From Bullied Kid to Misfits Fighter | Zach Ziggy Johnson Full Story

From Business Owner to Crack Addiction: Mason Cross Opens Up

Mason Cross joins the podcast to share his brutally honest story of addiction, recovery, chemsex, identity, and rebuilding his life. Growing up bisexual and living what he describes as a “normal life,” Mason first got into cocaine at 23 years old. What started as recreational use quickly turned into a 4–5 year cycle of addiction while still functioning day-to-day, going to work, and maintaining relationships. After getting sober and successfully building a business, lockdown during COVID pushed him back into drug use — this time spiralling much deeper into crack cocaine, smoking and eventually injecting it. In this episode we discuss: • Functioning addiction and hiding drug use • Cocaine and crack addiction • Chemsex culture and LGBTQ nightlife • Not having sober sex for 4 years • Relapse during COVID lockdown • Injecting drugs and the mental spiral of addiction • Contracting sepsis and returning to drugs straight after hospital discharge • Cravings during sobriety and staying clean • Transitioning into an OnlyFans creator • The reality of influencer culture and LGBTQ culture today • Recovery, identity, masculinity and rebuilding life after addiction This is one of the rawest and most honest conversations we’ve had on the podcast. #Addiction #Recovery #Chemsex #CrackAddiction #LGBTQ #OnlyFans #Podcast #MentalHealth #Sobriety #DrugAddiction

Fake DNA Results, Lies & Betrayal | The Ryan Hampson Story

Ryan Hampson shares his heartbreaking real-life story of betrayal, fake DNA results, paternity fraud and losing the child he believed was his daughter. After being told another man was the father, Ryan moved on with his life — until months later his ex-partner returned claiming a DNA test proved he was actually the father. Wanting to be a dad, Ryan stepped up completely. He rebuilt the relationship, bought a family home, supported his partner financially and embraced fatherhood. But after 18 months of raising the child as his own, everything came crashing down. A second DNA test revealed Ryan was not the biological father. A third independent test confirmed the devastating truth. Ryan later discovered the original DNA paperwork had allegedly been forged, and the testing company stated they had never carried out the tests at all. In this powerful podcast episode, Ryan opens up about: • Paternity fraud • Fake DNA test results • Betrayal and heartbreak • Losing contact with a child he loved • Civil and criminal court proceedings • The emotional impact on men and families This is one of the most shocking paternity fraud stories in the UK and raises serious questions about trust, family law and justice. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to like, comment and subscribe for more real-life stories and powerful conversations.

Top 0.01% CrossFit Athlete on Autism, ADHD and Mental Health | Reece Mitchell

n this powerful episode, we sit down with former elite CrossFit athlete Reece Mitchell to explore the reality behind competing at the highest level of fitness. Reece shares his journey from becoming the 3rd best CrossFit athlete in the world in his teenage years to reaching the top 0.01% globally as an adult — and the pressure that came with it. We break down: * What CrossFit really is and why it exploded worldwide * What it takes to compete at an elite level * The mental and physical cost of high performance Reece also opens up about growing up with autism and ADHD, describing how it felt like having “a brain split in two” pulling him in different directions. We discuss the importance of awareness, diagnosis, and learning how to live with neurodiversity. This conversation goes deeper into: * His journey with sexuality and self-acceptance * The impact it had on his mental health * Struggles with addiction and coping mechanisms * The pressure of rankings, performance, and identity We also explore men’s mental health, medication, and why more open conversations are needed. Finally, Reece explains why he made the decision to retire from CrossFit, and what comes next.

From Bullied Kid to Misfits Fighter | Zach Ziggy Johnson Full Story

In this episode, we sit down with influencer boxer Zach Ziggy Johnson to dive deep into his journey from growing up in upstate New York to stepping into the ring on Misfits Boxing. Zach opens up about his early life, including dealing with a speech impediment and being bullied throughout school. He shares how those challenges shaped his mindset and pushed him toward sports, eventually leading him into combat sports and professional boxing. We also discuss his experience fighting on Misfits Boxing, competing against tough and experienced opponents, and what it was like fighting Prince Sammy, the son of British boxing legend Prince Naseem Hamed, on a card backed by KSI. Beyond boxing, this conversation goes deeper into men’s mental health, the stigma surrounding it, and why so many men still struggle to speak openly about their challenges. This is a powerful story of resilience, growth, and stepping into the fire both mentally and physically.

War, ISIS & PTSD: The Harsh Reality of a British Soldier | Ryan Yates

What does it really take to become an elite soldier—and what does it cost? In this powerful episode, we sit down with Ryan Yates, a 10-year veteran of the British Army, to uncover a story of resilience, trauma, and redemption. Growing up on a council estate, Ryan always dreamed of becoming a soldier—but his journey was anything but straightforward. From struggling to fit in at a high-end secondary school surrounded by wealth, to failing Army selection at just 15, Ryan’s path was filled with rejection, doubt, and setbacks. But at 16, everything changed. Against the odds, Ryan not only joined the Army—he went on to attempt selection for an elite unit at an age and experience level almost unheard of. Facing brutal physical and mental tests, and competing against seasoned soldiers, he pushed himself beyond limits most never reach. In this episode, Ryan opens up about: * The reality of modern warfare * Losing friends in combat * Operating in high-risk environments, including Iraq * Encounters with ISIS during his close protection work * Ignoring the warning signs of PTSD After leaving the military, Ryan faced a different kind of battle—losing his identity, spiraling into self-destruction, and even attempting to take his own life. Now, he’s turned that pain into purpose. Ryan is the founder of The Veterans Army, a charity dedicated to supporting ex-servicemen and women struggling with mental health, transition to civilian life, and finding purpose again. Through his work, he’s helping others fight the battles many never see. This is not just a war story—it’s a story about survival, brotherhood, and rebuilding from rock bottom.