Big Fellas

In this deeply personal and reflective solo episode of Big Fellas , host Mark Hall opens up about his lifelong journey with weight loss in a raw and emotional conversation, this time, with the help of ChatGPT. Mark takes listeners back to his childhood, sharing his earliest memories of being teased about his weight and how those moments shaped his self-esteem, friendships, and confidence. He speak...

In this episode of Big Fellas, Darren and Mark explore one of the toughest stages in any weight loss journey, the final hurdle. They discuss the psychological and physical challenges that come with trying to lose those last few stubborn pounds, using the story of a listener named "Dave", who has already lost an incredible six stone but now struggles to shed the final one to reach a healthy BMI. Th...

In this uplifting episode of Big Fellas, Darren and Mark chat with Alex Whelan , who shares his incredible journey from 130 kilos to a healthier, happier life, losing 4.5 stone along the way. His story is proof that with the right mindset and tools, anyone can turn their fitness goals into reality. Alex opens up about how the Couch to 5K programme became the turning point in his journey, transform...

In this relatable and motivational episode of Big Fellas, Darren and Mark tackle one of the toughest parts of any weight loss journey: the plateau. Mark opens up about his own recent experience of feeling deflated after seeing no movement on the scale, even while sticking to his routine. It’s an honest conversation about the emotional side of weight loss, and how easy it is to lose motivation when...

In this episode of Big Fellas, Darren and Mark are joined by Becky Belzano , a nutritionist and coach with a background in food and HR, who brings a fresh and practical perspective to men’s health and nutrition. Becky shares her journey into nutrition and how her experience working with people and food businesses shaped her understanding of how diet impacts not just physical health but also perfor...

In this inspiring episode of Big Fellas, Mark sits down with Dave Cooper , who shares his powerful story of losing 6.5 stone through a combination of Mounjaro weight loss injections , lifestyle changes, and sheer determination. Dave opens up about his lifelong battle with weight — from childhood struggles to the challenges of managing his health during his time as a police officer. He reflects on...

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Big Fellas, Darren and Mark sit down with Rachael Shephard , an author and coach helping women overcome alcohol dependency through her transformative Sober Mama program. Rachael opens up about her own journey, from losing her mother and navigating the emotional aftermath, to confronting her reliance on alcohol as a coping mechanism. Her story sheds l...

In this powerful episode of Big Fellas, Darren and Mark are joined by Matt Gibson , whose story of transformation is as inspiring as it gets, from battling obesity and chronic pain to running ultra marathons. Matt opens up about his early struggles with denial around his weight and the wake-up call that came when sciatica forced him to face his health head-on. His turning point came when he joined...

In this episode of Big Fellas, Darren and Mark take a deep dive into fasting, breaking down what it really means, the different methods people use, and how it can support weight loss and better health. They explore popular approaches such as the 5:2 diet and the 16:8 method , sharing their own experiences with fasting and how it has influenced their weight loss journeys. The lads also look at the...

In this inspiring episode of Big Fellas, Darren and Mark sit down with Dan, who has transformed his life by losing over 10 stone after once weighing 26 stone. His journey is one of resilience, mindset, and the power of community through the Man v Fat programme. Dan opens up about the pivotal moments that sparked his commitment to change, from his first steps into exercise to the discipline of trac...

In this episode of Big Fellas, Darren and Mark break down the two pillars of a successful weight loss journey: nutrition and exercise. They share their own experiences of swapping processed foods for home-cooked meals, how small changes in diet can make a big difference, and why balance (not perfection) is the key to staying consistent. The lads also dive into exercise, challenging common misconce...

This special episode marks one year of the Big Fellas Podcast! Darren and Mark take a trip down memory lane, revisiting the car park conversation after a Man v Fat game that sparked the idea for the show. Since then, Big Fellas has grown into a platform that’s reached nearly 10,000 downloads , sharing real men’s stories and tackling the ups and downs of weight loss. The lads reflect on their favou...

