After The Lights Go Out

In this episode Steve Harmison and Leon McKenzie are joined by Hull City legend Dean Windass for a raw look at life after the final whistle. Moving from the euphoria of his iconic 2008 Wembley play-off winner to the devastating void of retiring at 40, Dean opens up candidly about identity loss, addiction, surviving attempts to take his own life, and the heartbreak of family estrangement. He also addresses his stage 2 dementia diagnosis, campaigning for ex-athletes' brain health, and the daily discipline of finding purpose and peace when the cheering stops. CONTENT WARNING: This podcast includes strong language and covers topics surrounding suicide that some listeners may find upsetting. If you or someone you know is struggling please reach out and find support: https://www.samaritans.org/ https://hubofhope.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Olympic swimming legend Sharron Davies MBE joins Steve Harmison and Liam McKenzie on talkSPORT’s After the Lights Go Out to lay bare the brutal realities of life after elite competition. From making her Olympic debut at 13 and losing 1980 Moscow gold to state-doped East German competitors, to her prime-time reinvention as "Amazon" on Gladiators, Sharron reflects on the highs and costs of sporting stardom. She also addresses the personal and professional fallout from her fight to protect biological sex categories in women’s sport and her latest mission in the House of Lords. If you or someone you know is struggling please reach out and find support: https://www.samaritans.org/ https://hubofhope.co.uk (This episode was recorded in Dec 2025) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Steve Harmison and Leon McKenzie as they sit down with former Arsenal, Liverpool, and Stoke City winger Jermaine Pennant, for an unfiltered, deeply honest conversation about the turbulent realities behind his high-profile career and his ongoing journey of self-discovery after hanging up his boots. From gracing the pitch in the 2007 Champions League final to battling depression in silence, Jermaine reflects on how trauma, extreme success, and undiagnosed neurodivergence shaped his life both on and off the field. If you or someone you know is struggling please reach out and find support: https://www.samaritans.org/ https://hubofhope.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of After the Lights Go Out, Steve Harmison and Leon McKenzie sit down with British athletics legend Colin Jackson for a raw, unfiltered dive into life after elite sport. On the track, he was unstoppable, a double World Champion, unbeaten in 44 races, and a world record holder for 13 years. But what happens when the stadium noise fades and you're forced to start from zero? Colin opens up about the terrifying void of retirement, his secret battles with body dysmorphia and panic attacks during his peak years, plus how missing out on 1992 Olympic gold ultimately saved his career. From surviving on 800 calories a day to finding new purpose through stem cell therapy, broadcasting, and charity work. If you or someone you know is struggling please reach out and find support: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/ https://www.samaritans.org/ https://hubofhope.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Steve Harmison and Leon McKenzie as they sit down with former Aston Villa midfielder and England international Lee Hendrie. With over 250 Premier League appearances to his name, Lee appeared to have it all. But behind his top-flight career was a silent struggle. Today, as a respected co-commentator and pundit, Lee reflects on the devastating pain of leaving his boyhood club, facing bankruptcy, Divorce, battling epilepsy, and his attempts to take his own life. CONTENT WARNING: This podcast includes strong language and covers topics surrounding suicide that some listeners may find upsetting. If you or someone you know is struggling please reach out and find support: https://www.samaritans.org/ https://hubofhope.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former professional footballer Michael Chopra opens up to Leon McKenzie and Steve Harrison about his struggles with a chronic gambling addiction, which led to him running up huge debts and coming close to taking his own life. He also discusses his charity work with 'Football For Peace' including a trip to the Maldives as part of a counter terrorism initiative for young children. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former England and Warwickshire cricketer Dermot Reeve reveals to Steve Harmison and Leon McKenzie how a destructive cocaine addiction resulted in the loss of his media career, the breakdown of three marriages and living life today in supported housing on £6 a day. He also discusses how a strong spirituality has helped him find an inner peace, meeting the Red Hot Chilli Peppers and his future wish to move to New Zealand or Australia. Warning: This episode contains some strong language and adult themes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us as this week we chat to former Arsenal and England women’s striker Lianne Sanderson! We hear what it was like being the first openly gay footballer, reflect on the lack of an openly gay player in the Premier League, her work today as a football pundit, receiving vicious abuse on social media and what she perceives as a lack of respect post-retirement from the Football Association. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leon McKenzie and Steve Harrison are joined by England Rugby Union great James Haskell who discusses living with ADHD, overcoming a lack of self-belief and moving on from his time as a national hero to become a DJ. He also reflects on becoming a father and the break-up of his marriage following retirement from professional sport. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leon McKenzie and Steve Harmison are joined by former Premier League footballer Marcus Stewart who offers a positive assessment of living life with Motor Neurone Disease. Marcus explains how he was diagnosed with the disease and how it has affected him both physically and mentally. He also discusses his charity work to raise awareness of MND and his hopes for a cure. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Leon McKenzie and Steve Harmison for After The Lights Go Out - a podcast talking to former athletes about their transition to every day life following retirement. In this episode Leon and Steve are joined by two-weight world boxing champion Carl Frampton. Carl reflects on the hatred he experienced following the acrimonious breakdown of his partnership with the McGuigans, while he also reveals his belief that his long participation in the fight game will one day lead to dementia. He also discusses his support for mental health initiatives in his native Belfast, his first hand graphic experience of the troubles and his new career today as a boxing commentator. If you’ve been affected by any of the issues discussed in tonight’s edition of ‘After The Lights Go Out’, you can reach out to the trained professionals at The Samaritans – they have a 24-hour helpline that you can call – it’s 116 123 – that’s the Samaritans on 116 123. Or you can visit Samaritans dot org. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for…

Join us for a look back at the very best of last season! Featuring guest host Jason Cundy as we hear from Razor and wife Leah Ruddock on dealing with Mental and physical health struggles as a family. Tom Skinner and Neil 'Razor' Ruddock are joined in The Men's Room by the extremely brave Arsenal cult hero Perry Groves who poignantly remembers how his alcohol abuse nearly led him to take his own life. We also hear from the former Aston Villa and Crystal Palace midfielder turned councillor, Paul Mortimer. Morts discussed the issue of Racism in sport and his work as a councillor for Sporting Chance. Warning - This episode contains strong language and involves discussions surrounding mental health and suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling remember there’s always support available - visit movember.com/getsupport or call the CALM helpline on 0800 58 58 58. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tom Skinner and Neil 'Razor' Ruddock are joined in The Men's Room by the former Aston Villa and Crystal Palace midfielder turned councillor, Paul Mortimer. Morts continues to tell stories about his short spell as the assistant coach of Sierra Leone men's national team as well as discussing the issue of Racism in sport and his work as a councillor for Sporting Chance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tom Skinner and Neil 'Razor' Ruddock are joined in The Men's Room by the former Aston Villa and Crystal Palace midfielder turned councillor, Paul Mortimer. Morts discusses his playing career, including being threatened by an elderly shop keeper the day before the Bristol derby. He also tells some unbelievable off-pitch stories during his short spell as the assistant head coach of Sierra Leone men's national team. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tom Skinner and Neil 'Razor' Ruddock are joined in The Men's Room by the extremely brave Arsenal cult hero Perry Groves who tells some old war stories of playing against the 17th hardest footballer of all time, Neil Ruddock. Perry also poignantly remembers how his alcohol abuse nearly led him to take his own life. Warning - This episode contains strong language and involves discussions surrounding mental health and suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling remember there’s always support available - visit movember.com/getsupport or call the CALM helpline on 0800 58 58 58. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Guest host Jason Cundy for a very special episode of The Men's Room Podcast. Men's health affects more than just the men who are suffering but also their families and in this episode we are lucky to have joining Jason and Razor the lovely Leah Ruddock! WARNING - This episode contains themes and discussions around mental health. If you or someone you know has been affected by the topics raised in this podcast remember there’s always support available - visit movember.com/getsupport or call the CALM helpline on 0800 58 58 58, 365 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tom Skinner and Neil 'Razor' Ruddock are reunited for a third season of The Men's Room. To celebrate, they look back on some of their favourite moments from episodes gone by. They recall stories from the likes of the Tourettes Barber Josh Hughes, former Premier League footballers Steven Caulker, Matthew Etherington and Jay Bothroyd as well as TV personality James Arg Argent and former European Super Bantamweight Champion boxer Spencer Oliver. Warning - This Episode Contains Strong Language! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Men's Room is back, and this week Tom & Razor are joined by former Cardiff and England striker Jay Bothroyd! Jay tells us why he hid the fact he has Epilepsy throughout his career, and what he's doing now to help young people suffering with the same thing. Remember, you can watch all episodes in full over on the talkSPORT Youtube channel! If you or anyone else is struggling with their mental health reach out and get help: https://hubofhope.co.uk https://www.samaritans.org https://www.constructionindustryhelpline.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Men's Room is back, and this week Tom & Razor are joined by former Cardiff and England striker Jay Bothroyd! Jay tells us why he hid the fact he has Epilepsy throughout his career, and what he's doing now to help young people suffering with the same thing. Remember, you can watch all episodes in full over on the talkSPORT Youtube channel! If you or anyone else is struggling with their mental health reach out and get help: https://hubofhope.co.uk https://www.samaritans.org https://www.constructionindustryhelpline.