From Rock Bottom Podcast

Andy “Vlad” Murphy
  • 0.0 (0)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

This podcast is all about real stories from real people—because everyone has a battle you don’t see. Each week, we sit down with everyday heroes, including veterans, recovering addicts, and people who’ve been to the edge and back, as well as athletes, influencers, and public figures who you may know—but don’t truly know. No matter who they are, each guest shares one thing: a fight with mental health and the strength it takes to rise again. You’ll laugh, cry, and come away inspired. Whether you're struggling, supporting someone who is, or just want to understand the unspoken side of life.

  1. Fake DNA Results, Lies & Betrayal | The Ryan Hampson Story

    3D AGO

    Fake DNA Results, Lies & Betrayal | The Ryan Hampson Story

    Ryan Hampson shares his heartbreaking real-life story of betrayal, fake DNA results, paternity fraud and losing the child he believed was his daughter. After being told another man was the father, Ryan moved on with his life — until months later his ex-partner returned claiming a DNA test proved he was actually the father. Wanting to be a dad, Ryan stepped up completely. He rebuilt the relationship, bought a family home, supported his partner financially and embraced fatherhood. But after 18 months of raising the child as his own, everything came crashing down. A second DNA test revealed Ryan was not the biological father. A third independent test confirmed the devastating truth. Ryan later discovered the original DNA paperwork had allegedly been forged, and the testing company stated they had never carried out the tests at all. In this powerful podcast episode, Ryan opens up about: • Paternity fraud • Fake DNA test results • Betrayal and heartbreak • Losing contact with a child he loved • Civil and criminal court proceedings • The emotional impact on men and families This is one of the most shocking paternity fraud stories in the UK and raises serious questions about trust, family law and justice. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to like, comment and subscribe for more real-life stories and powerful conversations.

    1h 50m
  2. Top 0.01% CrossFit Athlete on Autism, ADHD and Mental Health | Reece Mitchell

    MAY 15

    Top 0.01% CrossFit Athlete on Autism, ADHD and Mental Health | Reece Mitchell

    n this powerful episode, we sit down with former elite CrossFit athlete Reece Mitchell to explore the reality behind competing at the highest level of fitness. Reece shares his journey from becoming the 3rd best CrossFit athlete in the world in his teenage years to reaching the top 0.01% globally as an adult — and the pressure that came with it. We break down: * What CrossFit really is and why it exploded worldwide * What it takes to compete at an elite level * The mental and physical cost of high performance Reece also opens up about growing up with autism and ADHD, describing how it felt like having “a brain split in two” pulling him in different directions. We discuss the importance of awareness, diagnosis, and learning how to live with neurodiversity. This conversation goes deeper into: * His journey with sexuality and self-acceptance * The impact it had on his mental health * Struggles with addiction and coping mechanisms * The pressure of rankings, performance, and identity We also explore men’s mental health, medication, and why more open conversations are needed. Finally, Reece explains why he made the decision to retire from CrossFit, and what comes next.

    1h 21m
  3. From Bullied Kid to Misfits Fighter | Zach Ziggy Johnson Full Story

    MAY 8

    From Bullied Kid to Misfits Fighter | Zach Ziggy Johnson Full Story

    In this episode, we sit down with influencer boxer Zach Ziggy Johnson to dive deep into his journey from growing up in upstate New York to stepping into the ring on Misfits Boxing. Zach opens up about his early life, including dealing with a speech impediment and being bullied throughout school. He shares how those challenges shaped his mindset and pushed him toward sports, eventually leading him into combat sports and professional boxing. We also discuss his experience fighting on Misfits Boxing, competing against tough and experienced opponents, and what it was like fighting Prince Sammy, the son of British boxing legend Prince Naseem Hamed, on a card backed by KSI. Beyond boxing, this conversation goes deeper into men’s mental health, the stigma surrounding it, and why so many men still struggle to speak openly about their challenges. This is a powerful story of resilience, growth, and stepping into the fire both mentally and physically.

