In this must-listen episode of the Champion Contender Podcast, hosts Joseph J. Jones and Fabian Collymore sit down with A&R heavyweight Ali Fletcher, a true music industry veteran with over two decades of experience. From working alongside Gary Barlow at Universal to developing chart-topping talent like Tom Grennan and Perrie Edwards, Ali opens up about the real work that goes into building an artist from the ground up.

This episode dives deep into: 🎙️ The evolution of A&R and the future of artist development 🎵 The impact of streaming platforms like Spotify on international success 🇬🇧 Why British music continues to resonate across Europe 💡 Advice for aspiring artists and industry newcomers 🔥 And of course — our fan-favourite SHOT STOPPER game, where Ali weighs in on the GOATs of music!

Packed with industry insight, real stories, and plenty of gems for anyone passionate about music — this is an episode you don’t want to skip.

00:00 Welcome to the Champion Contender Podcast

00:38 Introducing Ali Fletcher

01:52 Ali Fletcher's Music Industry Journey

02:38 Current Projects and Artist Development

04:53 Reflecting on Past Collaborations

10:22 The Role of Vision and Work Ethic in Music

37:03 The Evolution of A&R and Industry Trends

44:14 The Importance of Patience and Authenticity in the Music Industry

44:52 Impact of Lockdown on Music Development

45:13 The Rise of Dance Music During Lockdown

45:21 The Return of Album Artists

45:28 Insights from Dave Snedden

46:35 Marketing Artists Internationally

48:00 The Role of Spotify in Global Success

48:47 Challenges of International Success

49:27 The Appeal of British Music in Europe

53:50 The Untold Stories of Songwriters

54:57 Shot Stopper Game: Music Legends Face-Off

01:15:06 Advice for Aspiring Artists and Industry Professionals

01:17:51 Closing Remarks and Gratitude

📲 Follow Champion Contender Podcast: 🎥 YouTube: @TheChampAndContenderPodcast 📸 Instagram: @champandcontenderpodcast 🎵 TikTok: @champandcontenderpodcast 🐦 Twitter/X: @champcontender 📧 Business Inquiries: champandcontenderpodcast@gmail.com

🍩 From Stagnant to Star: George Artemi’s Sweet Success with Roll Boys | Champion Contender Podcast.

In this powerful and inspiring episode of the Champion Contender Podcast, hosts Joseph J. Jones and Fabian Collymore sit down with George Artemi, founder of Roll Boys — the cinnamon roll sensation taking Stratford, London by storm. George opens up about his rollercoaster journey: 😔 From career uncertainty and anxiety during COVID 💸 To nearly hitting financial rock bottom 🍥 To launching a dessert brand now backed by Nike and loved by celebs You’ll hear how George found clarity through chaos, turned rejection into drive, and built a brand rooted in creativity, resilience, and community. He also shares how he mastered social media marketing, built a loyal customer base, and created an unmissable dessert experience.

Plus — don’t miss our SHOT STOPPER: Dessert Edition, where George ranks his all-time greatest sweet treats 🍰🔥 If you're an aspiring entrepreneur, foodie, or just love real stories of grit and growth — this one hits the spot 👊

00:00 Welcome to the Champion Contender Podcast

00:14 Introducing George Artemi: The Cinnamon Roll Maestro

01:11 George's Journey: From Uncertainty to Cinnamon Rolls

02:30 The Birth of Roll Boys

05:37 Overcoming Challenges and Building a Brand

06:51 The Power of Belief and Creativity

07:23 Compromises and Sacrifices

08:39 The Struggles and Triumphs of Entrepreneurship

15:42 Why Cinnamon Rolls?

19:05 Marketing and Social Media Strategy

21:49 Mental Health and Managing Anxiety

28:39 Superstitions and Haunted Stories

33:06 The Roll Boys Experience: Flavors and Processes

42:13 Celebrity Endorsements and Customer Experience

46:56 The Power of Social Media Marketing

47:59 The Copper Box Arena Opportunity

49:13 From Football Dreams to Reality

50:26 The Struggles and Anxiety of Athletes

51:46 Channeling Rejection into Success

57:37 Shot Stopper: Dessert Edition

01:09:14 Proudest Moments with Roll Boys

01:11:56 Future Plans and Vision

01:18:58 Quick Fire Questions

01:23:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

📲 Follow Champion Contender Podcast:

🎥 YouTube: @TheChampAndContenderPodcast

📸 Instagram: @champandcontenderpodcast

🎵 TikTok: @champandcontenderpodcast

🐦 Twitter/X: @champcontender

📧 Business Inquiries: champandcontenderpodcast@gmail.com

Louie McLean: From Comedy Courses to Touring with Josh James

Welcome to another episode of the Champ and Contender Podcast! Join hosts Joseph J. Jones and Fabian Collymore as they chat with rising comedian Louie McLean. In this episode, Louie shares his journey from comedy courses to opening for Josh James on tour. Listen in as they discuss the challenges of stand-up, memorable gigs, dealing with hecklers, and balancing a budding comedy career with fatherhood. Enjoy their hilarious recounts of nights out, thoughts on iconic British sitcoms, and insights into the comedy industry. Don't miss this entertaining and insightful conversation in Joseph and Fabian's cozy pub setting!

00:00 Welcome to the Champion Contender Podcast

00:23 Introducing Comedian Louie McLean

01:36 Louie's Journey into Comedy

04:45 Challenges and Triumphs in Comedy

10:04 Balancing Comedy and Personal Life

19:25 The Reality of Social Media and Comedy

25:32 International Tour Highlights

26:10 Touring with Josh: The Experience

27:10 Challenges of Crowd Work

28:22 Evolving as a Comedian

29:04 Opening Acts and Audience Reactions

30:41 Writing and Performing Sketches

31:49 Balancing Comedy and Family Life

42:34 British Sitcom Showdown

49:14 Controversial Comedy Shows

50:51 Inbetweeners vs. Gavin and Stacey

52:23 Favorite Sketch Shows

56:10 The Impact of YouTube

56:43 Podcasting and Sponsorship

57:54 Comedy Influences and Inspirations

01:02:33 Cancel Culture in Comedy

01:08:12 Advice for Aspiring Comedians

01:09:19 Final Thoughts and Farewell