Elite Podcast

Hosted by Lee Matthews

Business Entrepreneurship

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Mar 2026

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About the show

The Elite Podcast is for business people

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54 recent

March 28, 202651 min

From Street Fights to Success in Business & Martial Arts - Nathan & Joe Goulding (Elite Podcast #54)

Nathan and Joe Goulding join Lee Matthews to share their journey from tough beginnings to building success in martial arts and business. As a father and son, they open up about the challenges they’ve faced, the lessons learned through adversity, and how discipline and consistency helped shape both their lives and careers.They discuss their experiences growing up around conflict, transitioning from street fights into structured martial arts, and how those experiences influenced their mindset, leadership, and approach to business. This episode dives deep into resilience, personal growth, and what it truly takes to become elite.CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction01:45 Growing Up & Early Challenges08:30 Street Fights & Lessons Learned15:20 Discovering Martial Arts22:10 Transition Into Business30:45 Building a Martial Arts Brand38:20 Mindset & Overcoming Setbacks45:15 Advice for Young Men52:00 What It Means to Be Elite58:30 Final ThoughtsThe 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/fyGI7Recorded 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

March 27, 202647 min

Building a Martial Arts Empire and earning World Titles - Luke & Dan Cuthbert (Elite Podcast #53)

In this episode of the Elite Podcast, host Lee Matthews sits down with brothers Luke and Dan to discuss their lifelong dedication to martial arts and how they are continuing their father's legacy at the United Karate Association.The brothers open up about their contrasting paths to success. Dan details his intense competition background, including winning the IKU World Championships in Brazil, and the severe eye injury that forced him to pivot from fighting to coaching. Luke shares his journey of pursuing a soccer scholarship in America before a knee injury brought him back to his true passion on the tatami. They also dive into the realities of scaling a martial arts business to over 2,000 students, the importance of maintaining strict traditional standards, and how childhood discipline and constant competition built the ultimate resilience for life and entrepreneurship.Chapters:00:00 - Introduction and Travelling from Essex03:26 - Continuing the United Karate Association Legacy04:03 - Maintaining Traditional Martial Arts Standards05:27 - Dan's Career and Winning the IKU World Championship06:37 - The Fight That Caused a Detached Retina07:13 - Luke's US Football Scholarship and Returning to Karate10:25 - Scaling the Business to 2,000 Students12:33 - Growing Up in the Dojo and Teaching at 10 Years Old14:05 - Channeling Hyperactivity into Daily Sports Training14:49 - The Power of Losing and Building Resilience16:46 - The Mindset and Discipline of a True Martial ArtistThe 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/fyGI7Recorded 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

March 26, 202655 min

SAS: Who Dares Wins Instructor & Former Special Forces — Ollie Ollerton | Elite Podcast #52

In this episode of the Elite Podcast, host Lee Matthews sits down with Ollie Ollerton, a man whose journey from the Royal Marines to the Special Boat Service (SBS) and eventually to the TV screens of "SAS: Who Dares Wins" is a masterclass in resilience and mental fortitude. Ollie opens up about the internal battles that preceded his military success, including a near-fatal chimp attack as a child and the "unconscious unhappiness" that drove him to chase dopamine and chaos.They discuss the psychology of high performance, the "worm of self-doubt" that almost stopped him on day one of Special Forces selection, and his philosophy of "just doing today" to overcome insurmountable odds. Ollie also shares his transition to life after the military, finding a new mission in Dubai, and how he finally assigned purpose to the trauma of his past.[CHAPTERS]00:00 - Introduction and Dubai Life02:12 - Finding Purpose After the Military04:03 - Childhood Trauma: The Chimp Attack06:25 - The Dream of the Royal Marines07:59 - Reality vs. The Brochure09:54 - Manifestation and the SBS Goal12:44 - Transitioning to Special Forces Selection14:58 - Borrowing Confidence from Others17:23 - Day One: Overcoming the Mind's Negativity19:14 - The Power of "Just Do Today"21:51 - Breaking the Cycle of Self-Preservation23:42 - Stripping the Ego in Special Forces TrainingThe 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/fyGI7Recorded 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

March 25, 202637 min

World Karate Champion and PhD Scientist - Calum Robb (Elite Podcast #51)

