Ed Lofts on Overcoming Trauma, Building Resilience & Why Slowing Down Could Save Your Life

In this raw and powerful episode of Yours For The Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Ed Lofts, seven-time world kickboxing champion, gym owner, complex trauma specialist, and all-around explorer of physical, mental, emotional, and financial growth.

Ed opens up about his transformative journey from martial arts prodigy to trauma therapy advocate, exploring how early life abuse shaped his worldview, how helping his mother heal from lifelong shame became a personal milestone, and why real growth means finding the edges of your comfort zone.

You'll hear candid insights into the realities of CTE in combat sports, how unprocessed trauma holds people back, and why men in particular need better tools to process emotions. Plus, how Ed's mentors shaped his philosophy, what true freedom looks like, and why “slowing down” is the most underrated tool for self-discovery.

Whether you're into self-improvement, psychology, martial arts, or just navigating the modern challenges of fatherhood, business, and emotional well-being, this episode delivers heavyweight insight.

In this episode, Robin Johnson and Ed Lofts discuss:

• Emotional trauma, childhood abuse & recovery
• Martial arts and mindset development
• CTE, brain health & the fight industry’s hidden cost
• Exploring the four edges: physical, mental, emotional & financial
• Men’s mental health, therapy stigma, and breaking generational cycles
• Parenting, reflection, and subconscious patterns
• Mentorship vs. manipulation in personal growth
• How to build resilience and redefine masculinity
• How slowing down helps you speed up growth
• Financial freedom and reframing the money narrative

KEY MOMENTS:

0:00 - Introduction to Ed Lofts: Martial Arts Champion & Explorer

0:05 - The Explorer's Mindset: Pushing Personal Boundaries

3:30 - From Martial Arts to Enlightenment: Ed's Early Journey

5:10 - Mentorship and the Importance of Finding the Right Guides

9:20 - Movement, Performance, and Working with Ido Portal

13:00 - Brain Trauma in Combat Sports: A Critical Health Concern

16:50 - Complex Trauma: Understanding Emotional Healing

22:30 - The Impact of Childhood Experiences on Adult Behavior

27:15 - Financial Freedom and Personal Growth

32:40 - Navigating Emotional Challenges and Seeking Help

38:20 - Parenting, Presence, and Inner Child Work

44:50 - The Four Pillars of Personal Development

50:30 - Transitioning from Martial Arts to Trauma Therapy

55:45 - Building a Platform for Personal Growth and Education

1:01:30 - One Key Piece of Advice for Personal Transformation

This podcast is for:

Those interested in trauma recovery and personal development, Men exploring emotional health and mindset, Martial artists, combat sports athletes, and trainers, Entrepreneurs, fathers, and purpose-driven leaders, Listeners seeking holistic tools for personal reinvention, Fans of Gabor Maté, Tim Fletcher, Ido Portal, and The School of Life

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Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson - founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on shows such as The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we...