an incredible challenge in Nepal, trekking to Everest Base Camp and taking on four peaks to raise money for The Lost City.Support here - https://www.justgiving.com/page/steve-macfarlane-3?utm_medium=FA&utm_source=CL&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGnWFD-e00C9S_2Ma7bqd95dXyEIGVGvnTRYdlmYXdKpE_KpD02kMlnhCvnsRE_aem_LlcO_QcDvFVjE6ebpnncrAThis conversation dives into mental health, resilience, purpose, and the importance of having people around you when life gets heavy.A raw and honest discussion about:• Military life and transition into the trades• Building a successful decorating business• Living with bipolar disorder• Mental health in construction• Brotherhood, community and purpose• The Everest Base Camp challenge in Nepal• Raising funds for charity through extreme enduranceSome conversations matter more than numbers. This is one of them.Chapters00:00 The Challenge of Climbing Everest06:02 Mental Health and Charity Work12:13 The Joy of Walking and Hiking13:51 Understanding Bipolar Disorder15:49 Navigating Life with Bipolar Disorder18:56 The Importance of Physical Exercise20:53 Meditation and Mindfulness through Physical Activity22:42 Taking Small Steps for Mental Health24:40 The Connection Between Nature and Mental Well-being26:48 Building Relationships through Shared Activities28:50 The Journey of Starting a Business30:55 Scaling a Business in Challenging Times36:54 Building a Strong Team and Leadership Challenges40:01 Navigating Mental Health in the Workplace43:24 Raising Awareness and Taking Action on Mental Health48:54 The Importance of Mentorship and Skill Development53:36 Future Growth and Managing Work-Life Balance58:55 Understanding Loneliness and Community in Construction01:03:42 Finding Support and Building Connections

In this episode, Lewis Coomber shares his journey from a disruptive, misunderstood kid navigating ADHD to finding his place in the painting and decorating trade.Find Lewis here -https://www.instagram.com/l.c.painters?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==We talk openly about how the traditional education system didn’t work for him, but how the structure, routine, and hands-on nature of the trades gave him something to channel his energy into.Lewis also opens up about what’s happened more recently. Starting his own business just two years ago, settling into family life, and the pressure that comes with trying to make it all work at once. We get into the reality behind running a trade business. The long hours, working seven-day weeks, burnout, cash flow pressure, and the ongoing challenge of finding people you can trust to represent your name.This is an honest conversation about growth, responsibility, and figuring things out as you go. The highs, the lows, and everything in between.If you’ve ever struggled to fit the mould, or you’re in the thick of building something yourself, there’ll be something in this episode for you.Thanks to our Episode Sponsors Monarch - www.monarchpainting.co.uk

Branded By Sammi - Guest Merch

This one is hard to believe… but every word of it is true.Jacob Butchoff opens up about a life that spiralled through gang violence, identity battles, and extreme trauma… long before he ever faced the truth about who he really was.Find Jacob here -https://www.instagram.com/jacobcharlesthomas?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==We’re talking about:• Being stabbed 18 times• Getting pulled into gangs and violent crime• A restaurant attack that made national headlines• Six years in prison• Addiction and rock bottom momentsBut underneath all of that… was something deeper.A young man struggling with his identity.Jacob shares what it was really like growing up hiding the truth about being gay, the pressure to fit into environments where vulnerability gets you eaten alive, and how that internal conflict pushed him further into chaos.Then there’s the part that sounds unreal…He was adopted and told his parents died in a car crash in Paraguay…Only to later discover they were alive.And he had siblings.That moment alone changes everything.This episode goes way beyond a typical “redemption story.”It’s about truth.It’s about identity.It’s about what happens when you finally stop pretending.Now, after prison, addiction, and years of running… Jacob is living openly as a gay man, owning who he is, and working inside the prison system helping young people avoid the path he went down.No filters. No sugarcoating. Just real life.If you think you’ve heard it all… you haven’t heard this.🎧 Full episode available now on all platforms.Thanks to this episodes sponsorsMonarch - www.monarchpainting.co.uk Chapters00:00 Introduction to Jacob Butchoff04:43 Struggles with Identity and Belonging10:05 Gang Involvement and Self-Destruction20:39 The Impact of Privilege and Expectations29:36 Finding Strength in Vulnerability36:44 The Journey of Self-Discovery42:28 Mental Health and Overcoming Challenges47:45 The Complexity of Masculinity and Violence53:19 Consequences of Violence and Regret59:46 The Journey of Growth and Redemption01:06:54 Navigating Relationships and Self-Discovery01:13:53 Finding Purpose in Trauma and Helping Others01:20:39 Descent into Self-Destruction01:26:59 Unexpected Reconnection with Birth Family01:35:46 Finding Strength in Family Bonds01:42:36 Coming Out and Family Acceptance01:46:02 Turning Pain into Purpose01:52:42 The Restaurant Encounter: A Turning Point01:58:11 The Aftermath of Violence: Reflection and Regret02:05:04 Life in Prison: Adaptation and Survival02:16:21 The Flaws of the Prison System02:22:12 Navigating Gang Culture in Prison02:27:27 The Power of Vulnerability and Sharing Stories02:36:09 Redefining Strength and Masculinity02:41:55 The Journey of Personal Growth and Emotional Intelligence02:49:58 Finding Purpose Through Parenthood and Community Engagement

