Mental health isn’t just something Rob Hennessy talks about—it’s something he’s lived.Find Rob here -https://www.instagram.com/rob_hennessy_decor?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, Rob opens up about the experiences that have shaped him, from debilitating anxiety that has left him completely floored on more than one occasion, to the physical and mental challenge of recovering from a serious workplace accident that left him with a broken leg.Rather than allowing those moments to define him, Rob has turned his experiences into a mission: helping others realise that it’s okay not to be okay. Through his unwavering commitment to community, connection, and creating safe spaces for people to talk, he’s become a passionate advocate for improving mental health and encouraging honest conversations.Together, we explore what anxiety really feels like, how trauma can affect every aspect of life, and the practical habits, mindset shifts, and support systems that have helped Rob navigate some of his darkest moments. We also discuss why community matters so much, the life-changing impact of checking in on the people around us, and why two simple words—“Well done”—can be incredibly powerful when someone takes the brave step of asking for help.Whether you’re facing your own mental health challenges, supporting someone who is, or simply want to understand more about resilience and the power of human connection, this episode is full of honesty, hope, and practical takeaways.In this episode, we discuss:* Rob’s personal battle with anxiety and the moments that brought him to his knees* Recovering physically and mentally after a serious workplace accident* The importance of community and creating safe spaces to talk* Why vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness* Practical ways to manage anxiety and build resilience* The power of purpose, connection, and supporting others* Why small conversations can make a life-changing differenceIf this conversation resonates with you, please share it with someone who might need to hear it. You never know whose life could be changed by a single conversation.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Podcasting and Mental Health Conversations01:44 Rob Hennessy's Journey with Mental Health06:35 Childhood Influences on Mental Health11:44 Navigating Adult Life with Anxiety16:54 The Role of Counseling and Medication in Mental Health19:07 Managing Mental Health: The Journey Begins21:54 Tools for Mental Wellness: Journaling and Daily Routines25:36 Understanding Anxiety: Personal Experiences and Insights28:49 The Importance of Open Conversations About Mental Health31:45 Reaching In: Supporting Others in Their Struggles35:42 Creating Safe Spaces: The Role of Community39:51 The Power of Connection: Personal Stories and Support Networks47:48 From Breakdown to Breakthrough: A Personal Transformation51:47 Facing Darkness: A Personal Journey57:45 The Value of Trauma and Shared Experiences01:03:48 Investing in Yourself: The Importance of Self-Care01:09:47 Education and Mental Health: A Call for Change01:15:49 Finding Purpose Through Adversity: A New Path01:18:11 Overcoming Adversity: A Personal Journey01:21:52 Mental Health and Recovery01:28:43 Financial Struggles and Self-Employment01:30:42 Community Support and Connection01:33:48 Ambassadorships and Industry Recognition01:39:56 Looking Ahead: Future Opportunities

