Trims And Talk Podcast

Lungani Sibanda, Donald McLean and SACMHA

The podcast is centred on discussing men's mental health, particularly within the Black community, using the culturally significant barbershop as a backdrop. It combines a barbershop's informal and communal atmosphere with serious, impactful conversations about mental wellness. Each episode features a variety of guests, including therapists, community leaders, and everyday people, who share their personal stories, challenges, and insights related to mental health issues. The podcast aims to break down stigmas, foster open communication, and provide a supportive space for open honest talk.

  1. 1 AUG

    The Weight of a Brother: Robert Cottrell

    n this special episode of Trims & Talk, we sit down with a brother whose presence has long been felt, even before he enters the room—Robert Cottrell. Our co-host Donald McLean recalls first meeting Robert in 1990 while teaching on the Black Access course. Robert was a student then, part of a pioneering group of Black learners stepping into higher education at a time when that space rarely reflected them. Donald remembers that classroom—not just as a place of learning, but as a signpost of hope, pride, and shared ascent. For me, Lungani Sibanda, Robert has always been a figure in the frame. He’s one of those men you notice—whether it's his physical presence in the gym, his sharp mind, or his ever-consistent community engagement. You might not remember exactly when you met him because he's always just been there. A part of the landscape. And that matters. But Robert is more than visible—he’s indispensable. His career spans over 28 years in the criminal justice system, including work in local probation and national briefs with the Ministry of Justice. He is skilled in risk assessment and has brought those insights into boardrooms, barbershops, boxing rings, and broadcast studios. For over 35 years, he has volunteered as a boxing coach, not only teaching the fine art of the sport, but instilling discipline, life skills, and a sense of identity into the young men he’s mentored. His leadership has shaped generations—through sweat, structure, and sincere investment. As Chair of SADACCA (Sheffield and District African Caribbean Community Association), Robert stepped into a space that had seen years of instability. And with his grounded vision and tireless work, he's helped bring SADACCA back into relevance—on the ground and online. He's been instrumental in rebuilding networks with local Black organisations, lifting SADACCA’s profile across platforms like BBC Radio Sheffield, Sheffield Live, and The Sheffield Star, and forging stronger ties with Sheffield City Council. With 40 years of community work, Robert brings a rare blend of wisdom, street-level credibility, and strategic foresight. He understands what it means to stand in the gap—to carry the weight so others don’t fall through the cracks. He is a father. A grandfather. A mentor. A brother. A PhD student. A bridge between generations. And he is a key part of the FADES Men’s Group—meeting every first Friday of the month at FADES Barbershop, helping young men navigate the terrain of mental health, identity, and manhood. Because when you’ve survived the fire, you don’t just walk away—you go back and help others find the path. This episode is more than an interview. It’s a testimony. A celebration. A call to take stock of the ones who do the work—quietly, consistently, and with conviction.

    1h 19m
  2. 31 JUL

    Bridging Cultures, Building Futures with Dr. Sharon Curtis

    On this episode of the Trims and Talk Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Sharon Curtis, Nursery Manager at Ellesmere Children's Centre and visionary Founder of Emosi, Sheffield’s first Transcultural Therapy Centre. With over 20 years dedicated to Early Years educational development, Sharon brings profound insights into creating environments that celebrate cultural diversity and foster true inclusion. Join us as Sharon shares her groundbreaking work, including how conducting cultural audits at Ellesmere revealed families speaking 26 different languages, guiding her to cultivate deeper community connections. She discusses her approach to creating welcoming spaces that respect and embrace multicultural differences, always grounded by the vital question: "What would I want for my own children?" Sharon’s leadership challenges traditional educational models by highlighting representation and cultural intersections, ensuring children see themselves authentically reflected in their learning. Her focus on addressing intergenerational trauma and promoting understanding, especially within underserved communities, underscores the transformative power of culturally informed leadership. Listen now to discover how Sharon's passion and dedication are empowering multicultural communities, providing children and families with inclusive, high-quality educational opportunities that value every individual's unique identity and experiences.

    1h 19m

About

The podcast is centred on discussing men's mental health, particularly within the Black community, using the culturally significant barbershop as a backdrop. It combines a barbershop's informal and communal atmosphere with serious, impactful conversations about mental wellness. Each episode features a variety of guests, including therapists, community leaders, and everyday people, who share their personal stories, challenges, and insights related to mental health issues. The podcast aims to break down stigmas, foster open communication, and provide a supportive space for open honest talk.