エピソード

  • From Soldier to Champion - Dale Fenton (Elite Podcast #48)
    2025/12/21

    In this episode, Dale Fenton, a former paratrooper and bare-knuckle boxing champion, shares his journey from military service to the boxing ring. He discusses the challenges of training with injuries, his advocacy for mental health among veterans, and the thrill of bare-knuckle fighting. Dale emphasizes the importance of rehabilitation through combat sports and the support he receives from the community. He also reflects on his future aspirations in the sport and the ongoing battles he faces with his health and compensation claims.

    Chapters
    00:00 From Soldier to Fighter: The Journey Begins
    07:23 Mental Health Advocacy: A Personal Mission
    10:22 The Impact of Injury: A Soldier's Story
    21:57 Bare-Knuckle Boxing: The Thrill of Combat
    30:46 Future Aspirations: The Road Ahead


    The Elite Podcast is a brand-new show where host Lee Matthews speaks to individuals who are at the top of their industry and profession. The guests will be from different backgrounds including combat sports, military, and business to coaching. Lee will be finding out along with you why they have become the best in their fields and enjoyed acclaimed success and what they all share – their determination to become ELITE in their field.

    Lee Matthews is a former paratrooper, kickboxing world champion and now entrepreneur. He is the owner of the UK's biggest chain of martial arts centres.

    Follow Lee on social media for more:
    ▶︎ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lee.matthewsbmma
    ▶︎ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/leematthewsofficial/
    ▶︎ Lee’s Book - https://shorturl.at/fyGI7

    Recorded and Produced by Liverpool Podcast Studios
    ▶︎ Web - http://www.liverpoolpodcaststudios.com
    ▶︎ Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/liverpoolpodcaststudios
    ▶︎ LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/company/liverpool-podcast-studios

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    34 分
  • From Fan to Commentator: A Journey in Combat Sports - Ben 'Bane' Davis (Elite Podcast #47)
    2025/12/09

    In this episode, Lee speaks with Ben the Bane Davis, a seasoned play-by-play commentator in the combat sports arena. They discuss Ben's journey into the world of combat sports, his experiences working with various organizations, and the unique dynamics of broadcasting. The conversation also touches on Total Kombat, the importance of networking in the fight game, and the evolving perceptions of martial arts. Ben shares insights on the art of commentary, the significance of connecting with fighters, and the thrill of competition, all while maintaining a light-hearted and humorous tone.


    Chapters:
    00:00 Introduction to Combat Sports Commentary
    02:41 The Journey into Combat Sports
    05:46 Networking in the Fight Game
    09:04 The Art of Broadcasting
    11:49 Total Kombat Experience
    15:02 Upcoming Events and Expectations
    17:54 Highlighting Talented Fighters
    21:06 Changing Perceptions of Martial Arts
    23:49 Personal Experiences in Fighting
    26:48 The Impact of Competing on Commentary
    29:41 Conclusion and Future Endeavors

    The Elite Podcast is a brand-new show where host Lee Matthews speaks to individuals who are at the top of their industry and profession. The guests will be from different backgrounds including combat sports, military, and business to coaching. Lee will be finding out along with you why they have become the best in their fields and enjoyed acclaimed success and what they all share – their determination to become ELITE in their field.

    Lee Matthews is a former paratrooper, kickboxing world champion and now entrepreneur. He is the owner of the UK's biggest chain of martial arts centres.

    Follow Lee on social media for more:
    ▶︎ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lee.matthewsbmma
    ▶︎ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/leematthewsofficial/
    ▶︎ Lee’s Book - https://shorturl.at/fyGI7

    Recorded and Produced by Liverpool Podcast Studios
    ▶︎ Web - http://www.liverpoolpodcaststudios.com
    ▶︎ Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/liverpoolpodcaststudios
    ▶︎ LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/company/liverpool-podcast-studios

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    32 分
  • From Paratrooper to Ultra-Athlete: A Journey of Resilience - Ashley Mitchard (Elite Podcast #46)
    2025/11/28

    In this conversation, Ashley Mitchard, a former paratrooper and ultra-athlete, shares his journey from joining the army at a young age to overcoming personal challenges related to mental health and alcohol. He discusses the importance of discipline learned in the military, the struggles of transitioning to civilian life, and how he found purpose through running and raising awareness for mental health. Ashley emphasizes the need for young men to seek help and the impact of sharing his story to inspire others.


