🍰 The Champ and Contender Podcast: Liam Charles on Baking Fame, British Bake Off & More! 🎂 In this episode of The Champ and Contender Podcast, hosts Joseph J. Jones and Fabian Collymore sit down with special guest Liam Charles, best known for his time on The Great British Bake Off and as a presenter on Bake Off: The Professionals. 👨‍🍳 From a 16-year-old with a sweet tooth to becoming one of the UK’s most loved bakers, authors, and TV personalities, Liam shares his inspiring story filled with creativity, humour, and honesty. 💬 Expect plenty of laughs, behind-the-scenes Bake Off stories, and real talk about balancing artistic passion with technical precision, the therapeutic side of baking, and his journey in the spotlight. Plus, don’t miss our fun “Shot Stopper” game where Liam reveals his favourite bakes and guilty pleasures! 🎧 Whether you’re a baking enthusiast, a Bake Off superfan, or simply love hearing genuine, inspiring conversations — this one’s for you!

⏱️ Episode Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome to The Champ and Contender Podcast

00:18 – Introducing Today’s Guest: Liam Charles

01:10 – Liam’s Journey into Baking

02:38 – School Days and Early Baking Ventures

06:59 – The Great British Bake Off Experience

10:32 – Life After Bake Off

22:15 – Hosting Bake Off: The Professionals

27:23 – Personal Reflections and Future Plans

37:25 – The Passion for Trainers and Baking

38:12 – Combining Passions: Trainers and Cakes

38:33 – Customizing Trainers and Monthly Baking Videos

39:09 – The Purpose Behind Baking

39:40 – Sharing Bakes and Social Media

40:26 – Shot Stopper Game: TV Shows and Bakes

47:21 – Favourite British Desserts

50:27 – Dealing with Allergies in Baking

53:38 – Staying Grounded and Favourite Hangouts

55:45 – Football Talk: United and Transfers

01:02:18 – Celebrity Interactions and Baking for Stars

01:04:36 – Final Quiz: Last Orders

01:09:26 – Advice for Aspiring Bakers

01:10:59 – Conclusion and Farewell

✨ Follow Us on Socials 📺 YouTube: @TheChampAndContenderPodcast 📸 Instagram: @fabsfitnessuk | @josephjjones

🎙️ Interview with Dean Franklin — Winner of The Apprentice 2025 | Champ and Contender Podcast

In this episode of The Champ and Contender Podcast, hosts Joseph J. Jones and Fabian Collymore sit down with Dean Franklin, the winner of The Apprentice 2025 🏆 From grafting in air conditioning to standing in the boardroom with Lord Alan Sugar, Dean breaks down his full journey — the grind, the mindset, and the madness behind winning one of the UK’s toughest business shows 💼🔥 He opens up about: 💨 Starting DL Air Conditioning from scratch during lockdown 💡 Lessons learned from The Apprentice boardroom 🤝 Working with Alan Sugar 🧠 Entrepreneur tips for anyone chasing success 🤣 Plus — the fan-favourite Shot Stopper game returns with a business twist: Steve Jobs vs Elon Musk, Walt Disney vs Bill Gates, and more! Real talk, pure banter, and serious insight into what it actually takes to win The Apprentice and build your own business empire 👊

⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to the Champ and Contender Podcast

