The Assist Podcast

The Assist Podcast

by The Assist Podcast UK
Self-Improvement
Season 2
EP15: Harvey - You think you know me
There's a phoenix tattooed on Harvey's neck, and it tells you everything before he speaks. This is a man who has burned down to ash more than once, and risen every time. He grew up in South London, kicking a ball alongside Clinton Morrison, certain football was his future. His father, a professional bodybuilder, drilled toughness into him. His mother Welsh and Sierra Leonean gave him something deeper: mental steel and the belief that one person's opinion does not define your life. He'd need every ounce of both. The rejections came. Then a stabbing. Twenty-seven stitches in his neck. He survived because he was fit enough to keep breathing. While football was slipping, something else was rising. A meeting with Romeo in a South London pub. A call from EMI. Eleven members, each given twenty-one seconds on a track, a video shot like Hollywood had come to the council estate and suddenly So Solid Crew were a cultural earthquake. Platinum album. Eleven top ten hits. Quarter-of-a-million-pound contracts landing on a kid who'd been scraping the National League. And with it came the cost. Threats. Rival crews. He moved to Hertfordshire just to breathe famous, rich, untouchable on stage, and looking over his shoulder every time he stepped outside. Football saved him again. AFC Wimbledon, under Dave Anderson, became a sanctuary. The away terraces gave him everything they had; he used it as fuel. That club mattered enough that they later held his mother close when he needed it most. Because losing her was the wound that hasn't fully closed. He speaks about his mum with a tenderness that catches you off guard the cancer, the goodbye, the friends like Hayden Mullins who refused to let him fall. Out of that grief came a vow: to honour her by being a better father, a better man. A charity match at Plymouth Argyle planned, so her memory keeps walking with him. He doesn't dress the rest of it up either. The infidelity. The weed he started smoking in his twenties to quiet the anxiety. Never Class A, never owned by alcohol but never the rapper-cliché hero either. He owns his mistakes out loud because that's how you raise children to be shepherds, not sheep. He sits across from Romeo and they cry openly now two men who once carried untouchable street swagger, dismantling toxic masculinity in real time. Strength through struggle. That was always the motto. His proudest achievement isn't the platinum plaque or the West End nomination alongside Spacey and Swayze. It's rebuilding himself when his own father resented his success. It's his daughter, a brilliant footballer, and telling her loudly that the game has no gender. It's a partner a mental health nurse who holds him on the days the motivation won't come.
S2 · E7
Jul 3, 2026
1:36:02
EP14: I Took The Long Way Round with Ben Coker
This episode is a powerful and honest conversation with Ben Coker, a footballer whose 18-year career was built not on hype or natural advantages, but on resilience, mindset, and persistence. As the only professional player at the time competing in the EFL while managing type 1 diabetes, Ben’s story offers a rare and refreshing perspective on what it truly takes to survive in professional football. Rather than focusing solely on achievements, the episode digs into the realities of the game: academy releases, non-league wages, working manual jobs to get by, and the mental strain of repeated setbacks. Ben speaks candidly about nearly being written off early, moving to Sweden at 18 to keep his dream alive, and slowly earning his way back into the professional leagues through hard work and consistency. A major strength of the episode is Ben’s openness around adversity. From managing diabetes daily to suffering a career-threatening ACL injury at the worst possible moment, he explains how discipline, routine, humor, and perspective helped him navigate the darkest periods of his career. His ability to separate football from his identity, lean on family support, and maintain joy in the game stands out as a defining trait. Beyond football, the episode explores life, relationships, and purpose. Ben reflects on the importance of his wife and family, the value of planning for life after football, and why having balance off the pitch can actually extend a playing career. Overall, this episode is not a fairytale success story—it’s a real one. It’s about longevity, mental toughness, and showing up every day despite uncertainty. Whether you’re a footballer, athlete, or someone facing long-term challenges, Ben Koker’s story is deeply relatable, grounding, and genuinely inspiring.
S2 · E6
Feb 1, 2026
1:27:29
EP13: What Happens When the Dream Ends? The Truth About Life After Football - Jacob Blyth
What happens when the dream you’ve chased your entire life suddenly disappears? In this episode, we sit down for an unfiltered conversation with Jacob Blyth about football, identity, and the hidden cost of chasing success. From playing men’s non-league football at 15, earning a move to Leicester City, and training alongside Premier League winners - to injury, isolation, public scrutiny, and the darkest period of his life. This is not a story about fame or money. It’s about pressure, mental health, mistakes, and the reality that footballers - like all of us - are human beings, not robots. We talk openly about failure, alcohol, relationships, and what it really takes to rebuild when everything falls apart. A powerful, honest episode about losing purpose - and finding something more important on the other side.
