The Graft Podcast

• “No One Should Die Waiting for Therapy” - Vicky Willis on Building a Charity That Saves Lives Through Counselling, Movement, and Community

  What if the hardest thing you ever went through became the catalyst for saving over 500 lives?In this episode we’re joined by Vicky Willis, founder of Bridging the Gap (BTG) a mental health charity changing lives through movement and therapy. Vicky shares the raw, honest story behind how a personal crisis, a gym membership, and one powerful moment on a motorway bridge led to a national movement helping hundreds of people find light through darkness.This isn’t just a story of hard work, it’s about resilience, purpose, and the kind of graft that starts with saving your own life and ends with transforming others.Listen as we discuss…(00:00) How a vet nurse career turned into a battle with anxiety and panic attacks(05:00) Why traditional mental health support failed her when she needed it most(12:00) The bridge moment: what pulled her back from the edge(20:00) How movement, therapy, and community became her recovery tools(28:00) Turning pain into purpose: starting a charity from scratch(36:00) The true cost of helping people and the funding struggles charities face(44:00) What it really takes to run a mental health charity and stay emotionally resilient(50:00) What to do if you or someone you love is struggling with mental health…and more.KEY TAKEAWAYSMovement Matters: exercise isn’t about lifting heavy weights; it’s about movement that brings joy, connection, and emotional release.The Power of Community: whether it's a quiet gym space or a warm welcome from a coach, feeling seen can be life-saving.Mental Health Needs Action: long waiting lists and stigma make it harder for people to get help. BTG offers a proactive, practical pathway.Charities Need Graft Too: behind every successful charity is emotional labour, endless admin, and the fight for funding.GUEST Vicky Willis - founder of Bridging the Gap (BTG), Mental Health Advocate, Charity Leader.How to get helpHow to donate Follow on Instagram

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• "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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• “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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