00:27 – Introducing Dean Franklin: The Apprentice Winner

01:11 – Dean’s Journey into Air Conditioning

02:18 – Starting a Business During Lockdown

03:42 – The Apprentice Experience

05:33 – Challenges and Triumphs on The Apprentice

06:40 – Life After The Apprentice

16:14 – Dean’s Early Business Ventures

27:16 – The Essex Identity and Accents

32:03 – A Game of Shot Stopper

32:29 – Boxing and Entrepreneurs

32:54 – Steve Jobs vs Elon Musk

35:58 – Steve Jobs vs Jeff Bezos

36:25 – Alan Sugar vs Henry Ford

40:06 – Walt Disney vs Bill Gates

43:44 – Life After The Apprentice

57:46 – Final Thoughts and Advice

✨ Follow Us on Socials

📺 YouTube: @TheChampAndContenderPodcast

📸 Instagram: @fabsfitnessuk | @josephjjones

In this episode of The Champ and Contender Podcast 🎙️, hosts Joseph J. Jones and Fabian Collymore sit down with former UFC fighter and current Misfits boxer Darren Stewart 🦁. Darren takes us through his 21-year fighting journey — starting with TaeKwonDo 🥋, moving into MMA 💥, and now focusing on boxing 🥊. He opens up about the physical and mental challenges, injuries, and his biggest fights — including his recent Misfits Boxing bout with Darren Till 🇬🇧. He also gets real about the behind-the-scenes struggles fighters face: management issues, financial pressure, sponsorship problems, and why having the right support team is everything 🙌. This is a raw and honest insight into the life of a true fighter 🔥.

👉 Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome to The Champ and Contender Podcast

00:36 Introducing Darren Stewart: From MMA to Boxing

01:29 Darren’s Transition to Boxing

02:52 Challenges and Reflections on Fighting

11:02 The MMA vs. Boxing Debate

19:13 Darren’s UFC Journey

27:13 A Shocking Phone Call

28:13 The Tragic Incident

28:40 Fighting Through Grief

28:45 UFC Career Challenges

29:40 Financial Struggles

32:31 Seeking Help and Support

33:03 Sponsorship and Debt Issues

34:28 Reflecting on Career Choices

40:46 Mental and Physical Strain

51:13 Future Plans and Aspirations

52:07 Managerial Insights and Fighter’s Journey

52:38 Dana White and UFC Management 5

4:26 Drinking Game: Shots Stopper 🍻

54:56 Catching Up on Life and Career Reflections

55:27 Fighter Comparisons and Stories

01:04:00 Final Thoughts and Advice for Young Fighters 👊

📌 Follow the podcast:

🎥 YouTube: @TheChampAndContenderPodcast

📸 Instagram: @TheChampAndContenderPodcast

🐦 Twitter/X: @ChampContender

📌 Follow the hosts: @JosephJJones @FabsFitnessUK

📌 Follow Darren Stewart: IG: @DarrenStewartMMA

Twitter/X: @Darren_MMA

#DarrenStewart #DarrenTill #MisfitsBoxing #UFC #MMA #Boxing #FightTalk #TheChampAndContenderPodcast #CombatSports

Join hosts Joseph J. Jones and Fabian Collymore on the Champ and Contender Podcast as they sit down with Aidan Syers, former Great Britain and England International Sprint Star. From his early days on the track to a 23-year career in athletics, Aidan opens up on the highs, the rivalries, and the lessons that shaped him. Now a respected strength & conditioning coach, sports scientist, and performance coach, Aidan shares how he helps athletes avoid the pitfalls he faced, the importance of mindset and recovery, and how his sprinting background translates into boxing and other sports. Expect training secrets, athlete insights, and real stories — plus a lively chat on legendary boxers and the always-entertaining game of Shot Stopper. This episode is packed with wisdom, laughs, and inspiration for athletes and fans alike. 📌

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to the Champion Contender Podcast

00:56 – Meet Aidan Syers: From Sprinting to Coaching

02:58 – Rivalries and Career Highlights

05:38 – Training and Coaching Philosophy

07:20 – Injury Recovery and Rehabilitation

10:41 – The Mental and Physical Demands of Sports

13:31 – Boxing and Athletics: A Shared Journey

15:34 – Training Regular Joes vs. Athletes

22:41 – The Importance of Recovery and Mindset

39:47 – The Importance of Training Intensity

40:24 – Balancing Intensity and Volume in Training

41:21 – Training Boxers: Movement and Mechanics

42:40 – Building a Boxer’s Conditioning

46:32 – Training Principles Across Sports

51:23 – The Role of Speed and Agility in Sports

53:43 – The Game of Shot Stopper

01:06:44 – Random Questions and Fun

01:10:19 – Final Thoughts and Advice for Young Athletes

From Amateur Dreams to World Title Aspirations | Craig “Spider” Richards Interview 🕷️🥊 Step inside the ring with Craig “Spider” Richards as he joins hosts Joseph J. Jones 🎤 and Fabian Collymore 🏃‍♂️ on The Champion and Contender Podcast. Craig keeps it real 💯 — from his amateur beginnings 🥇 to chasing that world title 🌍🏆. He talks about career highs & lows 📈📉, fight preparations 🔥, navigating the boxing industry 💼, training insights 💪, and the emotional side of fighting friends 🤝🥊. If you’re a boxing fan 🥊, fighter in training 🏋️‍♂️, or love hearing the mindset of champions 💎, this episode is for you! ✨

Follow us on Socials

📺 YouTube: @TheChampAndContenderPodcast

📸 Instagram: @fabsfitnessuk | @josephjjones 🎵

TikTok: @champandcontenderpodcast

🐦 Twitter/X: @champcontender

Episode Breakdown ⏱️

00:00 🎧 Welcome to the Champ and Contender Podcast

00:29 🕷️ Meet Craig “Spider” Richards

01:01 🥊 Early Boxing Journey & Career Highlights

02:11 ⚔️ Facing Challenges and Rivals

07:58 ⚖️ Weight Classes & Training Demands

10:05 🚀 The Turning Point: Going Pro

26:08 💼 Navigating the Business of Boxing

29:55 🔑 The Locksmith Incident & Game Time

32:45 🥊 Choosing Between Boxers

35:11 😢 Fighting Friends: The Emotional Dilemma

38:44 🥋 Training & Sparring Insights

45:51 🧠 The Best Coaches & Their Influence

53:43 🎭 Boxing Politics & Career Longevity

57:17 😂 Random Fun Questions

01:02:45 👋 Final Thoughts & Farewell

👉 Don’t forget to like 👍, comment 💬, and subscribe 🔔 for more exclusive boxing interviews, behind-the-scenes insights, and the biggest names in the fight game!

#Boxing 🥊 #CraigRichards #SpiderRichards #ChampionAndContenderPodcast #BritishBoxing #BoxingPodcast #BoxingLife #ProBoxer #FightNight #BoxingTraining #BoxingCommunity #BoxingTalk #BoxingFans #BoxingNews #BehindTheGloves #MatchroomBoxing #DAZNBoxing #BoxingMotivation

In this exciting episode of The Champ and Contender Podcast, hosts Joseph J. Jones and Fabian Collymore sit down with Finley 'The Captain' James, a promising super welterweight contender with a record of 7-0. Finley shares his journey from being a successful amateur boxer to making a name for himself in the professional boxing world. The conversation dives deep into the intricacies of boxing, from dealing with promotional challenges to the technical aspects of the sport. Finley also opens up about his training experiences with notable figures like Tyson Fury and Billy Joe Saunders, his future ambitions in the sport, and the valuable life lessons he's learned along the way. Whether you're a boxing enthusiast or just curious about the sport, this episode offers a unique perspective on what it takes to be a champion contender.

00:00 Welcome to the Champion Contender Podcast

00:21 Introducing Finley 'The Captain' James

00:55 Finley's Boxing Journey and Style

02:01 The Competitive World of Boxing

04:42 Growing Up in the Boxing Scene

05:46 The Importance of Community and Mentorship

09:19 Challenges and Experiences in Amateur Boxing

14:31 Training with Mark Tibs

30:43 Balancing Boxing and Life

43:49 Experiencing World Champions

46:41 Lessons from Billy Joe Saunders

49:49 The Evolution of Boxing Culture

51:00 The Future of Boxing Prospects

52:27 Boxing's Changing Landscape

55:37 Boxing Ethics and Gym Culture

01:00:28 The Impact of Social Media on Boxing

01:02:24 Boxing Legends and Iconic Fights

01:17:44 Boxing Strategy and Ring Craft

01:23:14 Advice for Aspiring Boxers

Welcome to another episode of the Champion Contender Podcast!

