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PODCAST

Big Fellas

Darren Ockenden & Mark Hall

Welcome to the Big Fellas Podcast, where we focus on weight loss for men who are ready to take charge of their health and fitness. Hosted by Darren Ockenden and Mark Hall, who have together lost over 10 stone (140 lbs), this podcast is all about sharing real stories, tips, and advice specifically tailored for men. Whether you’re struggling with weight loss, looking for men’s health tips, or want to join a supportive community, the Big Fellas Podcast covers it all. Each episode dives into topics

health & fitness nutrition

All Episodes

53:28

From Addiction to Accountability: Adam’s Story

Big Fellas ·

2026/02/23

In this episode of Big Fellas Weight Loss for Men, Darren and Mark sit down with Adam Boyd, who has lost an incredible 150lbs, but this isn’t just a story about the scales.Adam opens up about the mental health battles that ran alongside his weight gain, including anxiety, addiction, and the coping mechanisms he built from a young age. He talks honestly about how childhood experiences shaped his relationship with food, and why real, lasting change meant doing far more than just dieting.This is a

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17:19

Silent Saboteurs: The Little Habits Wrecking Your...

Big Fellas ·

2026/02/16

Ever had a “good” week… then absolutely undone it by Sunday night?In this episode of Big Fellas, we’re chatting about what we call the silent saboteurs — the sneaky little habits that quietly wreck your weight loss without you even realising.Because let’s be honest… most of us don’t struggle because we’re lazy or unmotivated. We struggle because of the stuff we’ve normalised.We get into:🍔 The weekend blowout – why five solid days can get wiped out by two “ah go on then” days🍺 Using alcohol as a

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35:42

Why So Many Men Struggle with Food and Their Emotions

Big Fellas ·

2026/02/09

In this episode of Big Fellas Weight Loss for Men, Darren and Mark dive into some powerful conversations taken from the Facebook group Men and Their Emotions — a space where men are opening up about what they’re really dealing with beneath the surface.The discussion covers food addiction, emotional eating, past trauma, and the crossover between food, alcohol, and substance use. Darren and Mark talk honestly about why these issues are rarely “just about food”, and how unaddressed emotional pain often

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52:32

Emotional Eating Explained: Breaking the Cycle with...

Big Fellas ·

2026/02/02

In this insightful and thought-provoking episode of Big Fellas, Darren and Mark are joined by Sam Gibson to unpack one of the most misunderstood aspects of weight loss — emotional eating.Together, they explore why overeating so often has little to do with hunger and everything to do with how we cope with stress, loneliness, boredom, and emotional discomfort. Sam explains how food can become a form of self-soothing, filling emotional gaps rather than physical ones, and why simply “having more

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51:20

Sustainable Weight Loss: Training, Nutrition &...

Big Fellas ·

2026/01/26

In this practical and motivating episode of Big Fellas, Darren and Mark are joined by Harrison Burgess, an online personal trainer who brings a refreshingly realistic approach to weight loss and fitness.Harrison shares his own powerful transformation story, explaining how he lost 30 kilos and why that lived experience now shapes the way he coaches others. Together, they explore what actually works when it comes to long-term results — focusing on sustainable habits rather than extreme diets or

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50:22

Losing 150 Pounds: Holston’s Journey to Health,...

Big Fellas ·

2026/01/19

In this inspiring episode of Big Fellas, Darren and Mark are joined by Holston, who shares his incredible journey of losing an astonishing 150 pounds and completely transforming his life.Holston opens up about the realities of living with obesity and the moment he decided enough was enough. His story isn’t just about weight loss — it’s about changing his mindset, rebuilding daily habits, and rediscovering joy through an active lifestyle. From calorie counting to spending more time being active with

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27:33

The New Food Pyramid Explained: What’s Changed and...

Big Fellas ·

2026/01/12

In this episode of Big Fellas, Darren and Mark break down the newly published food pyramid from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and what it really means for everyday weight loss and health.They compare the modern pyramid to the original version from the 1970s, exploring how decades of nutritional research — and major shifts in how we eat — have shaped today’s updated guidance. The conversation highlights a clear move away from refined carbohydrates and ultra-processed foods, towards

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34:20

The 6 Most Effective Ways to Lose Weight in 2026

Big Fellas ·

2026/01/05

In this practical and no-nonsense episode of Big Fellas, Darren and Mark break down the six most effective weight loss strategies for 2026 — cutting through trends, hype, and social media noise to focus on what actually works.At the heart of the conversation is the one principle that still underpins all successful weight loss: a calorie deficit. While it might not be exciting, Darren and Mark explain why it remains the most reliable and scientifically proven method for losing weight. From there,

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54:37

New Year, New Mindset: How to Win at Weight Loss in 2026

Big Fellas ·

2026/01/01

In this New Year’s Day special of Big Fellas, Darren and Mark kick off 2026 with a powerful conversation about the one thing that determines long-term weight loss success more than diet plans or gym routines: mindset.They’re joined by Dr. Sheheryar Banuri, a Dean and Lecturer at Cambridge University, whose work sits at the intersection of mindset, decision-making, and behavioural economics. Dr. Banuri explains why weight loss isn’t about willpower alone, but about the thousands of small decisions we

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23:54

Christmas & Weight Loss: Enjoy Yourself or Stay...