    Chapters
    00:00 From School to Soldier: The Journey Begins
    03:01 Facing Challenges: The Reality of Military Life
    05:57 The Impact of Upbringing on Military Experience
    08:51 The Best and Worst: Reflections on Army Life
    11:43 Struggles with Alcohol: A Personal Battle
    14:32 Finding Purpose: The Road to Recovery
    17:34 Running for Mental Health: 26 Marathons in 26 Weeks
    20:31 Chasing Challenges: The Journey to the Eiffel Tower
    24:16 Inspiring Others: The Impact of Running for Mental Health
    24:43 Navigating Life After the Military: Finding Purpose
    29:49 Future Aspirations: Personal Training and Helping Others
    31:06 Pushing Limits: Upcoming Ultra Marathons and Charity Work
    39:28 Embracing Individuality: Balancing Military Discipline and Personal Identity

    The Elite Podcast is a brand-new show where host Lee Matthews speaks to individuals who are at the top of their industry and profession. The guests will be from different backgrounds including combat sports, military, and business to coaching. Lee will be finding out along with you why they have become the best in their fields and enjoyed acclaimed success and what they all share – their determination to become ELITE in their field.

    Lee Matthews is a former paratrooper, kickboxing world champion and now entrepreneur. He is the owner of the UK's biggest chain of martial arts centres.

    Follow Lee on social media for more:
    ▶︎ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lee.matthewsbmma
    ▶︎ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/leematthewsofficial/
    ▶︎ Lee’s Book - https://shorturl.at/fyGI7

    Recorded and Produced by Liverpool Podcast Studios
    ▶︎ Web - http://www.liverpoolpodcaststudios.com
    ▶︎ Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/liverpoolpodcaststudios
    ▶︎ LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/company/liverpool-podcast-studios

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    41 分
  • Special Forces Warrant Officer - Matthew Hellyer (Elite Podcast #45)
    2025/11/18

    In this powerful episode of The Elite Podcast, we sit down with former UK Special Forces Warrant Officer and CEO of Pilgrim Bandits, Matt Hellyer.

    Matt’s story goes far beyond elite military service. From 3 PARA to the SAS, frontline operations, surviving cancer, fighting for veterans’ rights, and enduring the unimaginable loss of his son — this conversation is raw, honest, and deeply inspiring.

    We cover everything:
    • Life inside Airborne Forces
    • What SAS selection is really like
    • Real-world Special Forces operations
    • The rise in UK terror threats
    • Failures in veteran support & government policy
    • Mental resilience when tragedy strikes
    • How Matt channels pain into purpose through Pilgrim Bandits


    00:00:00 Choosing the Special Forces Path
    00:00:51 Matt Hellyer Introduction
    00:01:05 Pilgrim Bandits & Charity Work
    00:03:44 Cancer Diagnosis & Military Support Failures
    00:08:25 Early Army Life & Joining 3 PARA
    00:12:21 Depot PARA Memories & Regimental Culture
    00:16:57 Life in Northern Ireland & Dover Move
    00:18:39 SAS Selection & Mindset Shift
    00:20:21 PARA vs SAS Culture Differences
    00:22:40 Skills & Training Inside UKSF
    00:26:57 No-Duff Callout & Deployment to Africa
    00:34:15 Frontline Realities & Conflict Horrors
    00:39:36 UK Terror Threat & Speaking Out
    00:42:20 Veteran Community Issues & Legal Battles
    00:53:01 Resilience & The Loss of His Son
    00:58:50 Processing Grief & Finding Support

    The Elite Podcast is a brand-new show where host Lee Matthews speaks to individuals who are at the top of their industry and profession. The guests will be from different backgrounds including combat sports, military, and business to coaching. Lee will be finding out along with you why they have become the best in their fields and enjoyed acclaimed success and what they all share – their determination to become ELITE in their field.

