In this episode of the Always Better Than Yesterday Podcast, host Ryan Hartley sits down with lifelong judo coach and mental wellbeing advocate Callum Woods.

Callum shares his story from growing up in a small mining town outside Edinburgh, discovering judo at six years old, and dedicating his life to coaching the sport. What began as a lovefor judo eventually evolved into something deeper — a mission to help men reconnect with themselves, their wellbeing and their communities.

Through his own personal experiences with depression, anxiety, divorce, ADHD and life transitions, Callum realised that many men struggle in silence. These experiences led him to train as a transformational life coach and ultimately create Chat on the Mat, a programme combining martial arts, movement and conversation to support men’s mental health.

The conversation explores the power of: Martial arts to bring people intothe present moment
Community and connection for men’swellbeing
Physical movement as a pathway toemotional health
Leadership through livedexperience and service
Creating safe spaces where men cantalk honestly

At its heart, this episode is about helping men reconnect withthemselves and each other, using the dojo as a place not just for sport — but for healing, growth and brotherhood.

About Chat on the Mat

Chat on the Mat is a 10-week behavioural change programme designed for men aged 18+.

The programme combines: