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.
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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.
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
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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
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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
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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:
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.
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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:
🎙️ Another powerful conversation about real life, real struggles, and real strength.
Real blokes. Real talk.
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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
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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
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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
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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:
📍 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
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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
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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
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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
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In this episode of The Black Country Blokes, Lee and Kev sit down with Adam Cartwright, who bravely shares his journey of vision loss, mental health struggles, and resilience.
In 2018, Adam began experiencing eye problems due to diabetes. After undergoing four unsuccessful surgeries between 2018-2019, he was left with only 20% vision in one eye. The life-changing impact of losing his sight led him into a deep battle with depression, ultimately culminating in a suicide attempt. But Adam's story doesn’t end there—he found strength, purpose, and a way forward.
Join us as we discuss the challenges of vision impairment, mental health, and the power of resilience. If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone—help is available.
🔔 Tune in and be inspired! Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe.
#MentalHealth #Diabetes #VisionLoss #Resilience #SuicideAwareness #Blindness #MentalHealthMatters #Inspiration #Podcast #TheBlackCountryBlokes #NeverGiveUp
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In this episode of The Black Country Blokes, Lee and Kev are joined by Dr. Lloyd Baron, an expert in Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT). Together, they discuss how TRT works, who it’s for, and how it can help improve energy, mood, and overall quality of life.
Dr. Baron also addresses common misconceptions about TRT, the potential risks, and what people should consider before starting therapy. If you’ve ever been curious about TRT and its impact on men’s health, this episode is packed with valuable insights.
Join us for an informative and engaging conversation that dives deep into the world of TRT therapy and its potential to transform lives.
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more great discussions on mental health, physical well-being, and real-life topics.
#TRTTherapy #TestosteroneReplacement #MensHealth #BlackCountryBlokes #DrLloydBaron #HormoneHealth #EnergyBoost #MentalWellbeing #TRTExplained #PodcastConversation
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This week on The Black Country Blokes, we are joined by Ruben Gomez, founder of The Seasonal Movement and creator of the neuro-seasonal programming method. Ruben’s transformative approach blends neuroscience and the natural rhythms of the seasons to help high-achieving professionals, entrepreneurs, and visionaries optimize their energy, productivity, and emotional well-being.
In this episode, Ruben shares science-backed strategies to reduce stress, prevent burnout, and create balance while striving for professional success and personal fulfillment. If you’re ready to break free from burnout and embrace a life of harmony, growth, and peak performance—no matter the season—this conversation is for you.
Connect with Ruben Gomez:
#TheSeasonalMovement #NeuroSeasonalProgramming #BurnoutPrevention #EmotionalWellbeing #PeakPerformance #StressRelief #TheBlackCountryBlokes #PersonalGrowth #SeasonalBalance #ProductivityTips
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In this powerful episode of The Black Country Blokes, we delve into the reality of reaching breaking point—those moments when life feels overwhelming and the pressure is too much. From personal stories to practical advice, we’ll discuss the importance of recognizing your limits, seeking help, and rebuilding resilience.
Whether you’re battling stress, mental health challenges, or just trying to keep your head above water, this conversation offers insights and support for anyone feeling the strain.
Join us as we talk candidly about what it means to break, heal, and grow stronger.
#BreakingPoint #MentalHealthMatters #Resilience #OvercomingChallenges #TheBlackCountryBlokes #StressAwareness #EmotionalSupport
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This week on The Black Country Blokes, we’re joined by Richie Ghent, an ex-professional boxer with an impressive 6-0 record, who has transitioned into a successful boxing coach and gym owner. Richie runs RG Boxfit in Bilston, West Midlands, a thriving boxing club offering classes for all levels, from beginners to professional fighters.
In this episode, Richie discusses his journey from the ring to coaching, the challenges of managing a professional and amateur boxing setup, and his dedication to nurturing talent in the Black Country. Learn how his team competes across the UK and internationally.
If you’re passionate about boxing, coaching, or community development, this episode is a knockout!
#BoxingCoach #RGBoxfit #BlackCountryBoxing #ProBoxing #AmateurBoxing #EnglandBoxing #BoxingCommunity #TheBlackCountryBlokes
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In this week’s episode of The Black Country Blokes, we’re joined by Warren Davies, a retired firefighter with a remarkable story. Warren opens up about his battle with PTSD after years of service, his personal experiences with autism, and how he found purpose as an amateur boxing coach at Priory Park Boxing Club.
We’ll explore the challenges he’s faced, the triumphs he’s achieved, and the life lessons he now passes on to the next generation of boxers. This episode is a heartfelt conversation about mental health, resilience, and making a difference in your community.
Tune in to hear Warren’s inspiring story and join the conversation on PTSD, autism, and the power of boxing to transform lives.
#PTSDRecovery #AutismAwareness #BoxingCoach #PrioryParkBoxing #MentalHealthMatters #TheBlackCountryBlokes
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In this powerful episode of The Black Country Blokes, hosts Lee and Kev are joined by Harry Dooner, who shares his deeply personal story of living with severe eczema. From struggling with painful flare-ups to navigating relationships and self-esteem, Harry's journey is one of strength, resilience, and learning to embrace his true self.
We’ll discuss the emotional and physical challenges Harry has faced, his advice for others living with eczema, and how he’s raising awareness about the realities of this condition. This is an episode about finding confidence in the face of adversity and breaking the stigma around skin conditions.
Tune in tonight on Facebook, YouTube, X, and LinkedIn. Let’s spark a conversation about eczema and self-acceptance!
#EczemaAwareness #MentalHealthMatters #Resilience #TheBlackCountryBlokes
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In this special episode of The Black Country Blokes, hosts Lee and Kev come together to celebrate a huge milestone – receiving the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS)! 🎉 Join us as we dive into the journey that led us to this incredible honor, the impact we've made along the way, and how we plan to keep supporting our community.
We’ll discuss what this award means to us, the challenges we’ve overcome, and the support we've received from each of you. Tune in to be part of this memorable moment and get inspired by the power of community spirit. Don't forget to tag along and celebrate with us!
#KAVS2024 #CommunityImpact #BlackCountryPride #MakingADifference #TheBlackCountryBlokes
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