Hosts Joseph J. Jones and Fabian Collymore sit down with one of the best local comedians, Josh James.

Dive into the fascinating world of comedy, as Josh shares his journey from his early days to becoming a well-respected stand-up comedian. Explore engaging conversations about the challenges and triumphs of the comedy circuit, sobriety, balancing family life, and much more.

This episode is packed with humour, insightful anecdotes, and valuable life lessons straight from Josh’s experiences. Don't miss out on this entertaining and inspiring episode!

00:00 Welcome to the Champion Contender Podcast

00:32 Introducing Comedian Josh James

01:28 Discussing Flashy Fred and Boxing

04:20 School Days and Sports Memories

14:39 Journey into Comedy

19:25 The Essex Identity Debate

24:00 Challenges and Triumphs in Stand-Up

29:29 Touring and the Comedy Circuit

30:44 The Queen's Theater Experience

31:38 Supporting Local Talent

33:40 Love Island and Reality TV

35:53 Football Allegiances

37:12 Sketches and Social Media

42:02 Podcasting Journey

47:00 Comedy Mentors and Influences

52:53 Comedian Showdown: Shot Stopper

58:15 Comedy Beginnings and Comparisons

58:52 Comedy Contenders: Tom Davis vs. Red Richardson

01:00:01 Biggest Gripe in Comedy

01:00:52 Comedy Legends: Frankie Boyle vs. Sean Walsh

01:05:16 Sobriety and Personal Growth

01:08:38 Balancing Family Life and Comedy

01:10:39 Future Plans and Writing Process

01:23:11 Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Comedians

We’re back inside the Champ & Contender Pub 🍻 — and this one’s powerful.

Hosts Joseph J. Jones and Fabian Collymore sit down with James Ellington, a two-time European gold medallist 🇬🇧, Olympian, and walking definition of resilience. From track rivalries with Fabian back in the day to competing on the biggest stages in the world, James opens up about the highs, the heartbreak, and the hustle. He shares the career-shifting moment at the 2011 World Championships, his life-changing crash, and the incredible road to recovery that followed.

This episode covers everything: 💥 Training secrets & relay dynamics 🧠 Mental toughness & athlete psychology 🧪 The real talk on supplements 🚨 Setbacks, system letdowns & comebacks 💬 Honest advice for athletes, coaches & fighters 🎯 A serious Shot Stopper round you don’t want to miss!

This one’s for the sprinters, the dreamers, and the ones who never quit — James Ellington tells it how it is. Real talk, pure honesty, and a story that proves you can’t keep a true competitor down. 🏃‍♂️🔥

🎧 Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome to the Champion Contender Podcast

00:29 - Meet James Ellington

01:21 - Early sprint battles & athletic beginnings

05:25 - Supplement culture in elite sport

09:53 - Politics, pressure & performance

26:52 - Rio Olympics & relay team dynamics

31:20 - The crash that changed everything

37:52 - Falling out of love with watching athletics

38:45 - Rehab, mindset & finding purpose again

39:46 - Real friends vs fake support systems

40:38 - Coaching, training & life lessons

41:55 - Advice for anyone overcoming trauma

42:40 - Physical/mental state today

43:34 - Shot Stopper Game 🎯

50:26 - Why realness matters in track

53:02 - Juujitsu, Misfits Boxing & new passions

59:59 - Talent vs Work Rate in elite sport

01:02:00 - Looking back on key races

01:07:33 - Final thoughts & message to the next gen

📲 Follow James Ellington: Instagram – @jimmyells Twitter/X – @jimmyells

🎙️ Follow us: YouTube – @thechampandcontenderpodcast Instagram – @thechampandcontenderpodcast

🎯 Like, Comment & Subscribe if you respect the journey, the pain, and the comeback 🔥

#JamesEllington #ChampionContenderPodcast #OlympianStory #TrackAndFieldUK #RealTalkAthletes #RoadToRecovery #ShotStopper #FromThePubToTheTrack #SprinterMindset 🏃‍♂️💥🍻