The Graft Podcast

• "Rejection Doesn’t Mean Stop" – Max McCarthy on Setbacks, Self-Belief, and Fighting for Football

  Have you ever been knocked so far off course that you had to rebuild not just your goals, but your entire mindset? In this episode of The Graft Podcast, we sit down with footballer Max McCarthy for an honest, vulnerable, and inspiring conversation about resilience, rejection, and the long road back from injury. From being released by two clubs to enduring a devastating dislocation in a playoff final, Max shares how he stayed grounded, kept believing, and discovered a deeper purpose in the game he loves.This isn’t just about football. It’s about identity, mental strength, and learning how to rise again and again.Listen as we discuss...(00:00) – The playoff injury that sidelined Max at the peak of the season(05:00) – Navigating the mental impact of injury and isolation(07:00) – From early dreams to rejection: the academy system and what it teaches young players(10:00) – How commuting 4 hours a day shaped his discipline and determination(18:00) – Letting go of perfection: learning through failure at Stoke City(24:00) – The power of community and playing for your hometown(31:00) – What it really feels like to get benched—and how to keep your self-worth intact(39:00) – Max’s favorite goal, why it mattered, and what football means now(46:00) – Loyalty, legacy, and finding purpose off the pitch...and more!!KEY TAKEAWAYSMental Grit: Injury recovery is more than physical—it’s a daily mental test.Redefining Success: Sometimes being "let go" is what leads you back to what matters.Community Roots: There’s real power in playing for your people—and being seen not just as a player, but as a person.Persistence Pays: From missed chances to top scorer, Max proves that progress is never linear—but it’s always possible.GUESTMax McCarthy – footballer for Congleton Town, former academy player at Crewe, Blackpool, and Stoke City.

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• “Once an Olympian, always an Olympian” - Ann Packer & Ian Brightwell on Legacy, Resilience and Breaking Records

  Ever wondered what fuels Olympic champions and professional footballers to go the distance? This episode of The Graft Podcast is a masterclass in perseverance, resilience, and raw sporting grit.We sit down with Olympic gold medalist Ann Packer and her son Ian Brightwell, ex-Man City defender and Premier League manager. From Ann’s unexpected triumph in the 800m at the 1964 Olympics to Ian’s decades-long career at Manchester City, their stories are both deeply personal and universally inspiring.Listen as we discuss:(00:00) Welcome and overview of Ann’s Olympic accolades(00:54) Discovering talent and finding joy in early athleticism(04:21) The pivotal role of teachers and mentors(07:37) Climbing the competitive ladder and representing England(12:36) From 400m heartbreak to 800m world record(16:03) The mental and emotional comeback post-defeat(22:29) Ann’s Olympic gold and reflections on legacy(25:22) Ian’s football journey: from schoolboy to Premier League player(32:16) The power of training, discipline, and family support(38:12) Inside Man City: leadership, drive, and behind-the-scenes grit(44:40) What real effort looks like – then vs now(49:04)  Injury setbacks and the road to recovery(51:52) Why hard work will always matter - in sport and in lifeKEY TAKEAWAYSResilience: Both Ian and Ann overcame major setbacks - injuries, losses, and unexpected turns with discipline and tenacity.Legacy: The power of family, mentorship, and intergenerational grit shines through their story.Effort Over Excuses: Talent may open the door, but it's relentless hard work that gets you to the finish line.Perspective: You don’t have to be the best in the world - just the best version of yourself.RESOURCES MENTIONED1964 Tokyo Olympics: Women’s 400m and 800m historical milestones.Training Techniques: Sprint training for endurance and sport crossover benefits.Man City Historical Context: Management styles of Peter Reid, Brian Horton, and Howard Kendall.

