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.

How to Talk About Suicide - Rose Rowkins on Prevention, Stigma & Saving LivesSuicide remains one of the biggest public health challenges we face, yet many of us still feel uncomfortable talking about it.In this powerful and essential episode of The Talking Tradesman Podcast, I sit down with Rose Rowkins, a psychotherapist, speaker, and suicide prevention specialist who has dedicated her career to helping people develop the confidence and skills needed to support those in crisis. Through her work delivering suicide prevention training and founding Start The Conversation, Rose has helped countless individuals and organisations understand how open, honest conversations can save lives. Find Rose here -https://www.instagram.com/start_the_conv?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Together, we tackle one of society’s most difficult subjects.How do we recognise when someone is struggling? What do we say if we’re worried about a friend, colleague, family member, or workmate? Why are so many people still afraid to talk openly about suicide? And what role do all of us have in preventing it?Rose shares practical advice, real-world experience, and simple but powerful tools that can help anyone start these conversations with confidence. We explore the myths surrounding suicide, the warning signs that are often missed, and why asking direct questions could be the first step towards getting someone the support they need.We also discuss the unique challenges facing the construction industry, where stigma, isolation, and a culture of “getting on with it” can often stop people from speaking up when they’re struggling.This isn’t a conversation about having all the answers.It’s about understanding that you don’t need to be a therapist to make a difference. Sometimes the most important thing you can do is start the conversation.In this episode:* How to talk to someone you’re worried about* Suicide prevention myths and misconceptions* Recognising warning signs and risk factors* Why people often struggle in silence* Mental health and suicide in construction* Building confidence to have difficult conversations* Reducing stigma around suicide and mental health* Practical tools that could help save a lifeIf you’ve ever worried about someone but didn’t know what to say, this episode is for you.The conversation could feel uncomfortable.Not having it could cost far more.Chapters00:00 Understanding Suicide and Its Impact04:19 The Journey into Suicide Prevention08:47 The Role of Friends in Suicide Prevention10:36 Reaching In: A New Approach to Support15:03 The Importance of Starting Conversations15:34 First Aid for Mental Health20:49 The Reality of Suicidal Thoughts24:52 The Need for Honest Conversations31:51 Creating Safe Spaces in Communities35:34 The Ripple Effect of Suicide38:22 Support Systems for Survivors of Suicide41:42 Introduction and Setting the Stage43:20 Trusting Your Gut: Starting Conversations About Mental Health46:36 Tools for Talking About Suicide48:43 Navigating the Conversation: Where and When to Talk51:09 The Importance of Active Listening53:22 Understanding the Impact of Fixing vs. Listening55:56 Recognizing Signs of Distress Beyond Words59:25 The Role of Community in Mental Health01:01:48 Learning from the Past: Recognizing Signs of Distress01:03:40 The Need for Proactive Engagement01:14:38 Creating a Livable Life: Beyond Conversations01:18:38 Building Community Connections01:22:13 Honoring Those Lost: Speak Their Name Initiative