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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

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💬 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

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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

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
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🐦 Twitter/X: https://www.twitter.com/ffightingdemons

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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
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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 yo

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