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• "I wasn’t born to be good at this…” - Matt Field on Marketing a £1.8B Insurance Group With No Playbook

  Ever wondered how to chase big career goals and keep your family life thriving…without losing your mind?In this episode, we’re hanging out with Matt Field, CMO of the Aventum Group - this is a guy who knows a thing or two about juggling business, family, and staying true to your values (with a side of good humour). Whether it’s building something meaningful at work or tag-teaming life with his partner, Matt shows us what real graft looks like when purpose and partnership collide.We’re diving into the evolving world of education and apprenticeships, the not-so-glamorous (but oh-so-important) power of work ethic, and why building success with your people by your side is a game-changer.Listen as we discuss...(00:00) - The evolving view of education and the value of apprenticeships(05:00) - How hard work and mindset have shaped a successful career(12:00) - The role of affirmation and support within families(20:00) - Balancing work and home life as a couple(28:30) - The importance of shared values and work ethic in both business and family(36:00) - Raising children with a strong work ethic and understanding the rewards of hard work(44:00) - Why a strong partnership makes all the difference in business and life...and more!KEY TAKEAWAYSHow work experience and practical knowledge can sometimes be more valuable than formal education.The importance of having a strong work ethic and shared values in a successful family dynamic.The significance of being open with family about your work, successes, and challenges.The power of affirming one another and fostering a growth mindset in children.THE GUESTMatt Field - CMO of Aventum Insurance Follow on LinkedIn

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  52:58
• “I did 250 shows in 365 days” - Justin Moorhouse on Starting a Comedy Career from the Ground Up

  How do you transition from a 9-to-5 job to a thriving comedic career? It’s not just about skill or strategy it's about something completely different. In this episode, we’re sitting down with Justin Moorhouse, a seasoned comedian who shares how he feels grateful for his career at every moment - even when that includes eating a cold pakora on the last bus home. He talks about the importance of graft, creativity, and the behind-the-scenes effort required in any creative profession. From navigating the early days of freelancing to creating a brand that stands out, Justin’s journey is all about embracing change, staying committed, and showing up even when things get tough.Listen as we discuss...(00:00) - Justin’s early days in comedy: navigating the transition from full-time employment(04:45) - The challenges of building a reputation from scratch(15:30) - How Justin learned the value of resilience and why quitting wasn’t an option(27:10) - Balancing work-life dynamics: staying motivated and focused(38:25) - The importance of networking and building meaningful relationships(47:00) - Justin’s tips for overcoming self-doubt and keeping momentum(55:10) - Why success in comedy isn’t just about the work—it’s about persistence and mindset...and more!GUESTJustin Moorhouse -  Comedian, radio DJ and actorFOLLOW JUSTINBook Tour TicketsListen to the Podcast Follow on Instagram

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  50:06
• "I Was Living in a Hotel at 18" - Richard Duffy Reveals the Harsh Reality of Professional Football

  What does it take to build a successful football career from the ground up? It's not just about talent or luck—it's about pure graft.In this episode, we’re catching up with Richard Duffy, footballer turned manager, and all-around embodiment of resilience and grit. From playing for some of the UK’s biggest clubs to leading Congleton Town with vision and heart, Richard’s story isn’t your typical sports tale. It’s about reinvention, staying grounded, and showing up fully even when the game changes.Listen as we discuss... (00:00) - Breaking into professional football as a 16-year-old at Swansea (05:00) - The shock of moving to Portsmouth in the Premier League at just 18 (12:00) - The reality of constant loan moves and living out of hotels(24:55) - Hitting rock bottom and rebuilding his career at Exeter (34:20) - From player to manager: building a winning team at Congleton Town (44:35) - Why chasing the dream versus chasing money always ends in disaster (50:22) - What true graft means in football—and why it's never a given ...and more!KEY TAKEAWAYSProfessional Resilience: The reality of football careers and navigating setbacks when clubs try to force you out.Personal Growth: Recognising when to look in the mirror and take responsibility for where you're headed.Mental Toughness: Developing the mindset to overcome rejection and uncertainty as a professional footballer.Management Philosophy: Understanding that playing systems must adapt to the players available, not the other way around.Work Ethic: Why hard work isn't automatic and must be built in both playing and management.GUESTRichard Duffy - Former professional footballer with Swansea City, Portsmouth, and several other clubs. Current player-manager at Congleton Town where he's led the team to a league and cup double.FOLLOW CONGLETON FCCongleton FC InstagramRESOURCES MENTIONED Welsh FA Coaching Badges: Richard discusses how these courses helped shape his management perspective.Non-League Football: The importance of local support in building a thriving community club.

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  56:37

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