He started filming videos with fighters… now he’s one of the biggest personalities in MMA social media. But who is Kian King when the cameras stop rolling?Find Big Boy MMA here - https://www.instagram.com/bigboymma__?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==In this episode of The Talking Tradesman, I sit down with Kian King, better known as Big Boy MMA, to go beyond the viral clips and discover the person behind one of combat sport’s fastest-growing brands.From his upbringing and the experiences that shaped him, to building a platform that now gives him access to some of the biggest names in mixed martial arts, Kian opens up about the journey that very few people get to hear.We also dive into his infamous body shot challenge, where he’s willingly taking brutal shots from some of the hardest hitters in combat sports in pursuit of his ultimate goal—earning a UFC ticket. Along the way, he shares the physical and mental toll it’s taken, the stories behind some of the biggest names he’s worked with, and why he’s willing to keep putting himself on the line. Naturally, the conversation heads deep into the fight game. We discuss the biggest personalities in MMA, the rise of influencer boxing, the evolution of bare-knuckle fighting, and what the future holds for combat sports. Kian also shares behind-the-scenes stories from working with elite fighters, how social media has changed the industry forever, and what really goes on away from the cameras.But more than anything, this is a conversation about ambition. About backing yourself, creating opportunities where none exist, and turning a genuine passion into a career.Whether you’re an MMA fanatic, fascinated by the creator economy, or simply enjoy hearing the stories behind successful people, there’s plenty to take away from this one.In this episode we cover:* The real story behind Big Boy MMA* Kian King’s upbringing and life before social media* Building one of the UK’s fastest-growing MMA platforms* The insane body shot challenge and the pursuit of UFC tickets* Behind-the-scenes stories with some of the biggest names in combat sports* The future of MMA, influencer boxing and bare-knuckle fighting* The reality of building a career through social media* What it really takes to turn passion into purposeChapters00:00 Introduction to Big Boy MMA02:12 The Journey of Kean King10:40 School Days and Early Experiences11:43 Career Aspirations and Early Jobs13:08 The Body Shot Everyday Series17:50 Meeting MMA Legends22:15 Building Trust in the MMA Community25:46 The Future of Combat Sports and Predictions27:09 The Eddie Hall vs. Tommy Fury Showdown31:35 Influencer Boxing and Personal Aspirations34:29 Navigating the World of Social Media and Confidence40:29 Mental Health and Body Image in the Spotlight42:55 The Impact of Social Media Fame48:55 Weight Cuts and Fighter Health53:34 Surprising Encounters with Fighters54:18 The Social Side of Fighting56:53 Authenticity in Podcasting58:45 The Down-to-Earth Nature of Influencers01:00:35 The Hardest Hits in Combat Sports01:04:47 The Rise of Bare Knuckle Fighting01:08:46 Memorable Fighters and Their Stories01:14:50 The Importance of Staying Grounded01:20:46 Final Thoughts and Motivational Messages

From Eating Disorders, Trauma & Addiction to High Performance | James Roffey

What does it take to rebuild yourself when life has completely broken you down?

In this powerful episode of The Talking Tradesman, I sit down with James Roffey, a high-performance mindset coach whose own journey through trauma, eating disorders, addiction, and mental health struggles has shaped the work he now does helping others transform their lives.

At just 17 years old, James developed an eating disorder that would consume more than a decade of his life. What started as anorexia eventually developed into bulimia, leading him down a path of self-destruction, poor mental health, and a battle to find his identity beyond the struggles he was facing. After years of recovery, self-development, and rebuilding his life from the ground up, James has gone on to coach business owners, leaders, and high-performing men to improve their mindset, health, and overall performance.

This isn’t just a conversation about mental health.

It’s a conversation about what it means to be a man in today’s world.

We discuss the pressures men face, why so many suffer in silence, the impact of childhood experiences on adult behaviour, and why physical health, fitness, purpose, and accountability are often the foundations for improving mental wellbeing.

James shares his own lived experience of trauma, recovery, and resilience, whilst also drawing upon years of coaching experience working with men who are struggling with confidence, direction, stress, burnout, and self-worth. We explore the mindset shifts that create lasting change, why self-awareness is one of the most powerful skills you can develop, and how small daily habits can completely alter the trajectory of your life.

We also dive into practical strategies around performance, including fitness, nutrition, recovery, sleep optimisation, biohacking, and the use of technology to improve both physical and mental wellbeing. More importantly, we discuss how these principles can be applied in the real world, particularly within the construction industry, where long hours, physical demands, financial pressure, and poor mental health continue to affect thousands of tradespeople every day.

James explains how he has developed coaching programmes specifically designed for tradespeople, helping them improve their physical health, mindset, energy levels, productivity, and overall quality of life without unrealistic expectations or complicated routines.

This is an honest conversation about adversity, accountability, resilience, masculinity, personal growth, and what it really takes to become the best version of yourself.

In this episode we discuss:

• James’ battle with anorexia and bulimia

• Trauma, addiction, and mental health recovery

• The challenges facing men in modern society

• Why so many men struggle to ask for help

• Mindset, discipline, and personal responsibility

• Fitness and mental health

• High-performance coaching principles

• Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

• Biohacking, sleep, recovery, and productivity

• Building habits that create lasting change

• The unique challenges faced by tradespeople

• Improving physical and mental wellbeing in construction

Whether you’re a tradesperson, business owner, parent, or someone simply trying to improve their life, this episode is packed with practical insights, honest conversation, and valuable lessons from somebody who’s lived through the darkest moments and come out the other side.