From Rock Bottom Podcast

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.