S2 · E5
Jan 4, 2026
1:46:28
EP12: Football Is What I Did, Not Who I Am - Adebayo Akinfenwa
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
S2 · E4
Dec 10, 2025
1:33:58
EP11 - Breathe, Accept, Commit - With Dudley Stokes
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
S2 · E3
Nov 26, 2025
1:54:28
EP10: When The Penny Drops - Mason Spence on The Hidden Battle Behind Football & Gambling Addiction
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
S2 · E2
Nov 12, 2025
1:46:52
EP09: Presence Is A Gift We Are Learning To Accept
Here we go again! Series One was such a success that we’re back for Series Two! We’re welcoming new sponsors and looking to connect with like-minded brands that share our values. We’re excited about the guests we’ve lined up and grateful to Carl at Podspace for our new look and home. This series will focus more on solutions — offering guidance and reflection through the stories shared. The response to Series One has been incredible, showing how much this movement is helping, supporting, and strengthening both listeners and guests alike. In this episode, Craig Mackail-Smith and Jim Burnside discuss feedback from a listener that helped shape the foundation of what Assist hopes to achieve. Recorded during a busy summer, both Craig and Jim open up about balancing coaching, personal commitments, and their own growth journeys. Jim shares a breakthrough moment in his relationship with his mum after learning about Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD), something he deeply relates to. They explore how RSD shows up in football and how shifting focus toward small daily positives can build resilience. The topic of identity also surfaces — how evolving goals can blur self-worth and prevent people from celebrating their achievements. Craig reflects on the loss of creativity in football and questions whether the game still celebrates individuality. Craig opens up about his darkest moments — from losing his home and career to rebuilding himself, one day at a time. His story of surrender and healing is deeply inspiring. Jim, meanwhile, shares how a simple moment of singing in his car helped him reconnect with himself and start “living a little” again. Both co-hosts are embracing life more fully, encouraging others to do the same — to reflect, be present, and celebrate every win, big or small. Thank you for watching, listening, reading, and supporting Assist. If you’d like to reach out, we’d love to hear from you in the comments, via our social media or info@assist-uk.co.uk You are enough. Assist Podcast
S2 · E1
Oct 29, 2025
1:29:57
Season 1
EP08: Failures, Setbacks and Growing Forward with Laurie Walker
On this week's episode we speak with Laurie Walker, Goalkeeper at Solihull Moors. We discuss family dynamics and the impact it had on his career and personal life growing up. Football was a great escape but it didnt come without its challenges some of which were the most extraordinary experiences we’ve heard in a while.A real feel good story from being let go at a club in your teens to then making your debut for the same club a decade on. A ‘you’ll never be good enough’ comment left Laurie striving to prove them wrong and more himself right this episode will showcase how one simple comment can carry such an incredible impact and burden on someone’s life. Listening to Laurie talk about his time at Kettering and how they didn’t get paid for months and months will give you an insight to how strong his desire was to succeed at being a footballer. When going through his tough times he highlighted how important it is to have a partner alongside you that can help guide you the testing moments and in Lauries case how his partner help him to find purpose outside of football and find himself again. This episode has highs and lows, twists and turns but highlights Lauries resilience in tough situations and his desire to not allow past comments to dictate what he can achieve
S1 · E8
Jun 13, 2025
1:33:50
EP07: The Drive Behind the Player – Aaron McLean Unfiltered
This week on the podcast, we’re joined by former professional footballer Aaron McLean. From the very start of the episode, it becomes clear that a central theme in Aaron’s journey is how embarrassment and early setbacks shaped his drive and decision-making. He opens up about his formative years at Chelsea, the unexpected release from the club, and the deep sense of shame that followed. Looking back, Aaron reflects on how that early disappointment became a powerful motivator—fueling a successful career both on and off the pitch. Aaron also speaks candidly about his experiences with racism throughout his career, both as a player and now as a broadcaster. His openness, resilience, and perspective on life, football, and personal growth are truly inspiring. It's a remarkable conversation with someone who continues to be a powerful role model on and off our screens. Please Like, Subscribe and get involved below in the comments! Follow us on socials @assistpodcastuk Let's connect Follow @jimburnside13 Follow @craig_mackail_smith
S1 · E7
May 16, 2025
1:49:05
EP06: When is Enough, Enough? With Guest Jim Stevenson, Owner of OverPower
Jim Burnside provides a warm welcome for Jim Stevenson to join the Assist podcast for this episode and it immediately kicks off with Craig Mackail-Smith and Jim Stevenson not remembering if they have been in the same team at the same time but agreeing they were quite literally in their own personal struggles at that time. Craig and Jim Stevenson spent time together (they think) at Luton Town during their careers and they both discuss with Jim Burnside the physical and mental demand they would put on their bodies after team training had finished and what they would do the night before a game, is this a healthy obsession they had? As Jim Stevenson takes us on a journey of his fitness pursuit outside of football he shares that he couldn’t allow himself to socialise with teammates (unless fitness was involved) and how dedicated he was. As he reflects he also shares these moments that he looks back on as delusion but he was so consumed at the time. Jim Burnside asks a really interesting question to both Jim Stevenson and Craig Mackail-Smith regarding providing self praise at any point in their footballing career. Both responses are incredibly honest and shows the places they were at personally. All three provide tips on how not to have a successful relationship with their Girlfriends/ wives as their fitness obsessions consume movie nights, dinners out, holidays and so much more! Have you experienced these and what about the FIFA statement, can you resonate?? Not making the first team and being released from clubs (finding out via social media) is a bitter pill to swallow but something that is not uncommon in football. It was in this moment Jim Stevenson found his new pathway but it also included an abundance of inner work that he openly talks about and how that shaped his current work, relationship and self. Its becoming more and more clear that the conversations The Assist Podcast co hosts Craig Mackail-Smith and Jim Burnside are having are uncovering some incredibly personal journeys but as Jim Stevenson says, its now time that these stories are shared and a healing journey can begin. Sharing different therapies and methods tried, works for some, work in that moment, and resets happen but the resilience and passion to know they all deserve a better future is what was a key message between Craig Mackail-Smith, Jim Burnside and Jim Stevenson. Jim Stevensons advice was truly impactful and we’d love to hear how this resonates with you!
S1 · E6
Apr 16, 2025
1:34:36
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