From a rough childhood in Poland to standing toe-to-toe in the UK’s bare-knuckle arenas — Rafal Witkowski has lived a life built on fight, focus and pure resilience.Find Rafal Here - https://www.instagram.com/rafix_1991?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==In this raw episode, Rafal opens up about how his dad’s health struggles shaped his mindset, how moving to England changed everything, and how he found purpose through the brutal world of bare-knuckle fighting.He doesn’t just talk about throwing punches — he talks about mental health, sports psychology, and the power of facing your demons head-on. This isn’t just a fighter’s story; it’s a story about surviving, adapting and never giving up.Thanks to our Headline sponsors - Zinsser Episode sponsor - Brewers decorators centres Chapters00:00 Introduction to Rafal Witkowski01:12 Rafal's Early Life in Poland08:02 Family Dynamics and Challenges12:29 Transition to England and New Beginnings19:59 First Exposure to Fighting32:21 Journey into Professional Fighting39:00 Mental Health and Sports Psychology43:32 The Bare Knuckle Experience58:27 Future Aspirations and Upcoming Fights

This week, Russ sits down with Cam — aka @camquestions — the man behind the viral clips and one of the standout personalities and winner of a recent reality tv show.

Find cam Here -

https://www.instagram.com/camquestions?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

In this episode, Cam opens up about his battles with anxiety and intrusive thoughts, and the reality of living with them day to day. He talks about how being part of a big TV show challenged the stereotypes around tradesmen and gave people a chance to see a different side to him.

Cam shares how support from friends, family, and even medication has played a part in his journey — and why we need to start educating young people about mental health early on.

It’s a real and honest chat about feeling isolated, learning to open up, and finding strength through vulnerability. Cam reminds us that small wins matter, and that by speaking out, we can help others feel less alone.

Thanks to this episodes sponsors Brewers Decorators centres

In this episode of The Talking Tradesman Podcast, I sit down with Darren “The Tarantula” Godfrey Jr. — ranked #2 in the world in Power Slap and lined up for a title shot. Darren opens up about his tough upbringing in Bristol, his raw journey through bare-knuckle fighting, and how those battles shaped the fighter he is today.Find Darren here - https://www.instagram.com/darrengodfreyjnr?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==We talk about what it really takes to stand on the world stage of Power Slap, the brutal honesty of combat sports, and why mental health awareness is just as important as physical strength. Darren gets real about therapy, community, and fighting inner demons — proving that resilience can turn pain into power.This is more than just a conversation about fighting. It’s about survival, growth, and chasing greatness.Thanks to this episodes sponsors Brewers Decorators CentresChapters00:00 Introduction to Power Slap00:30 Understanding Power Slap: Rules and Mechanics02:10 Darren's Journey in Power Slap05:26 The Road to the Title: Training and Competitions08:43 The Experience of Being Scouted10:31 The Evolution of Slap Fighting12:55 Family Life and Support in Combat Sports14:09 The Dynamics of Watching Loved Ones Fight16:12 The Impact of Social Media on Sports19:40 Darren's Background and Early Life20:35 Growing Up in a Tough Environment27:17 The Journey into Fighting34:30 Struggles with Mental Health42:10 Turning Points and Life Changes48:59 Bare-Knuckle Fighting Experience49:04 The Hard Hits of Bare-Knuckle Fighting50:02 The Evolution of Bare-Knuckle Fighting51:16 The Future of Fighting: Opportunities and Aspirations52:01 The Fight Scene: Misfits and New Opportunities53:04 Reflections on a Fighter's Journey54:00 Mental Health and the Fight Game55:08 The Importance of Support and Community56:04 The Role of Therapy in Mental Health57:03 Closing Thoughts and Future Endeavour'shttps://www.instagram.com/strettonia.boxing._godfreys?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==