In this episode of the Elite Podcast, we speak with Carl Thomas, a world record holder, extreme athlete, and owner of Team Energize, one of the UK's top tournament fighting teams. Carl shares insights from his esteemed career in martial arts, achievements with Team Energize, and personal challenges, including running ten marathons in ten days and pulling a 1.25-ton plane for a marathon distance.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:56 Interview Start
01:42 Success of Team Energize in Competitions
03:28 The Role of Parents and Support Networks
08:40 Carl's Martial Arts Journey and Family Connection
12:02 Starting a Martial Arts School
15:49 The Importance of Good Coaching
23:15 Recognition and Respect in Martial Arts
30:03 Frustrations with Fight Tactics
31:58 Endurance Challenges and World Records
32:38 The 10 Marathons in 10 Days Challenge
37:27 Cycling Challenge Across the UK
42:15 Guinness World Record: Marathon Pulling a Plane
52:13 Future Plans and Aspirations

The Elite Podcast is a brand-new show where host Lee Matthews speaks to individuals who are at the top of their industry and profession. The guests will be from different backgrounds including combat sports, military, and business to coaching. Lee will be finding out along with you why they have become the best in their fields and enjoyed acclaimed success and what they all share – their determination to become ELITE in their field.

Lee Matthews is a former paratrooper, kickboxing world champion and now entrepreneur. He is the owner of the UK's biggest chain of martial arts centres.

Follow Lee on social media for more:
▶︎ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lee.matthewsbmma
▶︎ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/leematthewsofficial/
▶︎ Lee’s Book - https://shorturl.at/fyGI7

Recorded and Produced by Liverpool Podcast Studios
▶︎ Web - http://www.liverpoolpodcaststudios.com
▶︎ Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/liverpoolpodcaststudios
▶︎ LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/company/liverpool-podcast-studios

Join Lee as he interviews Joe, a seasoned military professional, about his remarkable journey through military ranks and his eventual shift to civilian life. Joe delves into his experiences with the King's Regiment, his leadership roles in operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and his insights into the restructuring of regimental units into specialized infantry, such as the Ranger units. He also discusses his post-military endeavor of developing a leadership course to enhance character development within the army and beyond, including schools and veteran support. Tune in for an engaging look at military life, leadership evolution, and innovative concepts in training and development.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:16 Joe's Military Background
01:53 Transition to Reservist and Current Role
03:45 Growing Up in Liverpool
06:16 Joining the Army
08:44 Basic Training and Early Army Life
16:47 Boxing in the Army
20:11 Deployments and Operations
37:46 Reflecting on Early Military Experiences
40:55 Rising Through the Ranks
42:23 Challenges and Triumphs in Training
45:58 Transition to Specialized Infantry
01:00:18 Formation of the Rangers
01:06:07 Current Role and Leadership Insights

The Elite Podcast is a brand-new show where host Lee Matthews speaks to individuals who are at the top of their industry and profession. The guests will be from different backgrounds including combat sports, military, and business to coaching. Lee will be finding out along with you why they have become the best in their fields and enjoyed acclaimed success and what they all share – their determination to become ELITE in their field.

Lee Matthews is a former paratrooper, kickboxing world champion and now entrepreneur. He is the owner of the UK's biggest chain of martial arts centres.

Follow Lee on social media for more:
▶︎ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lee.matthewsbmma
▶︎ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/leematthewsofficial/
▶︎ Lee’s Book - https://shorturl.at/fyGI7

Recorded and Produced by Liverpool Podcast Studios
▶︎ Web - http://www.liverpoolpodcaststudios.com
▶︎ Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/liverpoolpodcaststudios
▶︎ LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/company/liverpool-podcast-studios

In this episode of the Elite Podcast, we have Andrew Williams, a former paratrooper, MI5 officer, firefighter, and author. Andrew shares his harrowing experiences in Afghanistan's Sangin Valley, struggles with PTSD, and the life-altering diagnosis of cancer that led to his medical discharge from the military. He recounts the daunting early years, his journey into the Parachute Regiment, and the intense battles faced in Helmand Province. The conversation delves deep into the mental health challenges he endured upon returning, his failed suicide attempt, and the path to recovery through writing his book 'Beyond the Drop Zone.' Andrew now continues to share his story to help others and serves as a firefighter, cherishing his second chance at life.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Personal Struggles
01:29 Training and Early Military Life
03:20 Unorthodox Childhood
04:48 Life in Saudi Arabia
07:18 Return to North Wales
11:05 Joining the Parachute Regiment
19:50 Boxing in the Military
25:15 Career Decisions and Boxing Challenges
26:27 Training and Experiences in Kent
27:37 Transition to Support Company
30:05 Deployment to Iraq
31:59 Introduction to the Book
33:37 Struggles with PTSD and Health Issues
51:24 Life After the Military
57:53 Final Reflections

The Elite Podcast is a brand-new show where host Lee Matthews speaks to individuals who are at the top of their industry and profession. The guests will be from different backgrounds including combat sports, military, and business to coaching. Lee will be finding out along with you why they have become the best in their fields and enjoyed acclaimed success and what they all share – their determination to become ELITE in their field.

Lee Matthews is a former paratrooper, kickboxing world champion and now entrepreneur. He is the owner of the UK's biggest chain of martial arts centres.

Follow Lee on social media for more:
▶︎ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lee.matthewsbmma
▶︎ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/leematthewsofficial/
▶︎ Lee’s Book - https://shorturl.at/fyGI7

Recorded and Produced by Liverpool Podcast Studios
▶︎ Web - http://www.liverpoolpodcaststudios.com
▶︎ Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/liverpoolpodcaststudios
▶︎ LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/company/liverpool-podcast-studios