DM-Mi Podcast

DM-Mi

DM-Mi is a podcast brought to you by the team behind DM-Mi, the podcast booking platform. The DM-Mi is where you can find interesting conversations around the most recent developments in Technology & Business, as well as passionate discussions on a range of topics from the world of MMA (UFC), to his History Geo-Politics and Current Affairs. 

  1. MAY 10

    Paul Cadman - From Bullring Barrow Boy to the Boardroom

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the DM-Mi Podcast, Sukh Hayre sits down with Paul Cadman, Birmingham-based entrepreneur, philanthropist, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Leadership, and founder of the One Thousand Trades Group. Paul shares his remarkable journey from a humble upbringing in Bordesley Green, leaving school with no qualifications and struggling with dyslexia, to becoming a successful business leader involved in enterprise, sport, community development and major regional projects. The conversation explores how Birmingham shaped Paul’s mindset, from the old Bullring markets to the fire service, martial arts, business growth, mergers and acquisitions, and his commitment to giving back. Paul also discusses the role of sport in building discipline and confidence, his work with Birmingham Youth Sports Academy, his involvement with Birmingham City Football Club, and why he believes Birmingham should stop thinking of itself as the “second city” and start recognising itself as “second to nobody.” The episode covers entrepreneurship, resilience, failure, leadership, Birmingham’s tech and innovation ecosystem, the importance of community, and the future of the West Midlands. Paul offers practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and reflects on why values, purpose and people matter as much as commercial success. A powerful conversation about Birmingham, ambition, social mobility, business, philanthropy and what it means to build something that leaves a lasting impact. Follow Paul Cadman: Website: https://onethousandtradesgroup.co.uk/ X: https://x.com/PaulCadmanUK LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulcadman/ www.dm-mi.com

    35 min
  2. APR 19

    Catherine McBride - Economics Myths Busted from Brexit Trade Deals to Trump Tariffs & UK Energy

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the DM-Mi Podcast, host Sukh Hayre speaks with economist Catherine McBride about the realities of global trade, Brexit, and the economic challenges facing the UK today. Drawing on her experience in financial markets and her role on the UK Trade and Agriculture Commission, Catherine breaks down common misconceptions around international trade, including why countries do not simply trade with their nearest neighbours and how cultural and institutional differences shape economic outcomes. The conversation explores the impact of Brexit on the City of London, the truth behind predictions of financial firms leaving the UK, and why London remains a dominant global financial hub. Catherine also offers a critical perspective on UK energy policy, arguing that high energy costs and net zero commitments are driving deindustrialisation and limiting growth in key sectors such as manufacturing, AI, and data infrastructure. The discussion expands to US trade policy, examining tariffs under both Trump and Biden administrations, and reframes them as part of a broader national security strategy rather than purely economic protectionism. This episode challenges conventional economic narratives and offers a clear-eyed view on trade, regulation, energy policy, and what needs to change for the UK economy to thrive. Follow & Support  Substack: https://catherinemcbride.substack.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cate-mcbride/ X: https://x.com/CeeMacBee Great British Business Council: https://gbbc.uk/  www.dm-mi.com

    48 min
  3. MAR 27

    Ella Whelan: Freedom, Fear and the end of Feminism

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the DM-Mi Podcast, Sukh Hayre sits down with columnist and commentator Ella Whelan to explore some of the most contested cultural and political debates shaping modern Britain. From her early involvement in campus free speech movements to her work with Spiked and the Academy of Ideas, Ella shares how her views were shaped through real-world debates around censorship, identity and political culture. The conversation dives into her provocative take on modern feminism, arguing that today’s focus on safety and victimhood risks undermining women’s freedom and confidence. Ella challenges the growing “culture of fear” among young women and questions whether society has lost perspective on real versus perceived risks. Sukh and Ella also unpack: The rise of identity politics and its role in shaping debates around gender and trans issues The cultural impact of social media on fear, masculinity and public discourse The backlash against “toxic masculinity” and the emergence of figures like Andrew Tate The reality behind recent UK abortion law debates and why the public conversation has become so polarised Why immigration, net zero and other major issues have been difficult to discuss openly Throughout the episode, a central theme emerges: the importance of open debate, free speech and intellectual honesty in navigating complex societal issues. This is a candid, thought-provoking discussion that challenges assumptions across the political spectrum. Follow Ella: X: Ella Whelan on X Academy of Ideas Substack: https://www.academyofideas.uk/  Spiked Online: https://www.spiked-online.com/author/ella-whelan/  www.dm-mi.com

