The Black Country Blokes

BCB
  • 4.9 (31)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Introducing The Black Country Blokes, a podcast that dives deep into the topics of mental health, disability, and the ups and downs of life in general. With hosts Lee Cadman and Kev Dillon leading the way, each episode brings a wealth of insights and perspectives to the table, thanks to the addition of guest experts from various fields. The Black Country Blokes isn't just another podcast - it's a safe and welcoming space where listeners can feel heard, understood, and empowered to tackle life's challenges head-on. From mental health struggles to navigating life with a disability, the conversations are honest, raw, and always thought-provoking. Join Lee, Kev, and their guests as they share their experiences, challenges, and victories in a way that inspires and uplifts. With a blend of humor, vulnerability, and expertise, The Black Country Blokes is the podcast that will leave you feeling seen, heard, and ready to take on the world. Tune in today and join the conversation! Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bcb. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    Beyond “Just Talk, Lads”: Spartan Mental Fitness & The Truth About Men’s Mental Health

    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.

    39 min

  2. 24 OCT

    "Running Through the Storm: Aid’s New York Marathon for Men’s Mental Health"

    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.

    39 min

  3. 26 SEPT

    Hamza Uddin: Focused, Firing & Ready for October

    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.

    28 min
  4. “Six Years of Real Talk: Gratitude, Growth & Grassroots Impact”

    10 JUL

    “Six Years of Real Talk: Gratitude, Growth & Grassroots Impact”

    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.

    10 min
  5. Brotherly Bonds: Jack Vaughan on Louie, Autism, ADHD & Community Work

    26 JUN

    Brotherly Bonds: Jack Vaughan on Louie, Autism, ADHD & Community Work

    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.

    1h 2m
  6. The Savage Within: Sam Eggington on Boxing, Pressure, and Mental Resilience

    12 JUN

    The Savage Within: Sam Eggington on Boxing, Pressure, and Mental Resilience

    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.

    39 min
  7. Healing Minds & Bodies: Mental Health Beyond the Surface

    29 MAY

    Healing Minds & Bodies: Mental Health Beyond the Surface

    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.

    1h 11m
  8. Living Loud: ADHD, Music & Finding Roots

    15 MAY

    Living Loud: ADHD, Music & Finding Roots

    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.

    39 min
See All (251)

4.9
out of 5
31 Ratings

About

Introducing The Black Country Blokes, a podcast that dives deep into the topics of mental health, disability, and the ups and downs of life in general. With hosts Lee Cadman and Kev Dillon leading the way, each episode brings a wealth of insights and perspectives to the table, thanks to the addition of guest experts from various fields. The Black Country Blokes isn't just another podcast - it's a safe and welcoming space where listeners can feel heard, understood, and empowered to tackle life's challenges head-on. From mental health struggles to navigating life with a disability, the conversations are honest, raw, and always thought-provoking. Join Lee, Kev, and their guests as they share their experiences, challenges, and victories in a way that inspires and uplifts. With a blend of humor, vulnerability, and expertise, The Black Country Blokes is the podcast that will leave you feeling seen, heard, and ready to take on the world. Tune in today and join the conversation! Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bcb. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    BCB
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2025
  • Episodes
    251
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © The Black Country Blokes
  • Show Website
    The Black Country Blokes