Made in Brum Podcast

At just 13, Michael Parsons was released by Coventry City and told he wasn’t good enough. That rejection stayed with him—and ultimately inspired a mission to help athletes prepare for life beyond the game. Michael joins the Made in Brum Podcast to explain why so many talented academy players are left without a clear direction when their football journey ends, and how Flair Elite is creating the sa...

She gave up her place on the train, fought her way back into the castle—and immediately started causing trouble for the Traitors! 👀 Fozia Fazil joins Made in Brum for a brilliantly honest conversation about what REALLY happened behind the scenes of BBC’s The Traitors. Why did she sacrifice her place? How did it feel walking into the castle when friendships had already been formed? What made her s...

From competing on the Arnold Classic stage to finding himself in a wheelchair and having to learn to walk again, Brett Smith's story is one of determination, sacrifice and survival. 💪 This week on Made in Brum , we're joined by bodybuilder and coach Brett Smith, a man who has dedicated more than 35 years of his life to bodybuilding, competing in an incredible 87 shows along the way. But behind th...

Former Birmingham City goalkeeper David Stockdale joins Kev and Chris on Made in Brum for an honest, revealing and at times hilarious conversation about his football career, his time at St Andrew's and the controversies surrounding his departure from Blues. Having helped Brighton & Hove Albion win promotion to the Premier League and earned a place in the Championship PFA Team of the Year, Stoc...

"WHAT ARE YOU SACKING ME FOR? WINNING TOO MANY GAMES?!" In Part Two of our exclusive conversation with former Birmingham City manager Gary Rowett, we get into some of the biggest and most controversial moments of his career at St Andrew's. From his shock dismissal with Blues sitting seventh in the Championship to his emotional return and the heartbreak of relegation, Gary opens up about what REALL...

A bomb scare during Birmingham City's promotion celebrations, being named more valuable than Pelé, and four decades at the heart of English football. Gordon Taylor has certainly got a few stories to tell! ⚽🔵 This week on Made in Brum , we're joined by former Birmingham City winger and long-serving Professional Footballers' Association chief executive Gordon Taylor . Gordon takes us right back to...

Gary Rowett joins Made in Brum for Part One of an in-depth conversation about his life and career in football — and, of course, Birmingham City. 💙 Gary takes us back to his playing days at Blues, signing from Derby County, playing under the legendary Trevor Francis and being part of a dressing room packed with characters. He opens up about the playoff heartbreak against Watford and Barnsley, his...

Paul Richardson joins us on Made in Brum for a fascinating conversation about business, Birmingham City and a life built in the city he calls home. A Brummie through and through, Paul takes us right back to his beginnings and the entrepreneurial journey that took him from the waste industry to becoming involved with AllSaints, Gymshark and HERA .   Of course, we talk Birmingham City . Paul tells u...

Ricky Otto's journey is one of the most extraordinary we've had on Made in Brum . Growing up in Hackney, Ricky's early life took him down a path that eventually led to prison. But football gave him an opportunity to completely change the direction of his life. He went on to play professionally for Leyton Orient and Southend United , before Barry Fry brought him to Birmingham City , where Ricky bec...

Damien Trainor sits down with Made in Brum to tell the complete story of his life in Muay Thai—from discovering the sport and building his professional fight career to competing in brutal title contests around the world. Damien opens up about the toughest opponents he faced, breaking his hand during a five-round war and the sacrifices required to succeed at the highest level. He also explores the...

Barry Fry. One of football’s great characters — and there genuinely will never be another one like him. In this special Made in Brum podcast, Barry sits down with us for a brilliant, completely unfiltered journey through a lifetime in football. From his unforgettable time at Birmingham City , the players he signed, the deals he pulled off and the ones that got away, to the madness behind the scene...

⚠️ Viewer discretion advised: This episode contains discussion of a serious football injury. Dave Busst joins Made in Brum to reflect on an extraordinary football journey—from grassroots football to the Premier League with Coventry City, before suffering one of the most devastating injuries the game has ever seen. In this honest and inspiring conversation, Dave talks about: ⚽ His rise to professi...

Tamworth’s Charlie Williams joins Made in Brum to tell the remarkable story of leaving boxing as an undefeated Midland champion and beginning a new life as an actor. Charlie takes us inside the changing room before his final fight, recalling the pressure, fear and self-doubt he experienced before delivering a dramatic eighth-round stoppage at Villa Park. Despite being offered big money and a poten...

