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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

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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32:09

Fasting Explained: Intermittent Fasting, Health...

Big Fellas ·

2025/09/29

In this episode of Big Fellas, Darren and Mark take a deep dive into fasting, breaking down what it really means, the different methods people use, and how it can support weight loss and better health.They explore popular approaches such as the 5:2 diet and the 16:8 method, sharing their own experiences with fasting and how it has influenced their weight loss journeys. The lads also look at the science, discussing how fasting can lower insulin, improve fat burning, and support overall metabolic

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35:35

From 26 Stone to Marathon Training: Dan’s 10 Stone...

Big Fellas ·

2025/09/22

In this inspiring episode of Big Fellas, Darren and Mark sit down with Dan, who has transformed his life by losing over 10 stone after once weighing 26 stone. His journey is one of resilience, mindset, and the power of community through the Man v Fat programme.Dan opens up about the pivotal moments that sparked his commitment to change, from his first steps into exercise to the discipline of tracking calories. He shares not just the physical side of his journey but also the psychological battles,

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21:45

Food, Fitness & Finding Balance: Nutrition and...

Big Fellas ·

2025/09/15

In this episode of Big Fellas, Darren and Mark break down the two pillars of a successful weight loss journey: nutrition and exercise. They share their own experiences of swapping processed foods for home-cooked meals, how small changes in diet can make a big difference, and why balance (not perfection) is the key to staying consistent.The lads also dive into exercise, challenging common misconceptions and revealing what actually works for them. Mark explains why he prefers resistance training to

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48:35

One Year of Big Fellas: Reflections, Milestones &...

Big Fellas ·

2025/09/08

This special episode marks one year of the Big Fellas Podcast! Darren and Mark take a trip down memory lane, revisiting the car park conversation after a Man v Fat game that sparked the idea for the show. Since then, Big Fellas has grown into a platform that’s reached nearly 10,000 downloads, sharing real men’s stories and tackling the ups and downs of weight loss.The lads reflect on their favourite episodes, the inspiring guests who’ve joined them, and the personal challenges they’ve faced along

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37:05

Losing 25 Stone (351 Pounds): Lee's Incredible...

Big Fellas ·

2025/09/01

In this unforgettable episode of Big Fellas, Darren and Mark sit down with Lee Ashbourne, a man who has achieved the extraordinary, losing a staggering 25 stone (351 pounds).Lee opens up about his past struggles, including a devastating accident that left him housebound and unable to move for nearly 16 years. From an initial weight of over 47 stone, Lee explains the pivotal turning points that pushed him to begin his journey, the role of medical intervention, and the personal determination that

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25:16

Mounjaro Price Hike: What a 170% Increase Means for...

Big Fellas ·

2025/08/25

In this episode of Big Fellas, Darren and Mark tackle the shocking news that the cost of Mounjaro, a leading weight loss medication, is set to rise by a staggering 170%.They break down why this price increase is happening, from the initial pricing strategies used to gain traction to the wider implications for people relying on the drug. With affordability now a major concern, the lads explore how this move could widen the gap in access to effective weight loss treatments.Alongside the analysis,

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35:09

Gut Health, Allergies & Eczema: Tommy’s Journey to...

Big Fellas ·

2025/08/18

In this episode of Big Fellas, Mark is joined by fitness coach Tommy, who brings a wealth of knowledge in integrative health, shaped by his own battles with eczema, allergies, and gut issues.Tommy explains how poor gut health can affect everything from skin conditions to allergies, sleep, and even weight loss. He shares the science behind nutrient absorption, the impact of stress on digestion, and how the gut is central to both physical and mental health.Packed with practical advice, Tommy

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45:01

Six Stone Down: Michael Burke on Life-Changing Weight...

Big Fellas ·

2025/08/11

In this episode of Big Fellas, Darren and Mark sit down with Michael to hear the incredible story of his six-stone weight loss, and the role Mounjaro played in his transformation.Michael opens up about the turning point that made him take action: struggling with sleep apnea at 140 kilos and knowing something had to change. He shares the steps he took, starting with healthier eating habits before introducing Mounjaro, and how these changes have completely reshaped his physical health,

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76 results

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