The Mentor Who Changed Levi Roots’ Life Forever

“And the judge lifts up his hand and he says, ‘Mr. Graham, you’re a scourge to the community and I’m going to sentence you to 9 years in prison.’”

From Prison Sentence to Dragon’s Den Success: Levi Roots Opens Up to Mr Motivator

The latest episode of the On Your Bike podcast series sees two much-loved British-Caribbean icons take to the saddle for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation.

E-biking through the countryside on a VOLT Regent and VOLT Burlington electric bikes, Mr Motivator and entrepreneur, musician and food pioneer Levi Roots cover everything from health and wellbeing to family, identity and the importance of staying true to yourself.

Now at the halfway point of this first series, following previous conversations including the opening episode with Jeremy Vine, On Your Bike continues to prove that some of the best conversations happen when you’re out in the fresh air, away from screens and distractions.

Mr Motivator & Levi Roots: Health, Heritage and Finding Your Best Self

They discuss something both are passionate about: living well.

Levi speaks openly about the importance of balance when it comes to food. While celebrating Caribbean cuisine and culture, he acknowledges that modern lifestyles require us to rethink some traditional habits.

The conversation touches on reducing excess salt, sugar and oil, making healthier choices without sacrificing the foods and flavours we love, and the importance of simply getting outside and moving more.

Both men agree that exercise doesn’t need to be extreme to be effective.

It’s a message that aligns perfectly with the ethos behind electric bikes. By making cycling more accessible, enjoyable and practical, e-bikes help more people stay active as part of everyday life.

Health Is More Than Fitness

One of the most valuable sections of the conversation centres around health.

Levi shares the lifestyle changes he has made over the years, including giving up smoking, changing his diet and making annual health checks a priority.

The discussion highlights an important issue often overlooked by men: preventative healthcare.

From routine check-ups to conversations around prostate cancer awareness, both guests encourage listeners to take responsibility for their health and seek support when they need it.

Equally important is mental well-being.

The pair discuss the value of positive thinking, mentorship and being willing to talk openly about challenges. As Mr Motivator points out, exercising the body is only part of the picture; we also need to exercise the mind.

From Prison Sentence to National Success

Perhaps the most moving part of the episode comes when Levi shares one of the lowest points in his life.

Speaking candidly, he recalls receiving a nine-year prison sentence in 1986 and the devastating impact it had on both him and his family.

Rather than defining him, however, that experience became a turning point.

Levi explains how a prison mentor helped him recognise his potential and encouraged him to become the person he truly wanted to be. That support ultimately set him on the path that led to Notting Hill Carnival, Dragon’s Den and the creation of the Reggae Reggae Sauce brand that made him a household name.

His story is a powerful reminder that setbacks do not have to determine our future and that sometimes a single person believing in us can change everything.

Four More Episodes Still to Come

With four episodes remaining in this first series of On Your Bike, there are still plenty more inspiring conversations ahead.

What makes the series unique is its combination of movement, fresh air and meaningful discussion. Rather than sitting in a studio, guests explore the outdoors together, creating relaxed and honest conversations that reveal the stories behind some fascinating lives.

Watch the full episode with Levi Roots above and discover why getting on your bike can be about so much more than simply getting from A to B.

It can be the start of a conversation, a healthier lifestyle and perhaps even a new perspective.

Explore more episodes and more frank conversations around health, resilience and mental wellbeing with the likes of Amir Khan, Laura Hamilton and Jeremy Vine on the Mr Motivator – Say Yeah Youtube Channel or visit the VOLT On Your Bike Podcast page.