In this episode, we sit down with Adebayo “Bayo” Akinfenwa, one of English football’s most iconic and respected figures. Across a 20-year professional career, Bayo scored over 230 goals, earned promotions with clubs including Wycombe Wanderers, AFC Wimbledon, and Northampton Town, won silverware with Swansea City, and was recently awarded the Tom Finney Award for his contribution to the EFL and the game as a whole.

But this conversation goes far beyond football. Bayo opens up about authenticity, identity, resilience, and self-belief—from facing racism early in his career, to embracing being different in a sport that often demands conformity. He speaks powerfully about dressing-room dynamics, leadership, managing energy, and why football was always something he did, not who he was.

We explore his transition out of the game, lessons on handling criticism and social media, the importance of self-care and rest, and his philosophy on legacy—being remembered not for achievements, but for how you made people feel. Honest, grounded, and deeply human, this episode is about owning who you are, backing it with work, and living on your terms.

A must-listen for athletes, leaders, and anyone navigating identity, purpose, and life beyond labels.

#lifeafterfootball #akinfenwa #growthmindset

Dudley Tal Stokes’ journey from a boy in rural Jamaica to Olympic bobsledder is a story of serendipity, resilience, and relentless work ethic. His military training equipped him with crucial skills to control fear and perform under pressure. Despite limited resources and a compressed timeline, Dudley’s instinctive feel and dedication allowed him to compete at the highest level in one of the most dangerous sports.

Beyond sport, Dudley’s philosophy emphasizes the inseparability of physical and mental health, the foundational role of nutrition, sleep, and movement, and the power of authenticity and reflection in life. His approach to fear—“Breathe, Accept, Commit”—offers a practical framework for managing anxiety and uncertainty.

Dudley also challenges modern trends that over-rely on technology and quick fixes, advocating instead for deep connection to human instinct, body, and spirit. His legacy transcends Olympic fame, focusing on living with purpose, courage, and resilience while inspiring others to realize their full potential.

This interview is a rich exploration of human potential, mental resilience, cultural identity, and the power of authentic living, grounded in Dudley Tal Stokes’ extraordinary life and ongoing mission to help others thrive.

#Dudleystokes #mensmentalhealth #lifeaftersports #inspiringstories #mentalhealthawareness #breakingthestigma

In this powerful episode, former professional footballer Mason Spence shares his deeply personal story of how the highs and lows of football led him into a destructive gambling addiction.

He opens up about the emotional toll of trying to prove himself, the isolation that came with constant setbacks, and how betting became his escape from every emotion — anger, happiness, loneliness, and guilt. Mason describes how addiction made him manipulative and disconnected, turning even friends and family into tools for feeding his habit. He speaks candidly about hitting rock bottom, the psychological battle of living with the “addict” inside him, and the daily work it takes to stay in recovery.

Now several years clean, Mason reflects on how recovery has given him empathy, perspective, and purpose — helping others who are still trapped in the same cycle. He credits Sporting Chance for giving him the understanding and support that ultimately saved his life, and he hopes his story can help others realise they’re not alone in their struggles.

#MasonSpence #gamblingaddiction #mensmentalhealth #footballpodcast #addictionrecovery #sportingchance #lifeafterfootball #inspiringstories #mentalhealthawareness #breakingthestigma