In this episode of the Elite Podcast, host Lee Matthews sits down with Dr. Calum Robb, a former Scottish, British, European, and World Karate Champion. Calum is one of the most decorated Scottish karate fighters of recent times and remains the only Scottish practitioner since the millennium to win a world WKF senior medal.Beyond his incredible physical achievements, Calum holds a PhD in immunology and spent a decade as a research scientist before transitioning into high-level scientific sales. Lee and Calum discuss the mindset of an elite fighter, the "ruthless" switch that occurs at the top level, and how the discipline learned in the dojo translates directly into professional success.They also delve into the evolution of modern karate, the "fast game of tag" it has sometimes become, and why new platforms like Total Kombat are essential for returning to the true "warrior spirit" of martial arts.Chapters:00:00:00 - Intro: The PhD Scientist and World Champion 00:01:21 - Meeting Calum Robb 00:01:49 - Transitioning from Karate to Scientific Sales 00:02:37 - Transferable Skills: Martial Arts in Professional Life 00:03:54 - Calum’s Competitive Career and WKF Success 00:04:30 - Traditional Wado Kai vs. All Styles 00:05:32 - Developing a Ruthless Mindset at Age 12 00:06:43 - The Influence of Family and Funding a Career 00:08:54 - The Instant Vibe Between Elite Fighters 00:09:49 - The Energy of the Pit and Total Kombat 00:10:48 - Total Kombat’s TV Deals and 2026 Vision 00:12:16 - The "Big Three" Tatami Sports: Karate, Taekwondo, and Kickboxing 00:13:00 - The Uneven Playing Field of Government Funding 00:14:11 - Fighting in "The Oval" 00:15:22 - Outstanding Fighters, Frustrating Rule Sets 00:17:07 - Modern Karate: A "Fast Game of Tag"? 00:19:12 - Bringing Back the Warrior Spirit 00:20:11 - The Power of Viral Knockouts and Social Media 00:21:42 - Michael "Venom" Page and A-List Exposure 00:23:01 - The Growth Mindset: No Egos, Just Results 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/fyGI7Recorded 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

February 17, 202655 min

The London 2012 Olympic Selection Scandal - Aaron Cook (Elite Podcast #50)

In this episode, Lee speaks with Aaron Cook, a three-time European Champion and former World #1 in Taekwondo. Aaron opens up about his career, sharing stories of his intense rivalry and friendship with fellow fighter Damon Sansum , and the "Golden Age" of British Taekwondo. He discusses the difficult and controversial decision to leave the GB Academy to train independently and details the heart-breaking moment he was not selected for the London 2012 Olympics despite being the world number one. Aaron provides an insider's account of the scandal, the legal battles that followed, and the immense toll it took on him and his family.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/fyGI7Recorded 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

January 4, 202658 min

The Brooks Brothers Matt and Joe Brooks (Elite Podcast #49)

In this episode, Lee is joined by the "Brooks Brothers," Matt and Joe Brooks, for a special dual-guest interview. Fresh off their incredible success at the WAKO World Championships in Abu Dhabi, the brothers discuss their journey to becoming world champions in multiple disciplines, including Points, Light Contact, and Kick Light.They dive deep into the differences between top-tier amateur circuits and professional fighting, arguing that the volume and variety of fights in amateur championships often present a harder challenge than the pro game. The conversation explores their recent transition into full-contact fighting with Total Kombat, the electric atmosphere of walking out to a massive crowd, and the pressure of maintaining their winning streak.Finally, Matt and Joe open up about their "origin story"—growing up in their father's dojo, the resilience built through "old school" training, and their commitment to maintaining high standards as coaches themselves.00:00 Intro and Welcome 01:04 Winning Gold at WAKO Abu Dhabi 03:49 Why Amateur Championships Can Be Harder Than Pro 07:57 Mastering Multiple Disciplines: Points vs. Kick Light 11:10 Transitioning to Full Contact (Total Kombat) 17:40 Walking Out at the O2 Arena 20:00 Fighting with a Broken Foot 23:17 Origin Story: Growing Up in the Dojo 31:54 The Problem with "Paper" World Champions 36:19 Sibling Rivalry: The "Kray Twins" of Kickboxing 40:05 Guardians of the Gate: Black Belt Integrity 47:20 Joining Team Top Ten GB 54:30 Partying with Darren Till 56:00 Future PlansThe 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/fyGI7Recorded 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

December 21, 202534 min

From Soldier to Champion - Dale Fenton (Elite Podcast #48)