    Lee Matthews is a former paratrooper, kickboxing world champion and now entrepreneur. He is the owner of the UK's biggest chain of martial arts centres.

    Follow Lee on social media for more:
    ▶︎ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lee.matthewsbmma
    ▶︎ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/leematthewsofficial/
    ▶︎ Lee’s Book - https://shorturl.at/fyGI7

    Recorded and Produced by Liverpool Podcast Studios
    ▶︎ Web - http://www.liverpoolpodcaststudios.com
    ▶︎ Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/liverpoolpodcaststudios
    ▶︎ LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/company/liverpool-podcast-studios

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    1 時間 1 分
  • World Sport Karate Champion - Robbie Lavoie (Elite Podcast #44)
    2025/11/07

    In this episode, Lee sits down with Robbie Lavoie, a true legend in the world of sport karate and kickboxing — a World Champion who’s competed across the globe, evolving from traditional tatami competition to the cutting edge of Total Kombat.

    Robbie shares the mindset, discipline, and philosophy that shaped his career — from his early days on the mats in Canada to representing his country on the world stage. With decades of experience, Robbie breaks down the psychology of competition, the importance of mental preparation, and what separates good fighters from great ones.

    You’ll also hear stories about:

    The evolution of sport karate and WAKO competition 🥋

    How the Total Kombat format brings out new levels of creativity and danger

    Training routines, visualization, and lifelong discipline

    What it means to stay humble, hungry, and motivated after world titles

    His advice to the next generation of fighters entering combat sports

    This is an episode packed with insight, experience, and inspiration from one of the most respected figures in the game.

    00:00 Intro & welcome
    00:32 Early beginnings in martial arts
    02:20 Discovering sport karate and his first world championships
    05:05 The mindset behind becoming a world champion
    07:45 Training discipline and consistency over the years
    10:18 Competing on the global stage with Team Canada
    12:54 How sport karate evolved into modern formats
    15:30 Transitioning into Total Kombat and adapting to new rules
    18:20 The psychological edge – staying composed under pressure
    20:05 What separates top athletes from the rest
    23:40 How visualization and mental rehearsal changed his approach
    26:15 Lessons from loss and long-term motivation
    29:00 Advice for young fighters entering the sport
    32:05 Staying connected to the martial arts community
    35:10 Legacy, purpose, and the next chapter
    37:55 Closing thoughts & thank yous

    The Elite Podcast is a brand-new show where host Lee Matthews speaks to individuals who are at the top of their industry and profession. The guests will be from different backgrounds including combat sports, military, and business to coaching. Lee will be finding out along with you why they have become the best in their fields and enjoyed acclaimed success and what they all share – their determination to become ELITE in their field.

    Lee Matthews is a former paratrooper, kickboxing world champion and now entrepreneur. He is the owner of the UK's biggest chain of martial arts centres.

    Follow Lee on social media for more:
    ▶︎ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lee.matthewsbmma
    ▶︎ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/leematthewsofficial/
    ▶︎ Lee’s Book - https://shorturl.at/fyGI7

    Recorded and Produced by Liverpool Podcast Studios
    ▶︎ Web - http://www.liverpoolpodcaststudios.com
    ▶︎ Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/liverpoolpodcaststudios
    ▶︎ LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/company/liverpool-podcast-studios

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    38 分
  • Worlds Fastest Knockout - Tony "The Axe Man" Stephenson (Elite Podcast #43)
    2025/10/31

    This episode, Lee sits down with Tony "The Axe Man" Stephenson, the man behind the world’s fastest knockout in Total Kombat history — a viral finish that’s been viewed over 9 million times across social media.

    Tony shares the story behind his spectacular knockout, the mindset that drove him to bounce back from controversial losses, and how years of Tatami kickboxing and Olympic Taekwondo shaped his unique striking style.

    From building a custom Total Kombat-style oval in his garden to earning praise from legends like Michael “Venom” Page, Tony dives deep into how technique, mindset, and creativity forged his viral moment.

