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 favourite episodes, the inspiring guests who’ve joined them, and the personal challenges they’ve faced along the way. With honesty and gratitude, they highlight how accountability, community, and relatability are key to long-term success in weight loss.

This episode is both a thank you to the listeners who’ve supported them and a promise of even bigger things to come as Big Fellas heads into its second year.

Key Takeaways:

• Big Fellas celebrates its first anniversary with nearly 10,000 downloads.
• The podcast started after a candid chat following a Man v Fat game.
• Guests over the past year have shared diverse and inspiring journeys.
• Authenticity and relatability set Big Fellas apart from fitness “influencer” culture.
• Weight loss isn’t linear — Darren and Mark share their own challenges.
• Community, accountability, and support are vital for long-term success.

🎯 Sponsored by Man v Fat

Find the support and accountability you need to change your life. Join Man v Fat today with code BIGFELLAS and get £1 registration:

👉 https://manvfatfootball.org/

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 pushed him to begin his journey, the role of medical intervention, and the personal determination that fuelled his transformation.

But this story isn’t just about numbers on the scales. Lee shares the emotional and psychological challenges of extreme weight loss, his battle with emotional eating, and the mindset shifts that helped him not only shed the weight but rebuild his confidence and happiness.

This episode is a powerful reminder of resilience, perseverance, and the importance of addressing both the physical and mental sides of weight loss.

Key Takeaways:

• Lee once weighed over 47 stone and spent years housebound due to injury.
• He has now lost nearly 26 stone through a mix of gastric bypass surgery and sheer determination.
• Overcoming emotional eating was essential for his long-term success.
• Gradual, consistent changes made his incredible weight loss sustainable.
• Mental health and self-motivation are just as important as the physical changes.
• Lee’s story is proof that no matter how big the challenge, transformation is possible.

🎯 Sponsored by Man v Fat

Looking for a supportive community to help you start your journey? Join Man v Fat with code BIGFELLAS and get £1 registration:

👉 https://manvfatfootball.org/

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 this move could widen the gap in access to effective weight loss treatments.

Alongside the analysis, Darren and Mark discuss safer, more cost-effective alternatives, such as Wegovy, and stress the importance of consulting a medical professional before starting any weight loss medication. This episode is all about cutting through the noise, giving listeners the facts, and encouraging proactive, informed decision-making.

Key Takeaways:

• Mounjaro’s price will increase by 170%, making it unaffordable for many.
• The initial low pricing strategy helped Eli Lilly gain market traction.
• This hike risks creating financial divides in access to weight loss treatments.
• Always consult a doctor before starting any weight loss medication.
• Wegovy and other alternatives may provide more affordable options.
• Staying proactive and open to lifestyle-based solutions is key to long-term success.

🎯 Sponsored by Man v Fat

Looking for a proven, supportive way to lose weight? Join Man v Fat today and get £1 registration with code BIGFELLAS:

👉 https://manvfatfootball.org/