Episodes

  • EP18: It's not just you doing the sentence, it's your family too.
    May 6 2025

    Nicky Forcer Talks Athletics 🏃‍♂️, Grime 🎤, Prison ⛓️, and Redemption ✨ | The Champ & Contender Podcast

    Welcome to The Champ & Contender Podcast 🎙️ — your go-to spot for raw, real conversations with inspiring figures from all walks of life. In this episode, hosts Joseph J. Jones and Fabian Collymore sit down with the multifaceted Nicky Forcer (aka Nicholas Thomas), who shares his powerful story of athletics, grime music, prison time, bodybuilding transformation, and spiritual redemption. From growing up in East London to representing both Great Britain 🇬🇧 and Jamaica 🇯🇲 in triple jump, Nicky opens up about the ups and downs of his journey. He reflects on his time in UK athletics, his rise in the grime scene, the harsh realities of prison life, and how he rebuilt himself through fitness, mental health work, and a strong relationship with God. He’s now using his experiences to mentor young people, offering personal training and guidance rooted in faith and discipline. Whether you're into British athletics, UK rap culture, bodybuilding motivation, or faith-based redemption stories, this episode delivers it all. 💡 Expect laughter, honest truths, and unfiltered gems that will move and motivate you.

    📌 Timestamps:

    ⏱️ 00:00 – Intro to the Champ & Contender Podcast | UK Motivational Podcast 👶

    00:50 – Nicky Forcer’s Early Life in East London | Childhood & Community 01:40 – Breaking into UK Athletics | Competing for GB & Jamaica ⚡

    03:08 – Mental Toughness in Elite Sport | Overcoming Injury & Setbacks 🎵 13:21 – Grime Music Beginnings | East London’s Underground Scene 🔥 14:27 – Producing Grime Tracks | Cultural Impact & Creative Process 💭 15:33 – Reflections on Grime’s Evolution & Urban Music Culture 🚔

    27:52 – Life in Prison | Prison Reform & Criminal Justice in the UK 🧠

    30:26 – Mental Health in Prison | Surviving Solitary & Staying Sane 🏋️

    30:54 – Working Out Behind Bars | Prison Fitness & Motivation 💪

    32:42 – Post-Prison Bodybuilding Transformation | Rebuilding Physically 🥗 33:09 – Diet and Fitness Tips | Nutrition for Muscle Gain 🏋️‍♂️

    36:53 – The Truth About Bodybuilding | Steroids, Dedication & Balance 🙏 43:34 – Finding Faith | Christianity, Purpose & Forgiveness ⛪

    50:24 – Faith in Daily Life | Discipline, Prayer & Spiritual Growth 🗣️

    52:47 – Advice for the Youth | Staying Focused & Avoiding Traps 🎯

    54:48 – Future Goals | Mentorship, Coaching & Community Uplift 👋

    58:15 – Outro & Where to Follow Nicky Forcer

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    1 hr and 1 min
  • EP17: Eklipse Talks Rap, Liverpool FC & East London’s Music Scene
    Apr 29 2025

    🎙️ EPISODE ALERT: East London Rapper EKLIPSE on Music, Lyricism & UK vs. US Rap! ⚡

    In this FIRE episode of the Champ and Contender Podcast, hosts Joseph J. Jones and Fabian Collymore sit down with the talented East London rapper Eklipse 🔥. The discussion covers:

    🔹 Eklipse's musical journey & lyrical influences 🎤 🔹 The impact of his poetic upbringing ✍️ 🔹 His creative process & collabs with other artists 🎶 🔹 UK vs. US rap debate – who takes the crown? 🇬🇧 vs. 🇺🇸 🔹 Authenticity in music & the grind to success 💯 🔹 Football chat ⚽ – Eklipse’s thoughts on Liverpool’s season! 🔴

    🎧 Timestamps:

    00:00 Intro to the Podcast

    00:16 Meet Eklipse: The Lyrical Genius 🧠

    01:13 Eklipse's Musical Journey 🎵

    04:18 The Art of Versatility in Music 🎛️

    08:45 Live Performances vs. Studio Sessions 🎤 vs. 🎧

    12:01 Collabs & Creative Processes 🤝

    18:07 SBTV & Jamal Edwards’ Influence 🎥

    21:20 The Essence of True Success 💎

    28:37 Influences & Inspirations 🌟

    35:30 US vs. UK Rap: A Fun Game 🎮

    37:37 Not a Tupac Fan? 😱

    38:48 UK Influences: Wretch 32 & Kano 🇬🇧

    40:30 Kendrick Lamar vs. UK Rappers 🏆

    49:02 The Legacy of Lil Wayne 🐐

    50:54 The Struggles of Creativity 🎨

    57:47 UK vs. US Rap Scene Debate 🗣️

    01:02:42 Advice for Young Rappers 👶🎤

    01:06:23 Football Talk: Liverpool & West Ham ⚽

    01:10:19 Closing Remarks & Future Plans 🚀

    🔥 Don’t miss this DEEP dive into UK rap culture, artistry, and more!

    #ChampAndContender #Eklipse #UKRap #HipHopPodcast #MusicInterview #EastLondonRap #LyricalGenius #UKvsUSRap #RapDebate #SBTV #JamalEdwards #LiverpoolFC #FootballTalk #MusicCreativity #RapGame #Podcast

    💬 What’s your take on UK vs. US rap? Drop a comment! ⬇️

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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • EP16: Conquering Drug Addiction The Strongest You Can Be is Getting Vulnerable
    Apr 22 2025

    EP16: Conquering Drug Addiction The Strongest You Can Be is Getting Vulnerable.

    In this gripping episode of The Champ and Contender Podcast, hosts Fabian Collymore and Joseph J. Jones sit down with special guest Steven Halloran, a long-time friend of Fabian’s, who bravely opens up about his battle with addiction.

    💬 From a seemingly ordinary upbringing in East London to the dark depths of substance abuse, Steven shares his raw and unfiltered journey. He talks candidly about his lowest moments, the turning point that saved his life, and the strength it took to walk the path of recovery.

    💪 Steven also explores the critical role the 12-step program played in his healing, the power of vulnerability, and his mission to support others going through similar struggles.

    🛤️ The episode wraps up with a fun football quiz, heartfelt stories of family and West Ham fandom ⚽, and a shout-out to Steven’s plastering business — showing just how far he’s come. 🎧

    Whether you're on your own journey, know someone who is, or just love a powerful comeback story, this one’s not to be missed.

    Timestamps

    00:00 Intro

    00:39 Early Life & Upbringing

    01:32 First Encounters with Drugs

    05:31 Hitting Rock Bottom

    17:58 Turning Point

    31:13 Ripple Effects of Addiction

    34:38 Importance of Humility

    36:37 Journey of Sobriety

    42:03 Impact on Family

    44:38 Ego & Denial

    56:29 Value of True Friendships

    58:32 Recovery Programs

    01:03:13 West Ham Quiz

    01:08:40 Football & Life Reflections

    01:18:09 Advice for Those Struggling

    01:19:38 Business Shout-Out

    01:20:32 Closing Remarks

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    1 hr and 21 mins
  • EP15: Risky Roadz: Behind the Lens of Grime Legends
    Apr 15 2025

    EP15: Risky Roadz: The Man Who Filmed Grime’s Golden Era | The Champ and Contender Podcast

    Legendary grime videographer Risky Roadz sits down with hosts Joseph J. Jones and Fabian Collymore for an unfiltered deep dive into his journey—from borrowing money for his first camera to becoming the architect of grime’s visual legacy.

    🔥 In this episode:

    • The early days filming iconic freestyles that defined a generation
    • Behind-the-scenes stories with grime legends like Skepta, Wiley, D Double E, and more
    • How Risky Roadz captured the raw energy of the scene & helped shape its culture
    • Health battles, personal growth, and his unexpected passion for cooking
    • The future of grime—where’s the scene headed next?

    🎥 From street tapes to stadiums, this is the story of the man who put grime on screen.