    You’ll also hear powerful reflections on:

    Turning disappointment into motivation 💪

    The grind of amateur martial arts and what it teaches kids

    Competing for GB Taekwondo and lessons from Olympic-level training

    The balance between fighting, family, and fatherhood

    His future goals — and plans for even more knockouts at Total Kombat

    This is a story of humility, mastery, and redemption — from one of the most exciting strikers to ever step into the oval.

    The Elite Podcast is a brand-new show where host Lee Matthews speaks to individuals who are at the top of their industry and profession. The guests will be from different backgrounds including combat sports, military, and business to coaching. Lee will be finding out along with you why they have become the best in their fields and enjoyed acclaimed success and what they all share – their determination to become ELITE in their field.

    Lee Matthews is a former paratrooper, kickboxing world champion and now entrepreneur. He is the owner of the UK's biggest chain of martial arts centres.

    00:00 Viral KO cold open (9M+ views)
    01:09 Welcome + TKO2 context
    02:12 Background: light-contact kickboxing & Taekwondo
    04:42 The Oval ramp—why it traps fighters
    06:34 KO breakdown: side kick → axe kick → finish
    09:10 Training on a home-built Oval
    11:16 MVP ovation & Fighter of the Night
    16:35 From Bantry to confidence (overcoming a stammer)
    18:59 Tatami grind: resilience & mat time
    24:44 Olympic path, Jiu-Jitsu & “Axe Man” origin
    29:24 TKO1 controversy → mindset & redemption
    34:44 Goals for 2026 + shoutouts, then sign-off

    Follow Lee on social media for more:
    ▶︎ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lee.matthewsbmma
    ▶︎ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/leematthewsofficial/
    ▶︎ Website - www.leematthe

    The Elite Podcast is a brand-new show where host Lee Matthews speaks to individuals who are at the top of their industry and profession. The guests will be from different backgrounds including combat sports, military, and business to coaching. Lee will be finding out along with you why they have become the best in their fields and enjoyed acclaimed success and what they all share – their determination to become ELITE in their field.

    Lee Matthews is a former paratrooper, kickboxing world champion and now entrepreneur. He is the owner of the UK's biggest chain of martial arts centres.

    Follow Lee on social media for more:
    ▶︎ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lee.matthewsbmma
    ▶︎ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/leematthewsofficial/
    ▶︎ Lee’s Book - https://shorturl.at/fyGI7

    Recorded and Produced by Liverpool Podcast Studios
    ▶︎ Web - http://www.liverpoolpodcaststudios.com
    ▶︎ Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/liverpoolpodcaststudios
    ▶︎ LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/company/liverpool-podcast-studios

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    36 分
  • 20 Million Views Viral Knockout Artist - Oisin Brady (Elite Podcast #42)
    2025/10/20

    In this episode, Lee sits down with Oisín “The Natural” Brady, the young Irish kickboxing sensation whose jump spinning back kick knockout went viral with over 9 million views at the time of recording (now 20 million) at Total Kombat TKO 2 in the O2 Arena.

    From humble beginnings in Bantry, West Cork, Oisín shares how his family’s small-town gym became the training ground for world champions — and how his father, coach, and brother form the tight-knit team behind his success.

    He opens up about his mental training routines, visualization techniques, and the deep mindset work that keeps him calm under pressure. Oisín also discusses fighting in memory of his late cousin and best friend, Oisín, whose passing gave new meaning and purpose to every performance.

    The conversation dives deep into the evolution of Tatami fighters, the reality of light contact kickboxing, and how Total Combat’s oval arena is changing the game — blending styles from kickboxing, MMA, and Taekwondo for a new generation of fighters.

    The Elite Podcast is a show where host Lee Matthews speaks to individuals who are at the top of their industry and profession. The guests will be from different backgrounds including combat sports, military, and business to coaching. Lee will be finding out along with you why they have become the best in their fields and enjoyed acclaimed success and what they all share – their determination to become ELITE in their field.

    Lee Matthews is a former paratrooper, kickboxing world champion and now entrepreneur. He is the owner of the UK's biggest chain of martial arts centres.