    50 min
  4. MAR 22

    Prof Dennis Hayes - Free Speech, Universities and the Rise of ‘Therapeutic Education’

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the DM-Mi Podcast, Sukh Hayre sits down with Professor Dennis Hayes, Director of Academics for Academic Freedom, to explore one of the most contested issues of our time: free speech in universities and its wider impact on society. Drawing on decades of experience in higher education, Dennis explains why he takes an absolutist stance on free speech, arguing that “free speech with a ‘but’ is not free speech at all.” He shares the origins of Academics for Academic Freedom and how the organisation has evolved from a simple statement into a network supporting academics, students and professionals facing censorship and institutional pressure. The conversation dives into the changing culture of universities, from political “no-platforming” in the early 2000s to today’s broader culture wars, where individuals can be challenged or silenced for a wide range of views. Dennis highlights how bureaucracy, internal complaints processes, and fear of reputational damage are shaping behaviour, often creating a “climate of quietude” where people choose not to speak at all. A key theme is the rise of what Dennis calls “therapeutic education” — a shift towards prioritising feelings, wellbeing and emotional safety over intellectual challenge. He argues this mindset is no longer confined to universities but is increasingly influencing workplaces, corporate policies and wider society. The episode also explores:  The role of government policy and the Higher Education Freedom of Speech Act  Whether universities should be politically neutral institutions  The influence of HR, equality frameworks and institutional incentives  Real-world casework supporting individuals facing censorship  Why the public should care about what happens inside universities Despite the challenges, Dennis shares cautious optimism, pointing to growing resistance, student-led free speech societies and organisations like the Free Speech Union gaining momentum. This is a thought-provoking conversation on academic freedom, institutional culture and the future of open debate in modern Britain. www.dm-mi.com

    45 min
  5. MAR 15

    Matt of Food Review Club - Turning Food Reviews into a Seven-Figure Business

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the DM-Mi Podcast, host Sukh Hayre sits down with Matt Davies-Binge, founder of the hugely popular Food Review Club, one of the UK’s fastest-growing food media brands. What started as a simple idea — reviewing local food using a smartphone — has grown into a multi-platform social media phenomenon reaching millions of viewers every day across YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and Facebook. Matt shares the story behind Food Review Club, including: • How he turned a passion for food into a successful digital business  • The realities of building a social media brand from scratch  • The power — and responsibility — of influencing small food businesses  • Why negative content spreads faster online  • The challenges facing the UK’s hospitality industry today  • Why Birmingham might be the UK’s best food city • His personal journey losing 7 stone while reviewing high-calorie food The conversation also explores content creation, entrepreneurship, authenticity in media, and how creators can build sustainable businesses beyond social platforms. If you’re interested in digital media, food culture, social media growth, entrepreneurship or the future of the UK hospitality sector, this episode is packed with insight. Guest: Matt Davies-Binge – Founder, Food Review Club Food Review Club: foodreviewclub.co.uk Facebook: facebook.com/FoodReviewClub Instagram: instagram.com/foodreviewclub/?hl=en TikTok: tiktok.com/@foodreviewclub?lang=en www.dm-mi.com

    48 min

About

DM-Mi is a podcast brought to you by the team behind DM-Mi, the podcast booking platform. The DM-Mi is where you can find interesting conversations around the most recent developments in Technology & Business, as well as passionate discussions on a range of topics from the world of MMA (UFC), to his History Geo-Politics and Current Affairs.