Send us a text

In this powerful episode of The Fighting Demons Podcast, we sit down with Darryl Laycock, a man who lived through one of the darkest chapters of Manchester's criminal underworld. From surviving over 30 assassination attempts to being a central figure in the infamous Moss Side gun wars, Darryl’s journey is as shocking as it is inspiring.

Darryl reflects on early life in Moss Side, where exposure to domestic violence and street crime set him on a path of destruction. By his teens, he was deeply involved in gang culture, leading to multiple incarcerations and surviving over 20 gunshot wounds in three separate attacks. His candid narrative sheds light on the psychological toll of his past, including PTSD, and the pivotal moments that led to his transformation.​

Darryl opens up like never before about the reality of gang violence, the deep psychological impact of street life, and the demons he’s had to face on his path to redemption. This isn’t just a story of crime—it’s a story of transformation, growth, and the urgent need to steer young people away from destruction.

🚨 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
The harsh realities of growing up in 90s Manchester and being groomed into gang culture
How exposure to violence at a young age normalised chaos and led him down a destructive path
The emotional trauma of losing friends to gun crime and being constantly hunted
Life behind bars and how prison forced him to reflect on the choices he made
The power of purpose, faith, and healing in rewriting your life story
How Darryl now uses his past to educate and protect future generations

💥 “You don’t survive that many attempts on your life unless you’re supposed to be here for something bigger.”
— Darryl Laycock

🎯 Key Topics Discussed:
Early Influences: The impact of childhood trauma and societal factors that led Darryl into gang life.​
Life in Gangs: An inside look into the dynamics and dangers of gang culture in Manchester.​
Darryl’s story has been covered by BBC News, The Guardian, Vice, and Channel 4, and this interview goes even deeper. He speaks raw truths about the glamorization of violence and how mentorship, community, and faith gave him a new purpose. Now a speake

Support the show

💬 In a world full of struggle, pain, and transformation — there is always hope.🎙️ The Fighting Demons Podcast is more than just a conversation — it's a movement.

Through the raw and powerful stories shared by people, we discover that even in our darkest moments, light can still break through. These episodes aren't just about past mistakes or tragedies — they're about resilience, redemption, and the strength it takes to change your life for the better.

Hosted by brothers Jon and Matty Edge, is a compelling series that delves into personal stories of adversity, resilience, and transformation. The podcast aims to inspire change by providing a platform for individuals to share their experiences.

Every voice shared here represents someone who chose not to give up — and now, they're helping others do the same. Whether you're on your journey of healing or simply seeking perspective, this podcast is for you.

Subscribe/Listen - https://linktr.ee/ffightingdemons

📲 Follow The Fighting Demons Podcast for more:
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3qxvnkNPB4fl2ZQgY6X9rh?si=e71ff72cea3147ff
🎙️TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ffightingdemons
📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/FightingDemonsPodcast
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ffightingdemons
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ffightingdemons
🐦 Twitter/X: https://www.twitter.com/ffightingdemons

Send us a text

In this compelling and deeply personal account, Paul Harding, once known as one of the most feared figures in the #liverpool underworld, opens up about his life, his mistakes, and his mission to steer young people away from crime. Known as "The Silent Assassin," Paul earned respect and notoriety across the prison system as one of the most formidable Scousers, sharing his time behind bars with notorious individuals such as Charlie Bronson, the Birmingham Six, and the Black Panther Dennis Neilsen.

Paul’s story is not just about the dark side of his past but a powerful message of redemption and hope. In this detailed discussion, Paul reflects on his descent into the underworld, driven by a severe drug problem that included crack cocaine (freebase) and heroin (skag). These substances took hold of his life, leading him down a path of crime that included robberies and gun possession, ultimately resulting in him spending 30 years in prison.

Growing up, Paul had a bright future in boxing. Representing England Youth and winning an ABA title, he trained at the famous Golden Gloves Amateur Boxing Club. He fought notable opponents like Neville Brown, who later won a British title, and Maurice Core from Manchester, who became a world champion. Despite his talent and potential, Paul’s addiction and subsequent criminal activities overshadowed his early promise.

Paul’s story is one of profound regret and a stark warning to young people about the dangers of drugs and crime. He speaks candidly about the shame and guilt that accompany his past actions, emphasising the destructive impact drugs had on his life and those around him. However, his message is also one of hope and the possibility of change. Paul’s journey illustrates that it is never too late to turn your life around and make better choices.

Today, Paul, alongside his father and brother Franna, is involved in running the Old Swan Boxing Club. They use the sport of boxing as a tool to help the next generation avoid the pitfalls that Paul experienced. Boxing, with its discipline, structure, and sense of community, offers young people a positive outlet and a way to channel their energy and talents.

Paul emphasizes that the underworld and a life of crime do not offer a bright future. Instead, he advocates for young people to find and pursue their talents and passions, whether in sports, arts, academics, or any other positive pursuit. By sharing his story, Paul hopes to educate and inspire young people to avoid the mistakes he made and to realise that they have the power to choose a different, better path for their lives.

By opening up about his life and mistakes, Paul provides a valuable lesson for the youth: that the allure of the underworld is a dangerous illusion, and that true fulfillment and success come from positive pursuits and making the right choices. His story serves as a beacon of hope and a call to action for young people to steer clear of crime and drugs, and to focus on building a brighter, more positive future.

In conclusion, Paul Harding’s story is a testament to the power of change and the importance of guiding the youth towards a better future. His message is clear: avoid the traps of drugs and crime, find your passion, and pursue it with all your heart. With the right support and determination, it is possible to overcome even the darkest past and build a life full of purpose and positivity.

Subscribe/Listen - https://linktr.ee/ffightingdemons
Connect with us on social media
https://www.instagram.com/ffightingdemons
https://www.facebook.com/ffightingdemons
https://www.twitter.com/ffightingdemons
https://www.tiktok.com/@ffightingdemons
#fightingdemons

Support the show

Send us a text

Daniel Gee Jamieson age 16 was #tragically #killed through #knife #crime #knifecrime his brave mother Mandy Jamieson discusses her #heartache "Living a Life Sentence" #reflecting on her #dailystruggle after the #horrific #loss of #loosing her #son to #murder & she now #educates #youngpeople through #charity #dannysplace the #ripple #effect #of #murderandmanslaughter on the #families #affected #family #members #battle through the #grief which is #permanent & #forever with #highlights from the #Vigil #guest #guests #speakers #remembering those #lost by #youth #violence in #Liverpool #cathedral #liverpoolcathedral #bringing #together #showing #victimfamilies they are not #alone & #honouring those #who have been #sadly #lost #rip
@ffightingdemons podcast. #Fightingdemonspodcast giving people a platform to share there stories, we’re all fighting demons some are just better at hiding them ❤️🙏🥊 #pingping #podcast
Hosts - @jonedge79 @mjedg3

Subscribe/Listen - https://linktr.ee/ffightingdemons

Connect with us on social media
https://www.instagram.com/ffightingdemons
https://www.facebook.com/ffightingdemons
https://www.twitter.com/ffightingdemons
https://www.tiktok.com/@ffightingdemons

Hosts -
Jon Edge - https://www.instagram.com/jonedge79
Matty Edge - https://www.instagram.com/mjedg3

Gym - Cinetico Fitness Centre
https://www.instagram.com/cineticofitness
https://www.facebook.com/Cineticofitness

Boxing Club - Halewood ABC
https://www.instagram.com/halewoodabc
https://www.facebook.com/halewoodabc

Fighting Demons Brand Story -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgF-ylx-D_c

Shot and Scripted by Filmmakers -
https://www.facebook.com/mjedg3
https://www.facebook.com/ChristopherIanPhotography

https://homeofthebrave.co.uk

https://edgeclusive.com
https://www.instagram.com/EDGEclusive
https://www.facebook.com/EDGEclusive
https://www.twitter.com/EDGEclusive

This is the Fighting Demons Podcast, we are building a community platform to inspire the next generation. We all have a story to tell, we want to highlight the importance in talking about your problems and give you a voice. Everyone fights demons in their life, turning negative situations into a positive reality and developing a resilience to negativity. We advocate finding strength through courage, overcoming adversity and challenging the stigma in society in men's mental health. I’m Jon Edge, I have a big mouth and a big heart. I personally have overcome many struggles, that’s why I’ve put my face to this initiative. I’ve used sport and boxing to fight my demons, being Head Boxing Coach at Halewood ABC, I realise the positive foundation that fighting disciplines have given me and still continue to give me to this day. I want to share what I’ve learned by working alongside some great boxing coaches at our amateur club in South Liverpool and growing the community as well as the youth of tomorrow. I also work with many talented personal trainers at our satellite location Cinetico Fitness Centre. You will get fitness advice, tips & tricks from a boxing based specialist, and an insight into the day to day activities at both of our sites, sharing the laughs and sometimes the tears… My brother, Director and Filmmaker Matthew Edge, is the glue behind it all. As a creative mind and an artist he finds his escape through capture and storytelling. But don’t worry, he’s still working toward the "Fighting Demons" documentary too, it’s been a form of therapy for us both. Join us today by subscribing to the podcast. Change starts with you! #fightingdemons #pingping 🥊

Support the show