In this unforgettable episode of Big Fellas, Darren and Mark sit down with Lee Ashbourne, a man who has achieved the extraordinary, losing a staggering 25 stone (351 pounds). Lee opens up about his past struggles, including a devastating accident that left him housebound and unable to move for nearly 16 years. From an initial weight of over 47 stone, Lee explains the pivotal turning points that pu...

In this episode of Big Fellas, Darren and Mark tackle the shocking news that the cost of Mounjaro, a leading weight loss medication, is set to rise by a staggering 170%. They break down why this price increase is happening, from the initial pricing strategies used to gain traction to the wider implications for people relying on the drug. With affordability now a major concern, the lads explore how...

In this episode of Big Fellas, Mark is joined by fitness coach Tommy, who brings a wealth of knowledge in integrative health, shaped by his own battles with eczema, allergies, and gut issues. Tommy explains how poor gut health can affect everything from skin conditions to allergies, sleep, and even weight loss. He shares the science behind nutrient absorption, the impact of stress on digestion, an...

In this episode of Big Fellas, Darren and Mark sit down with Michael to hear the incredible story of his six-stone weight loss, and the role Mounjaro played in his transformation. Michael opens up about the turning point that made him take action: struggling with sleep apnea at 140 kilos and knowing something had to change. He shares the steps he took, starting with healthier eating habits before...

This week on Big Fellas, Darren and Mark are joined by Aaron, a standout member of the Man v Fat community and winner of the Most Active Player award. Aaron shares his incredible transformation story, going from 19 stone to training for Ultra Marathons. But this isn’t just about the physical change. Aaron opens up about the mental and emotional side of his journey, how accountability, calorie trac...

In this episode of Big Fellas, Darren and Mark take a deep dive into the world of energy drinks, a modern habit many men don’t think twice about. From caffeine overload to disrupted sleep and cravings that sabotage weight loss goals, they unpack the hidden dangers behind the shiny cans. The lads break it all down in their usual straight-talking style: the clever marketing, the hidden ingredients,...

In this episode, Darren and Mark are joined by Ben Obese-Jecty, the newly elected Member of Parliament for Huntingdonshire. Ben shares his inspiring journey from the front lines of Iraq and Afghanistan to the corridors of Westminster. With honest reflections on military life, public service, and what drives him to make a difference, Ben opens up about the challenges of becoming an MP, the fight ag...

This week, Mark sits down with Sam Brown, a gut health specialist and nutritionist, to talk about how what’s going on in your gut could be the key to feeling better, losing weight, and boosting your mood. Sam shares her powerful story of living with Crohn’s disease and how she turned things around by changing her diet. That experience led her to help others understand how much gut health affects t...

This episode is the coming together of football and weight loss, as we welcome Ben and Will from the Football Drop Podcast. Together, we explore how engaging in football can serve as a catalyst for achieving weight loss goals and promoting a healthier lifestyle. Our conversation highlights the importance of community support within the Man v Fat league, which serves as a motivating factor for indi...

We’re halfway through 2025, so it’s time for a team talk . In this special “half-time” episode, Darren and Mark step off the pitch to reflect on the first six months of the year. Whether you've been smashing your goals or sliding into your old habits, this is your chance to reset, refocus, and get ready for the second half. We talk honestly about how our weight loss journeys have been going since...

Darren and Mark are accompanied by the distinguished Dexter, a celebrated member of the Man V Fat Hall of Fame, who has achieved remarkable success in his weight loss journey. Dexter has commendably lost an impressive ten stone through the programme, a testament to his dedication and resilience. Throughout our discussion, we explored the methodologies that underpinned his transformation, particula...

The discussion surrounding testosterone, the principal male hormone, reveals its profound influence on various aspects of male health, particularly the detrimental effects associated with its deficiency. In our exploration, we elucidate how a lack of testosterone can manifest in symptoms such as diminished libido, erectile dysfunction, and a notable decline in mood and energy levels. Our conversat...

The remarkable journey of Josh Deegan, a Man v Fat Hall of Fame inductee, serves as a testament to the transformative power of determination and community in the realm of weight loss. Having achieved a staggering loss of 60 kilos, equivalent to nearly nine and a half stone, Josh recounts his experiences and the pivotal moments that led him to this significant milestone in his life. Throughout our...