What happens after the fight is over? 🥊

In this episode of Off The Bench London, we reflect on the Punch Out MS Encore event, the emotions after stepping out of the ring, and the lessons that come from pushing yourself beyond your limits.

From training camps and fight-night nerves to community support and personal growth, this episode dives into what boxing teaches you about life, discipline, and resilience.

We also talk about the incredible support from London, the growth of the boxing scene, and how events like Punch Out MS are bringing people together for a bigger cause.

This isn’t just about winning or losing. It’s about showing up, learning, and continuing to grow.

🎧 Watch now on YouTube & listen on Spotify

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Overview

07:16 Event Highlights and Community Impact

14:01 Pre-Fight Preparations and Experiences

20:51 Fight Day Dynamics and Observations

28:39 Learning from Losses: The Journey of Fighters

33:52 Reflections on Personal Performance

41:29 The Future of Boxing: Aspirations and Rematches

50:37 The Softening of Sports: A Critical Look

58:04 Outro.mp4

#LondonOntario #Boxing #Podcast #PunchOutMS #Community #OffTheBench #Mindset #Discipline

What really goes through your mind before stepping into the ring?

In this episode of Off The Bench London, we break down the real experience of preparing for a boxing event — from the nerves and intense training to the emotional highs and lows that come with fight night.

We dive into the mindset behind stepping into the ring, overcoming fear, building discipline, and fighting for something bigger than yourself through MS awareness and community support.

This episode is more than boxing. It’s about growth, resilience, pressure, and showing up when it matters most.

Representing London, we continue building a platform focused on sports, community, and real conversations that push people to get off the bench and make an impact.

Subscribe for more episodes covering sports, life, community stories, and the journey behind the scenes.

#Boxing #LondonOntario #Podcast #MSAwareness #OffTheBench #Discipline #Community #FightNight

From a simple idea during COVID… to building a clothing brand, a podcast, and a movement in London.

In this episode of Off The Bench London, we break down the real story behind Milkyway Apparel and how the podcast started.

From hand-delivering sweaters to building a platform that supports community, charity, and local events — this is about taking action and getting off the bench.

We also dive into the mindset behind stepping into the boxing ring, fighting for a cause, and why community matters more than ever.

Watch now on YouTube or listen on Spotify

If you’re building something or thinking about starting — this one’s for you.

Takeaways

The idea for Milky Way Apparel emerged during the pandemic.

Community support played a crucial role in the brand's growth.

Nonprofits often struggle for recognition and funding.

The podcast has become a platform for sharing stories and building connections.

Preparing for a fight involves both physical training and mental readiness.

Managing anxiety is a key part of competing in sports.

The hosts enjoy the community aspect of their podcast.

Personal health and fitness have become integral to their lives.

The journey of entrepreneurship is filled with challenges and learning opportunities.

Building a brand requires dedication and a willingness to adapt. Music grounds me back to ground zero.

I felt cheated out of my first fight. Redemption is a powerful motivator.

Community events bring people together.

Training is about more than just fighting. Showing up is crucial for success.

Boxing teaches valuable life lessons.

The impact of charity events is profound.

Personal growth comes from challenges.

The podcast is evolving beyond its original format.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

01:21 The Birth of Milky Way Apparel

05:16 The Journey of Entrepreneurship

08:14 Impact of Nonprofits and Community Engagement

10:42 The Podcast Experience and Its Growth

16:31 Preparing for the Upcoming Fight

27:09 Handling Anxiety and Adrenaline in Sports

28:09 The Power of Music in Sports

33:19 Training Strategies and Mindset

38:01 Community Impact and Charity Events

44:14 Personal Growth Through Boxing

51:01 Looking Ahead: Future Endeavors

#LondonOntario #Entrepreneurship #Podcast #MilkywayApparel #OffTheBench #Community

From watching his dad step into the ring… to becoming a national champion in just 3 years.

Cassius Smith joins Off the Bench London to break down his journey from a beginner to winning at the highest level in Canada.

Representing London, Cassius shares what it takes to compete, the mindset behind winning, and how discipline, coaching, and community shaped his path.

From Calgary to the national stage — this is more than boxing. This is about growth, resilience, and pushing beyond your limits.

Listen now on Spotify & YouTube

If you’re from London and building something real — this episode is for you.