⚠️ This episode contains discussions of terrorism, bereavement and trauma that some viewers may find distressing. In one of the most powerful episodes we've ever recorded, we sit down with Julie Hambleton and Pete Hannon from Justice4the21 to discuss the lasting impact of the Birmingham Pub Bombings and why, more than 50 years later, families are still searching for answers. Julie lost her sister,...

Former Birmingham City favourite, Aston Villa defender and England youth coach Noel Blake joins us for an honest, funny and fascinating conversation about a lifetime in football. From the intensity of the Second City Derby to representing England, coaching future stars and reflecting on the modern game, Noel shares incredible stories from every chapter of his career. He relives unforgettable Birmi...

Commonwealth Games gold medallist Don Broadhurst joins us for an inspiring, emotional and honest conversation about boxing, family and finding purpose beyond the ring. From growing up in Birmingham to standing on top of the Commonwealth podium, Don reflects on the sacrifices, discipline and dedication it took to become one of England’s finest amateur boxers. But this episode goes far beyond medals...

Former Birmingham City and Wales international David Cotterill joins us for one of the most honest and entertaining conversations we’ve had on Made in Brum. From breaking through as a teenager and working under Brendan Rodgers, to his years at Birmingham City, Wales, Gareth Bale, Gary Rowett, Harry Redknapp and the realities of life in professional football, nothing is off limits. David speaks ope...

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains discussions around domestic abuse, emotional abuse, mental health, depression, body dysmorphia and trauma. Viewer discretion is advised. In one of the most powerful and honest conversations we’ve had on Made In Brum, professional boxer Ebonie Cotton opens up about the experiences that shaped her life both inside and outside the ring. From dancing and modellin...

Former Birmingham City captain Darren Purse joins Made In Brum for a brilliant, honest and often hilarious conversation about a football career that took him from the lower leagues to some of the biggest moments in Blues history. From his early days learning the game, to captaining Birmingham City, playing at Wembley, scoring against Liverpool and leading teams through promotion battles, Pursey re...

Former Wolves and Sunderland defender Jody Craddock joins Made In Brum for an unforgettable conversation covering football, family, resilience and life beyond the game. Over a career spanning more than 700 appearances, Jody played at the highest level with Sunderland and Wolves, facing some of the greatest players of his generation while building a reputation as one of football’s most reliable def...

Former Birmingham City and West Brom defender Paul Robinson joins Made in Brum for a brilliant honest conversation about football, dressing rooms and life after the game. ⚽ Robbo opens up on: 🔥 The Great Escape with West Brom 🔥 His iconic goal against Aston Villa 🔥 Birmingham City memories 🔥 Watford and early career lessons 🔥 The “phantom injury” that ruined a transfer 🔥 Dressing room chara...

Joe Hunt joins the Made In Brum podcast for a brilliant conversation about his journey from Birmingham’s underground club scene to becoming one of the UK’s most respected DJs and producers 🎧🔥 Joe talks about: * starting out DJing in Birmingham clubs and raves * building his sound through UK garage & bassline * creating floor fillers that work worldwide * life on the road touring internationa...

Basketball in Birmingham once had a real buzz — so what happened? In this episode of Made in Brum, Rob Palmer joins us to talk about the rise of Birmingham Rockets, building opportunities for young people through sport, and why basketball deserves a bigger place in the city again. Rob discusses: * Growing a community basketball movement across Birmingham * Delivering programmes for 1,200+ weekly p...

David “Digga” Davis joins us for a proper honest chat about his journey through football — from growing up in Smethwick and getting scouted by Wolves, to loan spells at Inverness and Chesterfield, his Premier League experience, and becoming a fan favourite at Birmingham City. We talk Blues, Wolves, derby goals, Garry Monk, Gary Rowett, Maikel Kieftenbeld, Jude Bellingham, dressing room stories, se...

What happens when you start losing your sight… but refuse to lose your life? In this episode, we sit down with Linzie — a passionate Birmingham City fan and accessibility advocate — to talk about her journey with visual impairment, losing independence, and fighting to be heard. From giving up her driving licence to navigating stadiums, daily life and public perception, Linzie shares the real, raw...