What if school isn’t the path… but success still is?In this episode, I sit down with Jack and Lucy from Thomas & Co. to talk about building a life in the trades by going against the grain.Jack opens up about struggling in school, not fitting the academic system, and how he turned that into fuel to build a successful business in the construction industry. This is a real conversation about finding your lane when the traditional route doesn’t work.Lucy’s story flips another stereotype on its head. She went straight from school into a joinery apprenticeship and is now working hands-on in a male-dominated industry as a female joiner. No shortcuts, no excuses… just skill, graft, and consistency.Together, they share what it’s really like running a business as a couple in the trades. The pressures, the dynamics, the support, and how they’ve made it work without losing themselves in the process.We also get into: • Why the trades are still overlooked as a career path • The truth about apprenticeships vs university • Social media and building a brand in construction • Mental health in the trades and handling pressure • Inspiring the next generation to pick up toolsThis is for anyone who’s ever felt like they didn’t fit the system… and decided to build their own instead.🎙️ Full episode of The Talking Tradesman Podcast available now on all platforms. Episode Sponsored by Monarch ! www.monarchpainting.co.uk Chapters00:00 Breaking Stereotypes in Trades04:28 Education and Its Impact on Career Choices10:56 Navigating Gender Dynamics in the Trade17:46 The Importance of Support in Relationships23:55 The Dynamics of Working as a Couple29:45 Passion and Commitment in the Trade41:38 The Dynamics of Working Together as a Couple46:09 Navigating Challenges in a Joint Business48:39 Addressing Discrimination in the Workplace50:54 Building a Supportive Community54:49 The Importance of Quality in Craftsmanship01:00:01 Adapting to Modern Techniques and Materials01:04:02 Understanding Client Expectations and Trust01:09:09 The Role of Gender in the Trades01:13:56 Confronting Bias and Misconceptions in the Industry01:16:08 Navigating Gender Dynamics in the Trades01:18:19 The Importance of Support and Community01:20:33 The Reality of Friendship and Support01:22:38 The Journey to Success and Recognition01:24:18 Building a Business with Integrity01:27:43 Customer Relationships and Expectations01:29:58 The Passion Behind the Craft01:33:17 Encouraging Women in the Trades01:35:05 Mentorship and Guidance for Future Generations01:38:57 The Value of Real-World Experience01:41:25 Challenging Academic Norms01:43:24 The Lifelong Skills of Trades01:46:08 Mental Health in the Construction Industry01:50:50 The Human Element in Business01:55:22 Navigating School Challenges and Parental Support01:57:53 The Impact of Bullying and Trauma02:02:17 Supporting Young Creators and Mental Health02:03:36 The Importance of Mental Health Awareness02:07:21 Embracing Change and Career Transitions02:13:35 The Value of Hard Work and Resilience02:20:54 Empowering the Next Generation in Trades

Dave Smith, better known as The Mindset Soldier, joins me for one of the most raw and powerful conversations we’ve had on the podcast.Find Him here - https://www.instagram.com/mindset.soldier?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Behind the growing social media following and daily mindset content is a story most people never see. Dave is an abuse survivor, a former soldier, and someone who has battled PTSD, homelessness, and addiction—experiences that could have easily broken him. Instead, they became the foundation for the mindset he now teaches.In this episode, Dave opens up about growing up in the care system, the impact of early trauma, and how those experiences followed him into adulthood and military life. We talk honestly about PTSD, mental health struggles, and the reality many veterans face long after leaving service. But this isn’t just about what he’s been through—it’s about what he’s built from it.Now known online as The Mindset Soldier, Dave uses his platform to share powerful messages around discipline, resilience, accountability, and faith—helping thousands of people reframe their mindset and take control of their lives. We get into: • Why your past doesn’t have to define your future • The truth about trauma and how it shapes your mindset • The role of accountability in rebuilding your life • Faith, purpose, and finding meaning after rock bottom • Why vulnerability is a strength, not a weaknessThis is a deep, honest conversation about hitting rock bottom, taking ownership, and rebuilding yourself from the ground up.If you’ve ever struggled mentally, questioned your direction, or felt stuck in your past—this one will hit home.Thanks to our episode sponsors - Monarch www.monarch painting.co.uk