After The Lights Go Out

On this episode of After the Lights Go Out, Steve Harmison and Leon McKenzie sit down with British athletics legend Colin Jackson for a raw, unfiltered dive into life after elite sport. On the track, he was unstoppable, a double World Champion, unbeaten in 44 races, and a world record holder for 13 years. But what happens when the stadium noise fades and you're forced to start from zero?Colin opens up about the terrifying void of retirement, his secret battles with body dysmorphia and panic attacks during his peak years, plus how missing out on 1992 Olympic gold ultimately saved his career. From surviving on 800 calories a day to finding new purpose through stem cell therapy, broadcasting, and charity work.If you or someone you know is struggling please reach out and find support:https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/https://www.samaritans.org/https://hubofhope.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Steve Harmison and Leon McKenzie as they sit down with former Aston Villa midfielder and England international Lee Hendrie.With over 250 Premier League appearances to his name, Lee appeared to have it all. But behind his top-flight career was a silent struggle. Today, as a respected co-commentator and pundit, Lee reflects on the devastating pain of leaving his boyhood club, facing bankruptcy, Divorce, battling epilepsy, and his attempts to take his own life. CONTENT WARNING: This podcast includes strong language and covers topics surrounding suicide that some listeners may find upsetting. If you or someone you know is struggling please reach out and find support:https://www.samaritans.org/https://hubofhope.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former professional footballer Michael Chopra opens up to Leon McKenzie and Steve Harrison about his struggles with a chronic gambling addiction, which led to him running up huge debts and coming close to taking his own life.He also discusses his charity work with 'Football For Peace' including a trip to the Maldives as part of a counter terrorism initiative for young children. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former England and Warwickshire cricketer Dermot Reeve reveals to Steve Harmison and Leon McKenzie how a destructive cocaine addiction resulted in the loss of his media career, the breakdown of three marriages and living life today in supported housing on £6 a day.He also discusses how a strong spirituality has helped him find an inner peace, meeting the Red Hot Chilli Peppers and his future wish to move to New Zealand or Australia.Warning: This episode contains some strong language and adult themes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us as this week we chat to former Arsenal and England women’s striker Lianne Sanderson!We hear what it was like being the first openly gay footballer, reflect on the lack of an openly gay player in the Premier League, her work today as a football pundit, receiving vicious abuse on social media and what she perceives as a lack of respect post-retirement from the Football Association. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.