    📌 Timestamps:

    00:00 - Intro to The Champ and Contender

    00:18 - Meet Risky Roadz: The Grime Documentarian

    02:09 - Early Days of Filming Grime’s Underground

    04:12 - The Evolution of Risky Roadz’s Craft

    07:53 - Grime’s Cultural Impact & Personal Reflections

    13:59 - Grime vs. British Music: A Legacy Defined

    22:49 - The Future of Grime & Risky’s Vision

    29:38 - Ska Fashion & Dizzee Rascal’s Influence

    30:04 - How Grime Music Has Evolved

    31:06 - Wiley: The Godfather’s Impact

    32:00 - Artistic Freedom in Grime’s Golden Era

    36:13 - Behind the Lens: Storyboarding & Directing

    37:53 - Health Struggles & Overcoming Adversity

    41:02 - Grime Grand & Family Fame Stories

    45:28 - Juggling Careers & What’s Next for Risky

    47:16 - Cooking as Therapy: Risky’s Instagram Kitchen

    51:44 - 🔥 Shot Stopper Game: Grime Artist Showdown!

    56:23 - Kano vs. Lethal Bizzle: Who Takes the Crown?

    57:32 - D Double E’s Unmatched Influence

    59:19 - Devlin’s Lyricism & Brotherhood in Grime

    01:00:57 - D Double E vs. The Scene: A Deep Dive

    01:05:12 - ⚽ Arsenal Talk & Football Banter

    01:16:15 - Final Thoughts & Life Lessons

    01:17:08 - Advice for Aspiring Videographers

    🔔 Subscribe & hit the bell to stay updated with The Champ and Contender—your home for authentic conversations with culture-shaping icons.

    💬 Drop a comment: What’s your favourite Risky Roadz moment? Let us know below!

    📲 Follow Risky Roadz: [@RiskyRoadz]

    📲 Follow The Champ and Contender: [@ChampAndContenderPod]

    #Grime #RiskyRoadz #GrimeMusic #UKMusic #Podcast #ChampAndContender #MusicDocumentary #Skepta #Wiley #DDoubleE

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    1 hr and 20 mins
  • EP14: Mark Findlay: From Pushing Limits to Training the Stars, Athletics Coaching and Breaking GB Goal
    Apr 8 2025

    🔥 Welcome to The Champ & Contender Podcast! 🔥 In this must-watch episode, hosts Joseph J. Jones and Fabian Collymore sit down with former Great Britain sprinter turned elite coach, Mark Findlay. From competing at the highest level to training top athletes, boxers, and even musicians, Mark shares exclusive insights on what it takes to succeed in elite sports and coaching. 🏆 Topics Covered: ✅ Athletics & Sprinting Mastery – Training with Linford Christie and the evolution of sprint techniques ✅ Coaching Elite Athletes – From footballers to boxers and performers, the secrets behind winning mindsets ✅ The Transition to Boxing – How sprinting skills transfer to boxing training and performance ✅ Football Preseason Training – The conditioning & strength routines top footballers use ✅ The Shot Stopper Game – Mark takes on a fun but tough challenge, revealing his favorite athletes 💪 Whether you're an aspiring athlete, a fitness coach, or a sports fan, this episode is packed with training techniques, motivational stories, and insider tips from one of the best in the industry. 🎧

    Timestamps:

    00:00 Welcome to The Champ & Contender Podcast

    00:19 Meet Mark Findlay: From Athlete to Coach

    02:43 Training with Heroes: Linford Christie’s Influence

    05:55 Challenges & Triumphs in Athletics

    10:20 The Lighter Side of Sprinting: Funny Training Stories

    14:12 The Evolution of Sprinting & Competitive Training

    27:10 From Sprinting to Boxing: A New Passion

    37:21 Athletic Training & Elite Coaching Techniques

    39:25 Football Preseason Conditioning

    45:33 Training Musicians for High Performance

    48:31 Client Success Stories & Biggest Surprises

    01:05:03 Football Academy Pathways: The Road to Pro

    01:10:50 Advice for Future Coaches & Trainers

    01:13:46 Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up

    🎙 Follow us for more exclusive interviews:

    📸 Instagram – @thechampandcontender

    🐦 Twitter/X – @ChampC0ntender

    🎵 TikTok – @thechampandcontender

    🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts – Podcast Link

    📢 Like, Comment & Subscribe for more insights from the world of boxing, football, athletics, and elite coaching!