Big Fellas ·

2025/12/22

In this festive episode of Big Fellas, Darren and Mark tackle a question every man on a weight loss journey faces at Christmas: should you relax and enjoy it, or stay disciplined to protect your progress?The lads take opposing views, with Mark arguing that Christmas is a time to switch off, enjoy the food, and not beat yourself up over a short-term break from routine. Darren, on the other hand, urges caution, explaining how overindulgence can make January far harder and derail momentum that’s taken

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40:42

Men’s Mental Health: Why Talking Could Save Your Life

Big Fellas ·

2025/12/15

In this frank episode of Big Fellas, Darren takes centre stage to talk openly about men’s mental health, a subject that still carries far too much stigma. With the stark reality that one in eight men struggles with mental health issues, Darren shares his own experiences of stress, pressure, and recovery, shaped in part by his time working in the police.He reflects on how societal expectations often push men to stay silent, convincing them they must “just get on with it”, even when they’re

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50:36

Losing 10½ Stone: Chris’s Story of Consistency,...

Big Fellas ·

2025/12/08

In this powerful episode of Big Fellas, Darren and Mark sit down with Chris, who shares his incredible story of losing ten and a half stone, a transformation built on consistency, mindset, and a complete shift in how he viewed food and health.Chris opens up about the struggles that came before his success, from battling with food choices and emotional eating to learning the importance of accountability. He explains how surrounding himself with the right people, including trainers and supportive

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32:33

Mark Hall: My Lifelong Battle with Weight — An Honest...

Big Fellas ·

2025/12/01

In this deeply personal and reflective solo episode of Big Fellas, host Mark Hall opens up about his lifelong journey with weight loss in a raw and emotional conversation, this time, with the help of ChatGPT.Mark takes listeners back to his childhood, sharing his earliest memories of being teased about his weight and how those moments shaped his self-esteem, friendships, and confidence. He speaks candidly about the emotional connection he developed with food and how it became both a comfort and a

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24:24

The Final Hurdle: Why Losing the Last Stone Is the...

Big Fellas ·

2025/11/24

In this episode of Big Fellas, Darren and Mark explore one of the toughest stages in any weight loss journey, the final hurdle.They discuss the psychological and physical challenges that come with trying to lose those last few stubborn pounds, using the story of a listener named "Dave", who has already lost an incredible six stone but now struggles to shed the final one to reach a healthy BMI.The lads dive into why progress often slows down near the end, how the body adapts to lower weight, and what

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36:57

From Couch to 5K: How Alex Whelan Lost 4.5 Stone and...

Big Fellas ·

2025/11/10

In this uplifting episode of Big Fellas, Darren and Mark chat with Alex Whelan, who shares his incredible journey from 130 kilos to a healthier, happier life, losing 4.5 stone along the way. His story is proof that with the right mindset and tools, anyone can turn their fitness goals into reality.Alex opens up about how the Couch to 5K programme became the turning point in his journey, transforming his initial dislike for running into a genuine passion. He explains how running, paired with better

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24:06

Overcoming Weight Loss Plateaus: Staying Motivated...

Big Fellas ·

2025/11/03

In this relatable and motivational episode of Big Fellas, Darren and Mark tackle one of the toughest parts of any weight loss journey: the plateau.Mark opens up about his own recent experience of feeling deflated after seeing no movement on the scale, even while sticking to his routine. It’s an honest conversation about the emotional side of weight loss, and how easy it is to lose motivation when the results seem to slow down.Together, Darren and Mark explore why plateaus happen, how to recognise

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51:38

Nutrition, Mindset & Men’s Health: Becky Belzano on...

Big Fellas ·

2025/10/27

In this episode of Big Fellas, Darren and Mark are joined by Becky Belzano, a nutritionist and coach with a background in food and HR, who brings a fresh and practical perspective to men’s health and nutrition.Becky shares her journey into nutrition and how her experience working with people and food businesses shaped her understanding of how diet impacts not just physical health but also performance, mood, and energy. Together, they dive into the psychological side of eating — exploring why men

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42:42

Losing 6.5 Stone with Mounjaro: Dave Cooper’s Journey...

Big Fellas ·

2025/10/20

In this inspiring episode of Big Fellas, Mark sits down with Dave Cooper, who shares his powerful story of losing 6.5 stone through a combination of Mounjaro weight loss injections, lifestyle changes, and sheer determination.Dave opens up about his lifelong battle with weight — from childhood struggles to the challenges of managing his health during his time as a police officer. He reflects on how stress, comfort eating, and busy routines contributed to his weight gain, and how a pivotal moment with

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45:01

Breaking Free: Rachael Shephard on Sobriety, Healing...

Big Fellas ·

2025/10/13

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Big Fellas, Darren and Mark sit down with Rachael Shephard, an author and coach helping women overcome alcohol dependency through her transformative Sober Mama program.Rachael opens up about her own journey, from losing her mother and navigating the emotional aftermath, to confronting her reliance on alcohol as a coping mechanism. Her story sheds light on the often-overlooked link between alcohol, anxiety, and depression, revealing how drinking can

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38:25

From Obesity to Ultra Marathons: Matt Gibson’s...

Big Fellas ·

2025/10/06

In this powerful episode of Big Fellas, Darren and Mark are joined by Matt Gibson, whose story of transformation is as inspiring as it gets, from battling obesity and chronic pain to running ultra marathons.Matt opens up about his early struggles with denial around his weight and the wake-up call that came when sciatica forced him to face his health head-on. His turning point came when he joined Man v Fat, combining his love of football with a supportive community that helped him stay accountable.He

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84 results

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