    1h 35m
  4. War, ISIS & PTSD: The Harsh Reality of a British Soldier | Ryan Yates

    MAY 1

    War, ISIS & PTSD: The Harsh Reality of a British Soldier | Ryan Yates

    What does it really take to become an elite soldier—and what does it cost? In this powerful episode, we sit down with Ryan Yates, a 10-year veteran of the British Army, to uncover a story of resilience, trauma, and redemption. Growing up on a council estate, Ryan always dreamed of becoming a soldier—but his journey was anything but straightforward. From struggling to fit in at a high-end secondary school surrounded by wealth, to failing Army selection at just 15, Ryan’s path was filled with rejection, doubt, and setbacks. But at 16, everything changed. Against the odds, Ryan not only joined the Army—he went on to attempt selection for an elite unit at an age and experience level almost unheard of. Facing brutal physical and mental tests, and competing against seasoned soldiers, he pushed himself beyond limits most never reach. In this episode, Ryan opens up about: * The reality of modern warfare * Losing friends in combat * Operating in high-risk environments, including Iraq * Encounters with ISIS during his close protection work * Ignoring the warning signs of PTSD After leaving the military, Ryan faced a different kind of battle—losing his identity, spiraling into self-destruction, and even attempting to take his own life. Now, he’s turned that pain into purpose. Ryan is the founder of The Veterans Army, a charity dedicated to supporting ex-servicemen and women struggling with mental health, transition to civilian life, and finding purpose again. Through his work, he’s helping others fight the battles many never see. This is not just a war story—it’s a story about survival, brotherhood, and rebuilding from rock bottom.

    2h 36m
  5. From Prison Cell to TikTok Fame: Armed Robber to Influencer

    APR 24

    From Prison Cell to TikTok Fame: Armed Robber to Influencer

    Ben Hassan’s life is something you won’t believe. Known today for his viral TikTok catchphrase “click click bang bang”, his past tells a very different story. Abandoned by his mother at just 18 months old and raised by his grandmother, Ben grew up surrounded by violence, rejection, and instability. With no relationship with his father and suffering abuse from his mother’s partners, his early life pushed him down a dark path. By 16, Ben was sentenced to 7 years in prison for armed robbery and kidnap. In this episode, Ben opens up about: ​ Life inside prison and segregation​ Serving time alongside notorious gangsters like the Richardson brothers and Charlie Kray​ The reality of jail violence​ His battles with mental health and being sectioned​ How he turned his life around after prison Now a successful figure in the jewellery business and a rising TikTok personality, Ben uses his platform to inspire change and share the truth about crime and consequences. This is a raw, honest, and powerful conversation you don’t want to miss.

    1h 35m
  6. From Childhood Abuse to Robbing Drug Dealers | Koa’s Raw Story

    APR 17

    From Childhood Abuse to Robbing Drug Dealers | Koa’s Raw Story

    In this powerful and deeply emotional episode, Koa shares his untold story of childhood grooming, sexual abuse, addiction, crime, and ultimately redemption. As a young child, Koa was groomed and abused by two teenage boys—an experience that shaped how he understood relationships growing up. Believing this behaviour was “normal,” he carried that confusion into his teenage years while battling inner pain and trauma. Koa began drinking alcohol at a shockingly young age—even walking to school with beer. What started as alcohol use quickly escalated into drug experimentation, and by his late teens, he made a life-changing decision: to fully immerse himself in the world of drugs. To sustain his addiction, Koa turned to crime—robbing drug dealers and becoming caught in a dangerous cycle of violence, prison, and survival. In this raw conversation, Koa opens up about: - Childhood trauma and its long-term impact - Addiction and early exposure to alcohol and drugs - Crime, violence, and time in prison - The cycle of getting clean and relapsing - His journey toward recovery and helping others overcome addiction This is a story of pain—but also resilience, growth, and hope. ⚠️ Viewer discretion advised: This episode discusses sensitive topics including abuse and addiction. If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more real stories. #AddictionRecovery #TrueStory #SurvivorStory #MentalHealth #Trauma #RecoveryJourney #Podcast #LifeStory #PrisonStory #SubstanceAbuse

    1h 50m
  7. Life Sentence At 17: Declan Moore On Crime, Prison & Being Branded A Murderer.

    APR 10

    Life Sentence At 17: Declan Moore On Crime, Prison & Being Branded A Murderer.