    Chapters

    00:00 Intro
    00:49 Viral knockout goes global — 9 million views (now 20 million)
    04:54 From Bantry to the O2 Arena
    09:14 How Oisín mastered the jump spinning back kick
    10:53 Training with his dad and brother — building champions at home
    14:11 Mental strength, visualization & gratitude training
    19:06 The cost of amateur competition & sacrifice for success
    23:19 Why Total Kombat is changing the fight game
    25:41 The problem with “light contact” kickboxing
    30:02 Fighting for his cousin Oisín — turning tragedy into purpose
    36:18 Setting goals for 2026 & eyeing a world title
    38:06 Future opponents — the German fighter & Matt Brooks
    40:29 The Total Combat Oval — no ropes, no hiding
    45:50 Closing thoughts & thank yous

    Follow Lee on social media for more:
    ▶︎ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lee.matthewsbmma
    ▶︎ Insta

    The Elite Podcast is a brand-new show where host Lee Matthews speaks to individuals who are at the top of their industry and profession. The guests will be from different backgrounds including combat sports, military, and business to coaching. Lee will be finding out along with you why they have become the best in their fields and enjoyed acclaimed success and what they all share – their determination to become ELITE in their field.

    Lee Matthews is a former paratrooper, kickboxing world champion and now entrepreneur. He is the owner of the UK's biggest chain of martial arts centres.

    Follow Lee on social media for more:
    ▶︎ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lee.matthewsbmma
    ▶︎ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/leematthewsofficial/
    ▶︎ Lee’s Book - https://shorturl.at/fyGI7

    Recorded and Produced by Liverpool Podcast Studios
    ▶︎ Web - http://www.liverpoolpodcaststudios.com
    ▶︎ Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/liverpoolpodcaststudios
    ▶︎ LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/company/liverpool-podcast-studios

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    46 分
  • Former SAS Operator - Lindsay Bruce (Elite Podcast #39)
    2025/10/03

    In this episode of the Elite podcast, host Lee sits down with Lindsay Bruce, former SAS operator turned self-development and mindset coach. Lindsay shares his journey from struggling with self-esteem and dropping out of school to finding a sense of community and brotherhood in the Army. He discusses the importance of dismantling the 'emotional armor' built during military service to navigate the next phase of life. Exploring coaching primarily for men over 40, Lindsay emphasizes the need to reconnect with their true selves and rediscover purpose. The conversation delves into his experiences with psychedelics for self-discovery, the significance of being present, and balancing aggression with empathy. Lindsay's story is a compelling blend of personal struggle, professional achievement, and transformative growth.

    Chapters:
    00:00 Introduction
    00:41 Podcast Introduction and Guest Welcome
    01:37 Lindsay Bruce's Coaching Focus
    03:17 Challenges of Military Transition
    33:48 Personal Development and Overcoming Self-Sabotage
    39:15 The Challenge of Habit Change
    41:29 The Importance of Delayed Gratification in Habits
    55:42 The Role of Visualisation and Self-Discovery
    01:14:46 The Importance of Being Present
    01:18:57 Final Thoughts

    The Elite Podcast is a brand-new show where host Lee Matthews speaks to individuals who are at the top of their industry and profession. The guests will be from different backgrounds including combat sports, military, and business to coaching. Lee will be finding out along with you why they have become the best in their fields and enjoyed acclaimed success and what they all share – their determination to become ELITE in their field.

    Lee Matthews is a former paratrooper, kickboxing world champion and now entrepreneur. He is the owner of the UK's biggest chain of martial arts centres.

    Follow Lee on social media for more:
    ▶︎ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lee.matthewsbmma
    ▶︎ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/leematthewsofficial/
    ▶︎ Lee’s Book - https://shorturl.at/fyGI7

    Recorded and Produced by Liverpool Podcast Studios
    ▶︎ Web - http://www.liverpoolpodcaststudios.com
    ▶︎ Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/liverpoolpodcaststudios
    ▶︎ LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/company/liverpool-podcast-studios

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    1 時間 19 分