In this episode, Dale Fenton, a former paratrooper and bare-knuckle boxing champion, shares his journey from military service to the boxing ring. He discusses the challenges of training with injuries, his advocacy for mental health among veterans, and the thrill of bare-knuckle fighting. Dale emphasizes the importance of rehabilitation through combat sports and the support he receives from the community. He also reflects on his future aspirations in the sport and the ongoing battles he faces with his health and compensation claims.Chapters00:00 From Soldier to Fighter: The Journey Begins07:23 Mental Health Advocacy: A Personal Mission10:22 The Impact of Injury: A Soldier's Story21:57 Bare-Knuckle Boxing: The Thrill of Combat30:46 Future Aspirations: The Road AheadThe 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/fyGI7Recorded 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

December 9, 202532 min

From Fan to Commentator: A Journey in Combat Sports - Ben 'Bane' Davis (Elite Podcast #47)

In this episode, Lee speaks with Ben the Bane Davis, a seasoned play-by-play commentator in the combat sports arena. They discuss Ben's journey into the world of combat sports, his experiences working with various organizations, and the unique dynamics of broadcasting. The conversation also touches on Total Kombat, the importance of networking in the fight game, and the evolving perceptions of martial arts. Ben shares insights on the art of commentary, the significance of connecting with fighters, and the thrill of competition, all while maintaining a light-hearted and humorous tone.Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Combat Sports Commentary02:41 The Journey into Combat Sports05:46 Networking in the Fight Game09:04 The Art of Broadcasting11:49 Total Kombat Experience15:02 Upcoming Events and Expectations17:54 Highlighting Talented Fighters21:06 Changing Perceptions of Martial Arts23:49 Personal Experiences in Fighting26:48 The Impact of Competing on Commentary29:41 Conclusion and Future EndeavorsThe 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/fyGI7Recorded 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

November 28, 202540 min

From Paratrooper to Ultra-Athlete: A Journey of Resilience - Ashley Mitchard (Elite Podcast #46)

In this conversation, Ashley Mitchard, a former paratrooper and ultra-athlete, shares his journey from joining the army at a young age to overcoming personal challenges related to mental health and alcohol. He discusses the importance of discipline learned in the military, the struggles of transitioning to civilian life, and how he found purpose through running and raising awareness for mental health. Ashley emphasizes the need for young men to seek help and the impact of sharing his story to inspire others.Chapters00:00 From School to Soldier: The Journey Begins03:01 Facing Challenges: The Reality of Military Life05:57 The Impact of Upbringing on Military Experience08:51 The Best and Worst: Reflections on Army Life11:43 Struggles with Alcohol: A Personal Battle14:32 Finding Purpose: The Road to Recovery17:34 Running for Mental Health: 26 Marathons in 26 Weeks20:31 Chasing Challenges: The Journey to the Eiffel Tower24:16 Inspiring Others: The Impact of Running for Mental Health24:43 Navigating Life After the Military: Finding Purpose29:49 Future Aspirations: Personal Training and Helping Others31:06 Pushing Limits: Upcoming Ultra Marathons and Charity Work39:28 Embracing Individuality: Balancing Military Discipline and Personal IdentityThe 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/fyGI7Recorded 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

November 18, 20251 hr 1 min

Special Forces Warrant Officer - Matthew Hellyer (Elite Podcast #45)

In this powerful episode of The Elite Podcast, we sit down with former UK Special Forces Warrant Officer and CEO of Pilgrim Bandits, Matt Hellyer.Matt’s story goes far beyond elite military service. From 3 PARA to the SAS, frontline operations, surviving cancer, fighting for veterans’ rights, and enduring the unimaginable loss of his son — this conversation is raw, honest, and deeply inspiring.We cover everything:• Life inside Airborne Forces• What SAS selection is really like• Real-world Special Forces operations• The rise in UK terror threats• Failures in veteran support & government policy• Mental resilience when tragedy strikes• How Matt channels pain into purpose through Pilgrim Bandits00:00:00 Choosing the Special Forces Path00:00:51 Matt Hellyer Introduction00:01:05 Pilgrim Bandits & Charity Work00:03:44 Cancer Diagnosis & Military Support Failures00:08:25 Early Army Life & Joining 3 PARA00:12:21 Depot PARA Memories & Regimental Culture00:16:57 Life in Northern Ireland & Dover Move00:18:39 SAS Selection & Mindset Shift00:20:21 PARA vs SAS Culture Differences00:22:40 Skills & Training Inside UKSF00:26:57 No-Duff Callout & Deployment to Africa00:34:15 Frontline Realities & Conflict Horrors00:39:36 UK Terror Threat & Speaking Out00:42:20 Veteran Community Issues & Legal Battles00:53:01 Resilience & The Loss of His Son00:58:50 Processing Grief & Finding SupportThe 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/fyGI7Recorded 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