Guest name

Cassius Smith

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Light Banter

05:23 Cassius's Journey into Boxing

09:05 Overcoming Challenges and Perseverance

12:57 Representing London in Boxing

14:51 The Role of Coaches in Boxing

16:50 Experiences at the Nationals in Calgary

18:46 Post-Fight Reflections and Future Aspirations

20:37 Family Connections in Boxing

26:09 Aspirations in Boxing

27:25 Dreams of Competing Internationally

29:00 Advice for New Boxers

29:56 The Importance of Sparring

31:21 The Community of Boxing

32:15 The Science of Boxing

34:14 Building Relationships in the Ring

36:04 The Evolution of a Boxer

37:57 The Role of Coaches

40:00 Reflections on Past Fights

41:58 Family and Boxing

43:50 The Future of Boxing in the Community

50:10 Outro.mp4

#LondonOntario #Boxing #CanadianBoxing #Podcast #Discipline #OffTheBench

From zero experience… to stepping into the ring in just 4 months. 🥊

In this episode of Off The Bench London, we break down the real journey of going from never being punched in the face… to preparing for your first boxing fight.

Training, exhaustion, discipline, and the mental battle leading up to fight day — this is what it actually takes.

Representing London and fighting for a bigger cause through Punch Out MS, this episode is about more than boxing.

It’s about getting off the bench, pushing past limits, and showing up for your community.

Watch now on YouTube & listen on Spotify

If you’ve ever thought about stepping outside your comfort zone — this one’s for you.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Anticipation for the Fight

04:25 Journey from Novice to Competitor

07:20 The Importance of Community in Boxing

10:25 Personal Growth and Transformation

13:23 The Role of Coaches and Training

16:32 Punch Out MS: Fighting for a Cause

19:28 Future Aspirations and Reflections

22:24 Final Thoughts and Fight Preparations

22:35 Pre-Fight Excitement and Rituals

23:54 Facing the Reality of Boxing

25:24 Training Gear and Adjustments

26:22 Mental Warfare and Strategy

27:26 The Importance of Support

29:34 The Fight Experience and Rituals

32:01 Transitioning from Boxing to Rec Sports

33:44 Adapting to Changes in the Fight Game

35:54 Learning and Growth in Boxing

37:57 Community and Support in Boxing

39:35 Looking Ahead to Future Events

43:10 Outro.mp4

Resources

Punch Out MS Event - https://punchoutms.ca

MPT Boxing Gym - https://mptboxing.com

Boomers Boxing Gym - https://boomersboxing.com

#LondonOntario #BoxingJourney #FirstFight #OffTheBench #Discipline #Community

In this engaging interview, two fighters share their journey through training, fighting, and the community that fuels their passion. They discuss fight preparation, training strategies, diet, mental mindset, and the camaraderie built through combat sports. In this episode, we explore the world of strength sports, training, and competition preparation with a focus on powerlifting, strongman events, and the journey of athletes. We discuss training strategies, event preparation, mental toughness, and the importance of community support.

Key topics

Fight preparation and training strategies

Diet and nutrition for fighters and powerlifters

Mental mindset and community in combat sports Powerlifting training strategies

Strongman event preparation

Mental toughness in strength sports

Chapters

00:00 Living the Dream: Sponsorship Talks

05:02 Reconnecting After Three Years

09:06 Fundraising and Community Involvement

14:02 Sparring Memories and Lessons Learned

17:46 Reflections on Past Fights and Friendships

20:02 Transitioning to Powerlifting: A New Focus

21:19 The Importance of Diet in Powerlifting

24:53 Training Regimens and Recovery in Powerlifting

28:59 The Role of Supplements in Performance

30:08 Experiences in Competitive Powerlifting

31:32 Understanding Techniques and Grips in Powerlifting

32:08 The Grip of Strength Training

33:17 Personal Bests and Competitive Spirit

34:14 Nutrition and Sponsorship in Lifting

35:31 The Power of Functional Strength

37:32 Experiences in Strongman Competitions

40:27 Training for Unique Events

43:22 Future Aspirations in Powerlifting

45:33 The Journey of Strength Training

48:41 Finding Your Niche in Sports

51:01 Preparing for Competition

54:04 The Importance of Recovery and Flexibility

56:44 The Dynamics of Watching Sports

58:35 The Art of Boxing: Precision Over Power

59:39 Returning to the Ring: Weight and Strategy

01:02:23 The Community Impact of Boxing Events

01:05:57 Punch Out MS: A Charity Initiative

01:07:55 The Growth of Sports in the Community

01:10:57 Finding Your Niche in Fitness

01:12:54 Outro.mp4

This episode features a heartfelt discussion with Gus, a person living with MS, sharing his diagnosis journey, the importance of awareness, and how community support and charity events like Punch Out MS are making a difference. Discover insights on managing MS, the growth of support networks, and the power of raising awareness. In this heartfelt interview, Gus shares his personal journey with MS, the importance of community support, and the impactful events like Punch-Out MS and charity concerts that raise awareness and funds. Discover how individual stories and collective efforts can make a difference in fighting MS and supporting those affected.

