Big Hype Podcast with Jonathan Millard

Adam Geelan: The Kit Man to Hit Man's Path to the Lonsdale Belt

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2381792/fan_mail/new] In this educational interview, rising boxer Adam Gielin breaks down his journey from the amateur ranks to the professional game—what pushed him to take boxing seriously, how he’s learned through early fights, and what it really takes to keep progressing. Adam shares details on his training routine, mindset, and “toe-to-toe” fighting style, plus the lessons he’s picked up from stepping up levels and fighting away from home. Along the way, he highlights the importance of consistency, resilience, and having the right people around you, and explains why staying ready matters when opportunities appear unexpectedly. The conversation finishes with Adam’s ambitions for titles— including chasing the Central Area title and ultimately the Lonsdale belt—plus a quickfire final round covering memorable moments from both boxing and football (including his link to Sheffield United). Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/Voiceofthevale]  Thanks for tuning in to the Big Hype Podcast. We're so glad you're here. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review on your favourite podcast platform. And remember, Believe the hype, it's time to fight. Follow us on @bighypepodcast.

Coza Mustafa: Boxing - The Ultimate Medicine for Mental Health

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2381792/fan_mail/new] In this episode, Jonathan Millard sits down with boxer Corrie to dive deep into the transformative power of the ring. From the high-stakes world of white-collar boxing to the rising semi-pro scene, Corrie shares how the sport saved his mental health and provided the structure he needed to thrive. Corrie opens up about his daily training routines, the reality of handling pre-fight nerves, and why he believes boxing is a "form of medicine" for anyone struggling with their mental well-being. With a goal of 10 fights this year and aspirations to turn professional, he’s not just fighting for titles—he’s fighting to build a community and open an accessible gym for the next generation. "I can't quit, I can't quit mate." Key Takeaways: Boxing as Resilience: How the sport serves as a powerful outlet for emotional strength and mental clarity. The Power of Routine: The importance of structure, discipline, and the grind of solo training. Leveling Up: The technical and mental transition from white-collar matches to the semi-pro circuit. A Vision for Change: Corrie’s mission for mental health advocacy and making boxing accessible for local youth. Chapter Markers: 00:00 – Introduction and Background 00:56 – Boxing as a Mental Health Outlet 04:43 – Daily Life and Training Routine 07:22 – Lessons Learned in Training 09:53 – Differences in Boxing Styles 12:45 – Experiences in Different Boxing Formats 14:46 – Handling Nerves and Mental Preparation 17:33 – Boxing Style and Self-Assessment 20:19 – The Journey of a Boxer 21:33 – Emotional Resilience in Defeat 23:32 – Vision for the Future: Going Pro 25:31 – Creating a Positive Impact through Boxing 27:33 – The Power of Community and Connection 29:01 – Upcoming Fights and Ambitions 32:20 – Final Thoughts and Reflections Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! You can follow Corrie’s journey to the pro ranks by following us on social media. #Boxing #MentalHealth #Training #SemiProBoxing #WhiteCollarBoxing #MentalHealthAdvocacy #BoxingMotivation #FitnessRoutine Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/Voiceofthevale]  Thanks for tuning in to the Big Hype Podcast. We're so glad you're here. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review on your favourite podcast platform. And remember, Believe the hype, it's time to fight. Follow us on @bighypepodcast.

Jason Jenkins: Living Two Lives: Pro MMA Fighter & Rock Drummer

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2381792/fan_mail/new] In this episode of the Big Hype Podcast, host Jonathan Millard sits down with Jason Jenkins—a unique talent balancing two demanding worlds: professional MMA and music. Jason shares how his journey began with Taekwondo at a local gym and evolved into a pro career with 10 professional fights, including the step up in production and pressure that comes with bigger promotions like Cage Warriors. We also talk about what makes MMA so addictive, why it stands out from other combat sports, and what it’s really like travelling abroad to fight (including experiences in Greece and Cyprus). On the music side, Jason opens up about playing in a band, the grind of promoting original music, and how injuries have shaped (but not stopped) his next chapter—both inside and outside the cage. Key takeaways * From Taekwondo beginnings to professional MMA * The jump from amateur shows to pro promotions (including Cage Warriors) * Why “MMA just excites me” (and what makes it different) * Fighting abroad: travel, preparation, and pressure * Balancing training camps with a music career * Injury setbacks—and the mindset to come back stronger Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jason Jenkins  02:16 Transitioning from Amateur to Professional  03:05 Experiences in Cage Warriors  04:36 The Impact of Local Legends in MMA  05:19 Boxing Background and Experiences  06:48 Fighting on Various Platforms  07:57 Preference for MMA Over Other Disciplines  08:47 Understanding MMA for New Viewers  11:23 Fighting Abroad: Experiences in Greece and Cyprus  13:23 Training and Preparing for Fights Abroad  14:41 Balancing Music and Fighting Career  15:12 The Music Scene and Upcoming Projects  17:26 Unique Stage Presence and Performance Style  18:57 Signature Acts and Social Media Presence  19:18 The Evolution of Music and Content Creation  20:44 Journey into Drumming: Influences and Inspirations  22:17 Dream Collaborations: Bands and Future Aspirations  24:15 Overcoming Challenges: Injuries and Future Goals  27:42 Engaging with Fans: Social Media and Community  30:13 Closing Thoughts and Future Events Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/Voiceofthevale]  Thanks for tuning in to the Big Hype Podcast. We're so glad you're here. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review on your favourite podcast platform. And remember, Believe the hype, it's time to fight. Follow us on @bighypepodcast.

Nicola Hopewell: From Fitness Enthusiast to Flyweight Champion

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2381792/fan_mail/new] In this episode of the Big Hype Podcast, host Jonathan Millard sits down with the reigning Flyweight Champion, Nicola Hopewell. Nicola's story is one of incredible transformation—starting as a fitness enthusiast who just wanted to get in shape, she evolved into a dominant force in professional women's boxing. We dive deep into her transition from the amateur ranks to the professional scene, the mental grit required to bounce back from losses, and the emotional journey of capturing the Commonwealth and IBO titles. Whether you are an aspiring athlete or a fan of the sweet science, Nicola's insights on training, investment in self, and championship mindset are a must-watch. ✨ Key Takeaways: * The Accidental Boxer: How Nicola went from a fitness class to a stoppage victory in her first amateur fight. * The Pro Transition: The reality of media, promotion, and the step up in competition when turning professional. * Championship Mindset: Why Nicola believes losses are valuable lessons and how she prepared mentally to win the IBO title. * The Future: Nicola's goals for collecting more belts and her passion for mentoring the next generation of fighters. 🕒 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Nicola Hopewell  01:09 Journey into Boxing: From Fitness to Competition  04:13 The Transition from Amateur to Professional Boxing  08:47 First Professional Fight: Expectations and Reality  12:04 Challenges of Professional Boxing: Media and Promotion  14:42 Facing Adversity: The Commonwealth Title Fight  17:21 Bouncing Back: Learning from Losses  19:47 Defending the Title: Pressure and Preparation  21:35 Training Camp: A Day in the Life of a Boxer  23:50 Building a Supportive Team  24:18 Preparing for the Championship Fight  25:50 Mental Preparation and Visualization Techniques  27:44 Learning from Past Experiences  28:24 Training Challenges and Sparring Dynamics  30:06 The Emotional Victory of Winning the Title  31:32 Transitioning to a New Management Team  34:04 Future Aspirations and Goals  36:29 Acknowledging Supporters and Sponsors  38:29 Life After Boxing and Future Plans  38:43 The Final Round: Quickfire Questions 🔗 Connect with the Show: * Subscribe to Big Hype Podcast: [Link] * Follow Nicola Hopewell: [Link] * Follow Jonathan Millard: [Link] 🏷️ Keywords: #Boxing #NicolaHopewell #WomensBoxing #ProBoxing #CommonwealthChampion #IBOTitle #BoxingTraining #SportsMotivation #BigHypePodcast #BoxingJourney #AthleteMindset Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/Voiceofthevale]  Thanks for tuning in to the Big Hype Podcast. We're so glad you're here. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review on your favourite podcast platform. And remember, Believe the hype, it's time to fight. Follow us on @bighypepodcast.

Billy Pickle: Balancing Bricks and Belts...

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2381792/fan_mail/new] In this episode of the Big Hype podcast, host Jonathan Millard interviews professional boxer Billy Pickles, who shares his journey from amateur boxing to the professional scene. Billy discusses his early involvement in boxing, the challenges he faced, and the lessons he learned from tough fights. He reflects on his recent achievements, including a championship win, and outlines his aspirations for the future. The conversation also touches on life outside the ring and the dedication required to succeed in boxing. Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/Voiceofthevale]  Thanks for tuning in to the Big Hype Podcast. We're so glad you're here. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review on your favourite podcast platform. And remember, Believe the hype, it's time to fight. Follow us on @bighypepodcast.