    What happens when your life is defined by one moment at just 17 years old? In this powerful and unfiltered podcast episode, Declan Moore shares his story of being handed a life sentence with a 13-year minimum tariff under joint enterprise laws. From a promising athletics future to navigating one of the harshest realities imaginable, this is a conversation that challenges perception, accountability, and the system itself. We dive deep into Declan’s early life, including his struggle with dyslexia and how the education system failed many young people growing up in tough council estates where survival often comes before success. He opens up about living in the shadow of his older brother, whose reputation for violence and gang involvement shaped how others saw him—and how that pushed Declan to try and build his own identity. Declan walks us through the day that changed everything, the court case that followed, and what it feels like to receive a life sentence as a teenager. We also explore the realities of prison life, breaking down common myths, the mental toll of incarceration, and the lasting impact of being labelled a murderer. This episode also sheds light on the constant paranoia of potential retaliation, the long-term psychological effects, and what life looks like after prison when your past follows you everywhere. If you’re interested in true crime, real-life prison stories, joint enterprise laws, or raw, honest conversations about life, choices, and consequences—this episode is not to be missed. Topics covered: • Joint enterprise murder explained • Life sentence at 17 • Prison life realities vs myths • Growing up in council estates • Dyslexia and the education system • Gang culture and family influence • Life after prison and stigma • Mental health and paranoia after conviction Subscribe for more real stories and powerful conversations.

    1h 41m
  8. Abandoned in a Bush at Age 2 | Paul Fogarty’s Story of Addiction, Crime & Turning His Life Around

    APR 3

    Abandoned in a Bush at Age 2 | Paul Fogarty’s Story of Addiction, Crime & Turning His Life Around

    In this powerful and emotional podcast episode, we sit down with Paul Fogarty to hear one of the most unbelievable life stories you’ll ever hear. Paul was born into incredibly difficult circumstances. Due to his mother drinking heavily during pregnancy, Paul was born with one arm and no legs. At just 2 years old, his life took an even darker turn when he was abandoned in a bush by his own mother. No one knows exactly why she did it. Maybe she couldn’t cope. Maybe Paul was a painful reminder of her actions. Thankfully, Paul was adopted by a caring woman who did everything she could to give him a better life. She encouraged him to maintain a relationship with his father and tried her best to guide him as he grew up. But as Paul entered his teenage years, things began to spiral. With little discipline and growing anger, Paul started to act out, rebel, and fall into drugs and alcohol. When his father passed away when Paul was just 16, Paul moved into his father’s flat — a decision that unfortunately fueled his downward spiral. The flat soon became a place where drugs were used and sold, and Paul struggled to keep jobs or stability in his life. Eventually, things became so bad that Paul’s adoptive mother sold the flat and funded Paul to travel the world, hoping he might find a new path. Paul traveled solo to Thailand, chasing the sun, alcohol, and drugs — and that’s exactly what he found. After returning to England, his addiction intensified. Paul became addicted to crack cocaine, experimented with heroin, and turned to shoplifting and violence to fund his habit. Arrests became common, and nothing stood in the way of his next fix. But Paul’s story doesn’t end there. After meeting a woman he truly cared about, Paul realised he had something worth changing for. Determined not to lose her, he made the life-changing decision to get sober and rebuild his life. This episode is a raw, honest conversation about: • Surviving childhood abandonment • Living with severe disability • Addiction and criminal life • Hitting rock bottom • Finding a reason to change • The power of redemption Paul’s story is shocking, inspiring, and deeply human. If you enjoy real conversations about addiction recovery, resilience, and life transformation, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. 👍 Like, Comment & Subscribe for more powerful podcast conversations.

    1h 9m
See All (40)

About

This podcast is all about real stories from real people—because everyone has a battle you don’t see. Each week, we sit down with everyday heroes, including veterans, recovering addicts, and people who’ve been to the edge and back, as well as athletes, influencers, and public figures who you may know—but don’t truly know. No matter who they are, each guest shares one thing: a fight with mental health and the strength it takes to rise again. You’ll laugh, cry, and come away inspired. Whether you're struggling, supporting someone who is, or just want to understand the unspoken side of life.

Information

  • Creator
    Andy “Vlad” Murphy
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    40
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Andy “Vlad” Murphy
  • Show Website
    From Rock Bottom Podcast

You Might Also Like