    #Podcast #Athletics #Coaching #Boxing #SportsTraining #Football #SprintTraining #ChampAndContender

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    1 hr and 14 mins
  • EP13: Bosh & Banter: Big John’s Journey from Romford to Social Media Fame, Boxing Predictions, and Johnny Fisher’s Rise to Glory!
    Apr 1 2025

    The Champ Contender Podcast: Big John Fisher Interview

    In this exclusive episode of The Champ Contender Podcast, hosts Joseph J. Jones and Fabian Collymore sit down with the internet sensation, Big John Fisher. Known for his charismatic personality and love for Chinese food, Big John dives deep into his life, discussing everything from his family's background and his son, Johnny Fisher's boxing career, to his experiences traveling the world.

    The conversation covers mental health, the importance of staying humble, and the value of hard work. Tune in to hear Big John's take on loyalty, social media, and what it takes to make it in today’s world, all sprinkled with his trademark humor and positivity. Don't miss out on this insightful and entertaining episode!

    00:00 Introduction to the Champ Contender Podcast

    00:26 Meet Big John: The Biggest Online Celebrity

    01:23 John's Journey: From Romford to Social Media Fame

    02:14 Life Lessons and Family Values

    03:35 The Origin of the Podcast

    04:17 The Power of Social Media and Influencing

    04:51 Memorable Guests and Connections

    06:33 John's Early Life and Sporting Background

    09:15 Boxing and Family: Instilling Discipline

    10:18 Spotlight on Johnny Fisher and Family

    17:21 The Love for Dogs

    23:00 Johnny Fisher's Boxing Career and Future

    31:56 Controversies and Challenges in Boxing

    34:52 The Thrill of the Fight

    35:06 Respect and Criticism in the Boxing World

    36:42 Upcoming Fights and Predictions

    37:55 Joe Joyce: The Gentle Giant

    40:09 The Importance of Health in Boxing

    40:45 The Connor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr. Saga

    44:15 Dealing with Online Abuse

    52:06 The Role of Promoters in Boxing

    55:54 A Love for Chinese Food

    01:03:48 Travel and Home: The Best of Both Worlds

    01:08:07 Discussing the Irish Connection

    01:10:02 Unity Among the Working Class

    01:11:26 The Origin of 'Bosh'

    01:13:47 Young Heavyweight Boxers

    01:19:20 Remembering Big John

    01:26:08 Rugby and Respect in Sports

    01:35:04 Advice for Aspiring Online Personalities

    01:37:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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    1 hr and 38 mins
  • EP12: Mitch Frearson’s Shocking Journey Overcoming Battles& Becoming a Father 48 Hours After His Fight
    Mar 25 2025

    🌟 Welcome to Episode 9 of the Champion Contender Podcast! 🥇 Hosts Joseph J Jones and Fabian Collymore sit down with professional boxer Mitch Frearson for an in-depth conversation that spans his career, from his unexpected start in boxing 🥋 to his aspirations for a title fight 🏆. Mitch shares stories from his school days 📚, his journey through kickboxing and bricklaying 🧱, to the impactful moments that defined his career. They cover the challenges and highlights, including his bouts with Brad Pauls and Marco Simmons 🥊.

    This episode gives an honest look into the life of a professional boxer balancing family, work, and the sport 👨‍👩‍👦‍👦⚖️. It also touches on his future aspirations, including a potential Southern Area title fight 🏅. 🎧 Tune in for a captivating discussion about the world of boxing 🥊, training insights 🏋️, and never-before-heard personal stories.

    Don't miss the Showstopper Segment 🌟 where Mitch chooses between iconic middleweights like Triple G and Canelo. This episode is a must-watch for boxing fans 🥊 and anyone interested in the incredible journey of a professional athlete 💪.