MS, Multiple Sclerosis, awareness, community support, Punch Out MS, charity events, health journey, medical research, mental health, advocacy MS awareness, community support, charity events, Punch-Out MS, health advocacy, fundraising, mental health, personal journey, medical research, support networks

Guest name

Gus Gus

Hosts name

Malcolm "The Milkman" Noel & Scott "The Visionary" Hohn

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Costco Observations

01:26 Personal Journey with MS Diagnosis

02:21 Living with MS: Daily Challenges and Adaptations

05:12 Raising Awareness and Involvement in MS Community

07:37 The Importance of Early Detection and Treatment

10:13 Conversations with Family and Friends about MS

13:15 Fundraising and Community Support for MS

16:11 The Future of MS Research and Treatment

21:10 Fighting for Awareness and Community Support

23:39 The Daily Struggles of Living with MS

25:02 Raising Awareness Through Personal Stories

27:47 The Growth of the MS Community

30:00 The Importance of Support and Resources

31:15 Normalizing MS in Society

33:56 The Power of Conversations and Community

34:18 Facing Diagnosis and Finding Support

36:11 The Emotional Journey of Living with MS

37:24 Creating Memorable Events for a Cause

41:17 The Joy of Cycling: Personal Stories and Experiences

44:15 The Impact of Community Events: Fundraising and Fun

48:09 Inspiration and Support: The Fight Against MS

53:08 Raising Awareness: The Importance of Community Engagement

56:44 Conversations Matter: Sharing Stories and Support

01:00:38 Sports and Personal Connections: A Lighthearted Conclusion

Resources

Punch Out MS - https://lhsf.donordrive.com/events/969

MS Society of Canada - https://mssociety.ca

Michael J. Fox Foundation - https://michaeljfox.org

London MS Clinic - https://www.lhsc.on.ca/ms-clinic/welcome-to-the-london-ms-centre

Gus’s Contact Info - https://www.kailisrealestate.ca/

This episode is a powerful reminder that real impact starts when you get off the sidelines.

We dive into the importance of community, the role of charity events like Punch Out MS, and how showing up for something bigger than yourself can create lasting change. From local initiatives in London, Ontario to broader conversations around athletes, responsibility, and growth — this episode blends real-life lessons with sports culture.

We also break down how social media and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) are shaping today’s athletes, highlighting both the opportunities and the pressures that come with visibility. Through stories of setbacks, scandals, and redemption, we explore how mistakes don’t define you — but how you respond does.

If you’re looking for motivation to take action, give back, and grow through experience, this episode delivers.

Key Takeaways

• Getting off the couch and actively engaging in your community is where real growth begins
• Charity events like Punch Out MS create meaningful impact and raise awareness for important causes
• Social media can elevate both positive movements and negative narratives — how you use it matters
• NIL is changing the game for young athletes, bringing both opportunity and responsibility
• Mistakes and setbacks can become powerful turning points for growth and redemption
• Highlighting positive stories and community efforts helps shift the culture away from negativity
• Discipline, accountability, and environment all play a major role in long-term success

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

01:06 Wrestling Analogy and Main Event Concept

01:59 Sparring Experience and Learning Through Loss

03:43 Calling Out Hassan and Charity Focus

05:03 Community and Community Events in London

07:49 Growth of Punch Out and Community Support

09:12 Website Launch and Giving Back

12:20 Expanding Apparel for Women and Community Support

14:03 Getting Off the Couch and Engaging in Activities

15:54 Serious News: Tiger Woods Car Accident

18:59 Athletes, Responsibility, and Social Media Impact

21:11 NIL and Its Impact on Young Athletes

24:24 Society's Focus on Negativity and Media Influence

27:30 The Power of Positive Stories and Community Efforts

34:20 Sports Legends and Redemption Stories

39:56 LeBron James and Longevity in Sports

46:14 Overcoming Scandals and Redemption in Sports

52:37 The Future of NIL and Athlete Development

55:05 MLB and NBA Allegations and Busy Schedules

56:24 Athletes, Free Time, and Making Better Choices

56:50 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts