Advertise on podcast: The Black Country Blokes

In this episode of The Black Country Blokes, Kev and Lee sit down for a proper honest chat about grief, health scares, fitness, discipline, and making changes before it’s too late. After losing his brother to a heart attack and realising his granddad died at the same age, Kev opens up about the drastic lifestyle changes he’s made — cutting out booze, processed food, sugar and cigarettes, losing weight, and trying to take control of his health before it controls him. Lee shares positive news about Dravet syndrome research, why raising awareness matters, and how running and training have helped both physically and mentally — even when motivation disappears. This one is about more than weight loss. It’s about: dealing with loss and perspectivedoing something before your body forces you todiscipline vs motivation vs accountabilitybuilding habits that actually stickgetting healthier for your heart, your head, and your familywhy starting small still countsWhether you’re trying to lose weight, get fitter, clear your mind, or just stop putting yourself last, this episode is a reminder that you don’t have to be perfect — you just have to start. If this episode hits home, subscribe, share it, and follow The Black Country Blokes across all socials. #BlackCountryBlokes #MensMentalHealth #Grief #FitnessJourney #WeightLossJourney #DravetSyndrome #MentalHealthAwareness #Discipline #HealthMatters Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bcb. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Black Country Blokes, Kev and Lee sit down with Paul Gough, the long-standing director and head coach of Priory Park Boxing Club in Dudley, who has spent 30 years using boxing to change lives. What started as a boxing club on Priory Road has grown into a community hub supporting 300–400 people every week, offering training, mentorship, and opportunities for young people, veterans, emergency services and local families. The club has produced Schoolboy, Golden Gloves and National Youth champions, but Paul’s proudest achievement might be what’s happening outside the ring. Paul also founded Priory Park Community School, an alternative provision for young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) difficulties, or those at risk of permanent exclusion from mainstream education. Located in the Wren’s Nest area of Dudley, the school offers something unique — combining education with mentoring through sport, boxing, and outdoor learning. Students benefit from: 🥊 Mentoring through Priory Park Boxing Club 🌿 Outdoor education in Wren’s Nest Nature Reserve — one of Britain’s most important geological sites 🎓 Qualifications including ABA Awards, ASDAN, BTEC and GCSEs 💬 Confidence building, resilience training and life skills The aim is simple but powerful: Give young people structure, belief and opportunity — and help them return to education, work, apprenticeships or training. This episode explores: Paul’s 30-year journey running Priory Park Boxing ClubWhy boxing gyms often become lifelines for communitiesThe reality of working with young people at risk of exclusionHow sport can rebuild confidence and disciplineThe mission to reduce permanent exclusions in Dudley Priory Park isn’t just building fighters — it’s building futures. 📍 Priory Park Boxing Club Priory Road, Dudley, West Midlands DY1 4EU #BlackCountryBlokes #PaulGough #PrioryParkBoxingClub #Dudley #AlternativeEducation #BoxingChangesLives #MensMentalHealth #CommunityMatters Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bcb. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Black Country Blokes, Kev and Lee are joined by long-time friend DR Emily Barney from Spartannn Brain Gym– back in the very room where she now runs her mental fitness sessions. Together, they dive into a big question: Is the message “men just need to talk” actually helping – or does it oversimplify a much bigger problem?They get properly stuck into: Why saying “he should’ve talked” can sound a lot like blaming the bloke who’s diedHow men do ask for help – and how often nobody really listensThe reality of trying to get support when services are underfunded and impossible to accessPhones, doomscrolling, dopamine and whether we’re all addicted to constant stimulationThe pressure to provide, being a dad, and that “messy middle” of life where everyone wants a piece of youEmily’s idea of “mental fitness” – training your brain like a muscle with “mental press-ups”, gratitude reps and tiny daily winsWhy our brains are “Velcro for negatives, Teflon for positives” – and what you can actually do about itThey also talk about taking this work into prisons, rowing challenges to represent the number of men lost to suicide, and why treating people as humans not statistics might just be the start of real change. If you’ve ever felt like you should be grateful but your head says otherwise, or you’re sick of being told to “man up” and “just talk”, this one’s for you. 👉 If you want to connect with Emily, look up Spartannn Brain Gym / Spartannn mental fitness training online. 👉 Follow, share and tag us to keep the conversation going: #MensMentalHealth #BlackCountryBlokes #MentalFitness #DadsSupportingDads Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bcb. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful and funny episode of The Black Country Blokes, Kev and Lee sit down with their long-time mate Adrian (“Aid”), who’s gearing up to run the New York Marathon to raise money for The Black Country Blokes C.I.C. and support men’s mental health. What starts as a catch-up between three dads turns into an honest chat about fatherhood, guilt, burnout, running as therapy, and the fine line between bravery and breakdown. Aid shares how discipline beats motivation, why bad runs can be as valuable as good ones, and the moment he got so fed up he even told a rainbow to f*** off — then kept going. 👉 Support Aid’s run: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/adrian-cutler?utm_medium=CR&utm_source=CL 👉 Share the episode and tag us: #MensMentalHealth #BlackCountryBlokes #DadsSupportingDads #MarathonForHope #HoldOnToHope Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bcb. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Black Country Blokes, we sit down with rising talent Hamza Uddin ahead of his much-anticipated return to the ring this October. Hamza opens up about: 🥊 His mindset going into camp 🔥 Lessons learned from early career highs and challenges 🎯 The pressure of expectations and staying grounded 💬 What fans can expect when he steps through the ropes next This is a focused, honest, and driven young fighter with something to prove — and he’s ready to do just that. #HamzaUddin #BoxingPodcast #BlackCountryBlokes #MatchroomBoxing #FightWeek #OctoberFight #BehindTheScenes #MensMentalHealth Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bcb. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this heartfelt episode, Kev Dillon and Lee Cadman look back on six incredible years of The Black Country Blokes podcast — a journey that started with a mobile phone in a classroom and has grown into a multi-award-winning platform changing lives across the UK. They discuss: Receiving new National Lottery Community Fund backing for their Blokes United mental health project The evolution of the podcast from grassroots to national impact Working with inspiring guests — from amateur coaches to professional fighters and everyday heroes Heartwarming stories, like the listener who helped save a life after hearing an episode Why the mission remains the same: real conversations that save lives This episode is a love letter to the community — a celebration of resilience, brotherhood, and staying true to your moral compass. Whether you're a first-time listener or a long-time supporter, this one’s for you. 🎙️ Thank you for six years. Here’s to many more. #BlackCountryBlokes #MentalHealthMatters #MensMentalHealth #GrassrootsSupport #Gratitude #CommunityMatters #BlokesUnited #AuthenticVoices #NationalLottery @TNLComFund Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bcb. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this heartfelt episode, we’re joined by Jack Vaughan, a passionate advocate and former team member of More Mascots Please C.I.C. Jack shares his moving story about his younger brother Louie, who lives with both autism and ADHD, and how those experiences inspired his journey into community work and inclusion. We discuss: What it’s like growing up with a sibling who is neurodivergent The realities of autism and ADHD — beyond the labels How Jack’s community involvement helped shape local support The importance of empathy, patience, and understanding This episode is a powerful reminder that behind every diagnosis is a family, and behind every challenge is a story of strength. 🎙️ Tune in and be part of the conversation that truly matters. Real talk. Real life. Real people. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bcb. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Black Country Blokes, we sit down with Sam ‘Savage’ Eggington — one of the Black Country’s toughest and most respected boxers. Known for his all-action style and relentless determination, Sam has held British, Commonwealth, European, and WBA International titles during his career. In this honest and hard-hitting conversation, Sam talks about: Life inside and outside the ringCoping with loss and bouncing backMental health in the world of professional sportThe importance of having the right people in your corner — in boxing and in life 🎙️ Another powerful conversation about real life, real struggles, and real strength. Real blokes. Real talk. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bcb. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In tonight’s powerful episode of The Black Country Blokes, we’re joined by two outstanding guests changing lives from the inside out. Gav, a dedicated physiotherapist, shares how he goes beyond muscles and joints—addressing the mental health of his patients to achieve deeper healing and lasting outcomes. From boxing gyms to bodywork, Gav reminds us that physical pain often has emotional roots. Pras, a former forensic mental health practitioner who’s worked with men in prisons, now teaches others how to approach mental health with empathy, understanding, and evidence-based practice. His journey from the prison system to the classroom is filled with lessons on vulnerability, safe spaces, and the link between psychology and crime. 💬 This is an honest, uplifting, and deeply human episode that shows the strength in vulnerability and the power of truly seeing people. 🎬 Episode Highlights: 🎯 Pain, Depression & the Mind-Body Link 🥊 Boxing Gyms: More Than Just Sport 🧠 Positive Thinking & Brain Training 🏥 Empathy in Healthcare: More Than Medicine 🔐 Forensic Mental Health: Where Psychology Meets Crime 🛡️ Community & Safe Spaces Matter 💬 The Strength in Vulnerability #TheBlackCountryBlokes #MentalHealthMatters #MensMentalHealth #PhysiotherapyAndMind #ForensicPsychology #HealingThroughEmpathy #SafeSpaces #StrengthInVulnerability #BoxingForMentalHealth #MindBodyConnection #BeyondTheSurface Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bcb. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this heartfelt episode of The Black Country Blokes, we’re joined by 17-year-old Jamie and Kirsty from Roots, a youth support organisation that changes lives by creating safe spaces and real community. Jamie opens up about his personal journey living with ADHD—from challenges at school to finding his passion in music. He shares what it’s like navigating the world when your brain works differently and how understanding, structure, and creativity have made all the difference. Kirsty talks about her role at Roots, where she first met Jamie, and how youth clubs like theirs are crucial for helping young people thrive, especially when they’re neurodiverse or struggling with mental health. 🎧 This episode is raw, honest, and full of hope. #TheBlackCountryBlokes #ADHDAwareness #NeurodiversityMatters #RootsYouthClub #YouthSupport #TeenMentalHealth #MusicAndMentalHealth #BlackCountryVoices #ADHDJourney #BreakingTheStigma #ListenToYoungPeople Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bcb. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this heartfelt episode of The Black Country Blokes, we shine a spotlight on Dravet Syndrome, a rare and life-threatening form of epilepsy that affects children from infancy. Host Lee Cadman opens up about his personal motivation to take on the Every Day in May Challenge—a daily commitment to raise money and awareness for Dravet Syndrome UK, inspired by the incredible journey of a young warrior: Calla-Rose. Lee shares why this cause is so close to his heart, what the challenge involves, and how you can get involved to help make a real difference. Whether you're a parent, carer, advocate, or just someone who wants to help, this episode will inspire you to take action and support families living with the daily realities of rare diseases. 🧠 Let’s raise awareness. Let’s raise hope. Let’s raise funds. 🌟 Support the Cause | Every Day in May Challenge for Dravet Syndrome UK I'm raising money this May for Dravet Syndrome UK in honour of Calla-Rose. Join me in making a difference: 👉 Donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/lee-cadman-1 📅 About the challenge: https://www.dravet.org.uk/event/every-day-in-may-for-dravet-2025 💜 Follow Calla-Rose’s journey: https://www.facebook.com/courageouscalla/about/?locale=en_GB #TheBlackCountryBlokes #DravetSyndrome #EveryDayInMay #CourageousCalla #DravetSyndromeUK #RareDiseaseAwareness #CallaRose #MensMentalHealth #DoItForCalla #SupportRareDiseases #HopeInAction #FundraiserChallenge #MakeADifference Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bcb. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this moving episode of The Black Country Blokes, we welcome Christine George, founder of Woodside Crafts, to share the inspiring journey behind a Dudley-based mental health project that began with a single wooden book—and grew into a lifeline for so many. Christine shares how a small idea, born out of a therapeutic group session at the former Woodside Day Centre, became a charity enterprise that gives people dealing with mental health challenges a chance to rebuild confidence, learn new skills, and feel a sense of belonging. From humble beginnings to stalls at markets, festivals, and even bingo halls, Woodside Crafts continues to break stigma and build community—now from their brand-new home in Cinder Bank, Netherton. 🎧 Listen in as we talk about resilience, creativity, and how crafts can become a path to healing. 🌟 Support the Cause | Every Day in May Challenge for Dravet Syndrome UK I'm raising money this May for Dravet Syndrome UK in honour of Calla-Rose. Join me in making a difference! 👉 Donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/lee-cadman-1 📅 About the challenge: https://www.dravet.org.uk/event/every-day-in-may-for-dravet-2025 💜 Follow Calla-Rose’s journey: https://www.facebook.com/courageouscalla/about/?locale=en_GB 🛠️ Learn more about Woodside Crafts: 🔗 Woodside Crafts Facebook 📍 Visit them at Cinder Bank, Netherton 🙌 Support by visiting the shop, donating, volunteering, or spreading the word #TheBlackCountryBlokes #WoodsideCrafts #MentalHealthRecovery #CraftingHope #DudleyCharity #CreativityForWellbeing #SupportLocal #BlackCountryPride #MensMentalHealth #BreakingTheStigma #FromStruggleToStrength #DravetSyndromeUK #EveryDayInMay #CallaRose #FundraiserForHope #RareDiseaseAwareness Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bcb. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful episode of The Black Country Blokes, we sit down with Rob Shipley and David Stocks to talk openly about suicide prevention, the work of the Suicide Alliance, and the life-saving impact of having a Suicide Safety Plan. Together, we unpack real stories, practical tools, and why it’s so vital to speak up, not bottle it up. Whether you're supporting someone or struggling yourself, this episode is a must-listen. 🧠 Resources mentioned in the episode: 📄 Suicide Safety Plan (PDF): https://stayingsafe.net/sites/default/files/BlankSafetyPlan.pdf 🎓 Free ZSA Suicide Awareness Training: https://zsa.frank-cdn.uk/scorm/full-training-v2/story.html 📸 “Our Story in Pictures” Photobook: https://www.photobox.co.uk/view-online-photo-book?widgetId=0c6fa2df-7904-4a7d-b832-edd137630b09&securityId=04cbd64c-5bd4-431e-b9b8-10a6387dc44f 💬 It’s okay to not be okay. Let’s keep talking. #TheBlackCountryBlokes #SuicidePrevention #MentalHealthMatters #SuicideAwareness #StaySafePlan #MensMentalHealth #ZSA #EndTheStigma #ItsOkayToTalk #HopeHelps Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bcb. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Black Country Blokes, hosts Lee and Kev sit down with Nic Auerbach—an accredited psychotherapist at Black Country Mental Health and a talented filmmaker. Nic shares insights into the world of mental health, his journey into psychotherapy, and how his filmmaking background influences his approach to storytelling and mental health advocacy. We’ll be discussing the power of creativity in therapy, breaking the stigma around mental health, and the impact of film as a tool for awareness. 📽️ Check out Nic’s work: 🎬 IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2994121/?ref_=fn_all_nme_1 🌍 Website: https://marmitedirector.com/ 🔥 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe! Let’s keep the conversation going. #MentalHealthMatters #BlackCountryBlokes #Podcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Psychotherapy #Filmmaking #NicAuerbach #Creativity #BreakingTheStigma Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bcb. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Black Country Blokes, Lee and Kev talk to Matthew Potter, a Registered Mental Health Nurse, MANTRA Therapist, and founder of Reclaiming Wellbeing C.I.C.. Matthew shares his journey, insights into mental health care, and his mission to provide accessible wellbeing workshops, 1:1 counselling, and corporate mental health support. We explore topics such as: ✅ The importance of accessible mental health support ✅ The impact of stigma on mental health recovery Join us for an honest, eye-opening discussion on mental health, wellbeing, and making support accessible to all. 🔗 Learn more about Reclaiming Wellbeing: https://www.reclaimingwellbeing.co.uk/ 🎧 Available on YouTube, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn #MentalHealth #Podcast #EatingDisorders #Wellbeing #ReclaimingWellbeing #TheBlackCountryBlokes #Counselling #Mindset #MentalHealthAwareness #BreakingTheStigma Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bcb. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.