    ⏱️ Timestamps: ⏰

    00:00 - Introduction and Welcoming the Guest 🎙️ 🏫

    00:19 - School Days and Early Impressions 🥋

    02:03 - Journey into Boxing 🔄

    05:05 - Amateur to Professional Transition 🌟

    07:05 - Professional Career Highlights 👨‍👩‍👦‍👦

    12:27 - Balancing Family and Boxing 🏋️

    15:18 - Training and Fight Preparation 🥊

    17:33 - Memorable Fights and Reflections ❤️

    32:19 - Admiring My Partner's Strength During Pregnancy 🤹‍♂️

    33:08 - Balancing Training and Family Responsibilities 🎟️

    34:39 - The Challenges of Selling Tickets 🤔

    35:36 - Obsession and Focus During Pregnancy 👊

    36:29 - Recap of the Last Fight 🧠

    37:38 - The Role of a Great Manager 🥇

    39:57 - Discussing Boxing Legends and Their Skills 🤩

    42:19 - Choosing Between Boxing Greats 🎤

    53:48 - The Importance of Amateur Experience 🎵

    55:06 - The Story Behind My Walkout Song 🎸

    56:32 - A Memorable First Gig Experience 🥊

    57:29 - Debating Boxing Legends: Triple G vs. Canelo 🕰️

    01:00:30 - Classic Boxing Matchups: Sugar Ray Robinson's Legacy 👊

    01:11:18 - The Appeal of Bare-Knuckle Fighting 🏋️‍♂️

    01:14:10 - Training and Life as a Boxer 🌈

    01:21:56 - Hopes and Dreams: Future in Boxing and UFC

    Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories from athletes! 🚨📢

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    1 hr and 24 mins
  • Ep11: From High Jump to High Stakes: The Multifaceted Journey of Mike Edwards
    Mar 18 2025

    Welcome to The Champ & Contender Podcast! In this episode, hosts Joseph J. Jones and Fabian Collymore sit down with the versatile athlete Mike Edwards. Known for his diverse achievements as a high jumper , silver medalist 🥈 in the African Championships, runner-up in Big Brother Nigeria, entrepreneur, and now a professional boxer, Mike shares his incredible journey.

    Dive into his transition from basketball to high jumping, his identity quest that led him to represent Nigeria 🇳🇬, and his stint on Big Brother 📢. Mike also opens up about his current boxing career 🥊, training regimen, and his thoughts on balancing athleticism with personal growth 💡.

    Stay tuned for our engaging 'Shotstopper' segment 🎯, where Mike tackles the toughest questions about the greatest athletes of our time. This episode is full of inspiring stories and valuable insights into the life of a multifaceted athlete. Don't miss it! 🚀

    ⏱ Episode Timestamps:

    00:00 Welcome to the Champ & Contender Podcast 🎙️

    00:21 Introducing Mike Edwards: Athlete and Entrepreneur 💼

    01:06 Mike's Journey in High Jumping 🏃‍♂️

    04:00 Switching Allegiances: From Great Britain to Nigeria 🇬🇧➡️🇳🇬

    06:10 The Mental and Physical Challenges of High Jumping 💪🧠

    11:59 Balancing Training and Life ⚖️

    27:39 The Big Brother Nigeria Experience 📺

    36:46 Embracing the Dark Side in the Ring 🥊

    37:46 Cultural Heritage and Family Traditions 🌍👨‍👩‍👦

    40:29 Big Brother Experience: Behind the Scenes 🎥

    42:56 Life After Reality TV 🔄

    47:59 Athletes and Their Public Personas 🎭

    53:39 Shot Stopper: The Ultimate Athlete Showdown ⚡

    01:04:53 The Winning Mentality of Michael Jordan 🏀👑

    01:05:49 LeBron James: A Journey from Humble Beginnings 🌱

    01:07:00 Comparing Legends: LeBron vs. Tiger Woods 🐅

    01:08:18 Father-Son Duos in Sports 👨‍👦

    01:08:42 LeBron James vs. Maradona and Other Greats ⚽🏀

    01:10:32 The Legacy of Muhammad Ali 🥊👑

    01:16:10 Transitioning to Boxing: Mike Edwards' Journey 🔄🥊

    01:18:19 The Misfits Boxing Experience 🤼

    01:19:32 Training and Dedication in Boxing 💥

    01:20:40 Future Fights and Aspirations 🚀

    01:30:11 Final Thoughts and Farewell 👋

    🔥Tune in now for an inspiring conversation! 🎧

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    1 hr and 31 mins