From Rock Bottom Podcast

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...

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 th...

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.

From childhood abuse to extremism, violence, and suicide attempts — Ben Butler’s story is raw, real, and unforgettable. Growing up in an abusive household, facing daily racial abuse, and struggling with identity, Ben spiraled into drugs, crime, and even joining a neo-Nazi group. In this episode, he opens up about hitting rock bottom, surviving suicide attempts, and how he now mentors youth to brea...

James Young shares his raw journey through alcohol, drug, and gambling addiction after the tragic suicide of his mum. From grief to debt and self-destruction, this is a brutally honest story of loss, addiction, and survival.

⚠️ Content Warning: Childhood abuse, sexual abuse, addiction, and crime. Lee Marvin Hitchman, author of Born in Prison, shares his raw and powerful story — from being born in prison, adopted, and abused, to a lifetime of drug addiction and crime, including time in prison. Now clean, Lee opens up about overcoming trauma and addiction, and the importance of speaking out about sexual abuse. 🎧 Listen...

From boxing champion to prison inmate, from Channel 4’s Repo Man to the depths of cocaine addiction, Marcus Portman’s story is as dark as it is inspiring. A former British Kickboxing and Boxing Champion, Marcus lived with one foot in the ring and the other in the world of gangs, crime, and drugs. He spent time in prison, was stabbed, and nearly lost his life to an eight-year cocaine and steroid ad...

12-0 pro boxer Ollie Cooper, Midlands Champion and ranked 7th in Britain, opens up about his toughest battles outside the ring. From alcohol struggles, street fights, and waking up with anxiety and embarrassment, to the heartbreak that left him feeling lost and empty — Ollie shares the reality behind the gloves, and why he wishes he had opened up sooner.

Ryan Whitehead’s life is a story of struggle, violence, redemption, and resilience. Born to a 17-year-old single mother and raised on a tough council estate, Ryan’s childhood was marked by anger, behavioural struggles, and eventually football hooliganism, alcohol, and drugs. After arrests and years of violence, Ryan turned his life around through boxing — first in white-collar fights and later as...

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Matt Sen, a former professional boxer whose life story is nothing short of extraordinary. Growing up in a single-parent household, Matt faced hunger, neglect, and trauma at an early age. At just 15, his world was turned upside down when his mother was caught smuggling drugs and sent to prison — leaving him to survive alone. With no guidance, Matt was pull...

Will Mahaffey’s life took a tragic turn at just 12 years old when his father died by suicide. Grief consumed his family, and by 14, Will was trapped in the cycle of drug addiction, dealing on the streets, and surviving multiple suicide attempts. Searching for a way out, he joined the British Army and served on one of the bloodiest tours of the war—facing death and trauma head-on. But after a disho...

In this episode, we sit down with Stephen Ruddick, local leader of the nationwide Men’s Walking and Talking support groups, to explore how open conversations and community can transform men’s mental health. We discuss the origins of the movement, the stigma men face around seeking help, and the most common mental health challenges impacting men today. Whether you’re looking for support, curious ab...

In this powerful episode of From Rock Bottom, professional boxer Francy Luzoho shares his raw and inspiring journey from a childhood marked by racism, domestic violence, and abuse to finding freedom and purpose in the boxing ring. Growing up in Ireland after his mother immigrated, Francy endured unimaginable challenges—witnessing his father abuse his mother, suffering at the hands of his stepfathe...

What do you do when the dream you’ve worked for your entire life is ripped away? For Craig Timmins, it was the chance to play alongside David Beckham at LA Galaxy. But one devastating injury ended it all. What followed was heartbreak, eating disorders, depression, and addiction. Yet out of the darkest moments came a second chance at life. Craig rebuilt himself—becoming a personal trainer, a role m...

In this powerful interview, a former British soldier opens up about his tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, the horrors of war, and the lasting impact of PTSD. After a dishonourable discharge, his life spiralled into drug addiction, partying, and regret — until he found the strength to turn it all around. This is a raw, honest conversation about military life, mental health, and redemption. 🎙 About the...

Professional boxer Marco Simmonds shares his deeply personal journey — from being adopted at birth alongside his siblings, to discovering that his mother had died from drug addiction when he was just 13 years old. With his father in and out of prison, Marco turned to boxing as an outlet and a path forward. Now an active professional fighter, he opens up about his constant drive to succeed, the pre...