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Men's Room is back, and this week Tom & Razor discuss a very real and serious issue right now - Knife crime. Tom tells us about his constant battle with Sadiq Khan about the government's backing campaigns against knife crime in London, and Gideon from 'Our Pain 2 Power' support group joins to tell us his story. Remember, you can watch all episodes in full over on the talkSPORT Youtube channel! WARNING: EXPLICIT LANGUAGE OUR PAIN 2 POWER: https://www.instagram.com/ourpain2power?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== https://www.ourpain2power.com If you or anyone else is struggling with their mental health reach out and get help: https://hubofhope.co.uk https://www.samaritans.org https://www.constructionindustryhelpline.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Men's Room is back, and this week Tom & Razor are amazed with one of the best stories yet - as former European Super Bantamweight Champion Spencer Oliver joins the Men's Room! Spencer tells us about his meteoric rise, and how that all came crashing down when he suffered a catastrophic brain injury in the ring. Remember, you can watch all episodes in full over on the talkSPORT Youtube channel! WARNING: EXPLICIT LANGUAGE If you or anyone else is struggling with their mental health reach out and get help: https://hubofhope.co.uk https://www.samaritans.org https://www.constructionindustryhelpline.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Men's Room is back, and this week Tom & Razor are joined by the man of the moment - The 'Hardest Geezer' Russ Cook! Russ reveals all about his run across Africa, from his kidnapping in Congo, to his night out in Benin! Remember, you can watch all episodes in full over on the talkSPORT Youtube channel! If you or anyone else is struggling with their mental health reach out and get help: https://hubofhope.co.uk https://www.samaritans.org https://www.constructionindustryhelpline.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Men's Room is back, and this week Tom & Razor are joined by Former England international Steven Caulker! Steven tells us about his battle with depression throughout his career, and how he now helps other struggling footballers. Remember, you can watch all episodes in full over on the talkSPORT Youtube channel! If you or anyone else is struggling with their mental health reach out and get help: https://hubofhope.co.uk https://www.samaritans.org https://www.constructionindustryhelpline.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Men's Room is back, and this week Tom & Razor are joined by John Stiles, comedian and son of England World Cup Winner Nobby Stiles! John tells us about growing up around the likes of Bobby Charlton and George Best - and how Football killed his Dad. Remember, you can watch all episodes in full over on the talkSPORT Youtube channel! Get in touch with John on X for any further information: @johnstiles64 If you or anyone else is struggling with their mental health reach out and get help: https://hubofhope.co.uk https://www.samaritans.org https://www.constructionindustryhelpline.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Men's Room is back, and this week Tom & Razor are joined by reformed prisoner turned Youtuber Ricky Killeen! Ricky tells us how he got a 99-year prison sentence, what cat A prison is really like, and he even has a tussle with Razor Ruddock! Remember, you can watch all episodes in full over on the talkSPORT Youtube channel! If you or anyone else is struggling with their mental health reach out and get help: www.begambleaware.org https://hubofhope.co.uk https://www.samaritans.org https://www.constructionindustryhelpline.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Men's Room is back, and this week Tom & Razor are joined by the 'Tourettes Barber' Josh Hughes! Josh tell us about living with Tourette's, becoming a social media sensation, and he also sorts out Razor's barnet... Remember, you can watch all episodes in full over on the talkSPORT Youtube channel! If you or anyone else is struggling with their mental health reach out and get help: www.begambleaware.org https://hubofhope.co.uk https://www.samaritans.org https://www.constructionindustryhelpline.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Men's Room is back, and this week Tom & Razor are joined by West Ham cult hero Matthew Etherington! Matt tells us about his struggles with gambling during his playing days, his toughest ever opponent, and THAT FA Cup final... If you or anyone else is struggling with their mental health reach out and get help: www.begambleaware.org https://hubofhope.co.uk https://www.samaritans.org https://www.constructionindustryhelpline.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Men's Room is back, and this week Tom & Razor are joined by TOWIE favourite James 'Arg' Argent! Arg tells us about his struggles with weight & addiction, his relationship with Kim Kardashian's bodyguard, and what The Only Way Is Essex is REALLY like... If you or anyone else is struggling with their mental health reach out and get help: https://hubofhope.co.uk https://www.samaritans.org https://www.constructionindustryhelpline.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Men's Room is back, and better than ever! On this season of the Men's Room, Tom Skinner & Neil 'Razor' Ruddock will tackle the important things that Men don't always want to talk about! On this week's episode, we get to know a bit about Tom and Razor - their highest highs, and lowest lows. If you or anyone else is struggling with their mental health reach out and get help: https://hubofhope.co.uk https://www.samaritans.org https://www.constructionindustryhelpline.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are excited to announce that a brand new series of The Men's Room Podcast is on its way to your ears! We have for you brand new hosts in the form of Neil Razor Ruddock and everyones favourite geezer Tom Skinner. As usual we have a stellar line up of guests tackling big topics, small topics and having plenty of laughs along the way. Also available to watch on the talkSPORT YouTube Channel! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Men's Room Podcast Ade and Rory are joined by the wonderful Toby Peacock. Toby is an electrician and podcaster who set up his own podcast to raise awareness of mental health within the trade industry. It's time to break down stigmas and get talking... If you or anyone else is struggling with their mental health reach out and get help: https://hubofhope.co.uk https://www.samaritans.org https://www.constructionindustryhelpline.com/ You can also check out Toby's podcast Tearoom Talks here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week in the Men's Room Ade and Rory talk all things fear! From snakes, water, confined spaces, to giant spiders so big they leave footprints... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are Ade and Rory perfect gentlemen? This week the boys are on their best behaviour as they are joined by 'The Royal Butler' Grant Harrold to talk about all things etiquette! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week in the Men's Room Ade and Rory try their very best to answer listener questions and give out their very best advice! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week in The Men's Room we are thrilled to have with us the fantastic former Liverpool, Tottenham and Millwall defender, Neil 'Razor' Ruddock. We hear about the glory days of football, turning his life around, as well as Neil's take on Harry Kane and the upcoming Premier League season! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Ade and Rory in the Men's Room as this week they get everything off their chests and have a good old fashioned moan about the world... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week in The Men's Room Ade and Rory are joined by racing driver and presenter Billy Monger. Billy lost both his legs due to an horrific crash while racing back in 2017, since then against all the odds Billy has gone back into competing professionally and is now one of the most recognisable faces within the sport. Billy is a true inspiration and we have been lucky enough to have him share his story with us... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week in The Men's Room the boys sit down to chat all things Grief and Loss... If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out: https://www.cruse.org.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WARNING: Contains Explicit Language! A very lively instalment of The Men's Room this week, as the boys are joined by everyone's favourite geezer Tom Skinner! We chat everything from growing up in London, family life, Lord Sugar, working on the market and his beloved West Ham! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week in The Men's Room we are lucky to be joined by actor and entrepreneur,Tommy Hatto to talk all things body image and discuss his own experiences dealing with an eating disorder. Find Tommy here - https://tommyhatto.com/ @tommyhatto Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Regular listeners will know that The Men's Room is a podcast which prides itself on having open and honest conversations. This week we put that to the test as we get the boys hooked up to a Lie Detector test and ask them some challenging questions... With thanks to Marc Bester from Lie Detector Test Uk - https://liedetectortest.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Men's Room podcast is back for series three! We kick it off by getting to know the guys in way more detail as we take a look at their DNA! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Ade and Rory as they are lucky enough to be joined in The Men's Room by Mind Trustee Rohan Kallicharan. The boys chat all things mental health, as Rohan shares with us his own experiences, as well as the fantastic work charities like Mind are doing to break down barriers and help those struggling with mental health. If you or someone you know is struggling please reach out and find support: https://www.mind.org.uk https://hubofhope.co.uk CONTENT WARNING: This episode includes discussion of self-harm and suicide. Donate now: mind.org.uk/talksport Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Men’s Room podcast is brought to you by the mental health charity Mind. Join Ade and Rory as they are lucky to be joined by Boxing pro and one of the nicest men in sport Chev Clarke. The boys chat all things fitness, mental health, and you guessed it, boxing! mind.org.uk/talksport Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week join Ade and Rory as they discuss their favourite topic, sport! From having jumpers for goalposts to where they are today the boys reminisce and discuss why sport is just so damn important. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Regular listeners will know we are really lucky to have the lovely guys at Movember sponsoring us this series. So, it’s only right to dedicate an episode to what is a tough, but important topic. Cancer is a frightening word for many but in this episode we are tackling the topic head on. We are lucky to have former Chelsea, Spurs defender and of course one of our own, talkSPORT Presenter Jason Cundy with us to talk through his own experiences with testicular cancer and the importance of getting checked! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's almost here... Join Ade and Rory in the Men's Room as they chat favourite World Cup memories, reminisce about games gone by and look ahead to Qatar 2022! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Strap yourselves in this week the boys are attempting to navigate through the world of finance with the help of Josh Kirby from The Times Money Mentor. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week in The Men's Room the guys have a heart to heart and discuss what happens when they become in the words of Rory 'Brown Bread'... it's not as morbid as it sounds! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Ade and Rory in the Men's Room as we celebrate Black History Month! This week the boys are lucky to be joined by Olympic silver medallist and arguably one of the most exciting names in British boxing, Ben Whittaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.