In this episode, Darren and Mark are joined by Ben Obese-Jecty, the newly elected Member of Parliament for Huntingdonshire. Ben shares his inspiring journey from the front lines of Iraq and Afghanistan to the corridors of Westminster. With honest reflections on military life, public service, and what drives him to make a difference, Ben opens up about the challenges of becoming an MP, the fight against youth knife crime, and the need for better support for male victims of interpersonal abuse.

This conversation also delves deeper into men’s health, with Ben, Darren, and Mark discussing the growing burden of obesity on the NHS, the decline in physical activity among men, and why personal responsibility is more important than ever.

Key Takeaways:

• Ben’s candid insight into military life and why it shaped his leadership style.
• The demanding path from soldier to politician — and why Ben took it.
• The urgent issue of knife crime and how Parliament can better respond.
• Why male victims of abuse need more recognition and support.
• The real cost of obesity on public health and the NHS.
• How society has shifted away from physical activity, and what we can do to reverse this trend.

🎯 Sponsored by Man v Fat

Want to take your first step toward a healthier life? Sign up for Man v Fat with code BIGFELLAS and get £1 registration:

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This week, Mark sits down with Sam Brown, a gut health specialist and nutritionist, to talk about how what’s going on in your gut could be the key to feeling better, losing weight, and boosting your mood.

Sam shares her powerful story of living with Crohn’s disease and how she turned things around by changing her diet. That experience led her to help others understand how much gut health affects the rest of your body, including energy, weight, and even mental health.

We talk about what to eat (and what to avoid), why sleep and strength training matter, and how simple changes to your diet can help you feel more in control of your health and cravings.

🥦 Key Takeaways:

- Why your gut health matters more than you think

- How Sam took control of Crohn’s with food — no meds

- The four big areas that support gut health: sleep, gut bugs (microbiome), detox, and fibre

- Why fermented foods like yoghurt and sauerkraut are your gut’s best mates

- How your gut affects your mood and food cravings

Simple tips to feel better: more protein, more fibre, better sleep, and some weights

💪 JOIN MAN V FAT

If you’re ready to take control of your health and lose weight with other men on the same journey, check out www.manvfat.org

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You can also find out more about Sam and her free 15-minute consultation on here website here: https://www.sambrownnutrition.com/

This episode is the coming together of football and weight loss, as we welcome Ben and Will from the Football Drop Podcast. Together, we explore how engaging in football can serve as a catalyst for achieving weight loss goals and promoting a healthier lifestyle. Our conversation highlights the importance of community support within the Man v Fat league, which serves as a motivating factor for individuals embarking on their weight loss journeys. We also explore personal experiences and practical strategies that have proven effective for the participants, emphasising accountability and camaraderie. This episode is replete with insights that illustrate how the beautiful game can contribute not only to physical fitness but also to holistic well-being.

Takeaways:

• In this episode, we discuss the integration of football and weight loss, emphasising the importance of community support in achieving personal health goals.
• Our guests share their experiences with the Man v Fat football leagues, highlighting how the game fosters camaraderie and accountability among players.
• We explore the significance of tracking weight loss progress, demonstrating how awareness of caloric intake can enhance successful dietary changes.
• The discussion includes personal stories of significant weight loss achievements, underscoring the transformative power of commitment and teamwork in fitness journeys.
• Listeners are encouraged to consider the mental and physical benefits of participating in sports, particularly about overall well-being and social interaction.
• We conclude with insights into the evolving nature of football-related fitness programmes, advocating for the fusion of enjoyment and health in lifestyle choices.

Ready to make the second half of 2025 count? Join Man v Fat Football and get support from blokes just like us.

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