Pit Yakka Craic

Join Sonny and Stu for another laid-back episode of The Monthly Kickabout as they put the football world to rights with plenty of laughs, opinions and proper football craic. This month, the lads chat through the latest happenings in the Premier League, take a look back at the dramatic Championship Play-Offs, and give their thoughts on the controversial Southampton "Skygate" debate that had fans ta...

Summary In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Katrina Fisher, a world champion MMA fighter. From her humble beginnings in Murton, County Durham, to her triumph at the IMMAF World Championships, Katrina shares her experiences of resilience, empowerment, and the importance of hard work. She discusses her upbringing, the challenges she faced, and how she found her passion in combat s...

Summary This conversation explores the life experiences of John, who grew up in a mining community, sharing stories from his childhood, school days, and early work experiences. The discussion delves into the harsh realities of corporal punishment in schools, the thrill and risks of gambling, and the transition from mining to other jobs. John also opens up about his health challenges, particularly...

Summary This conversation delves into the world of football, focusing on the new show dedicated to discussing the sport. The hosts share their insights on the social aspects of football, the intensity of the Sunderland-Newcastle derby, and the historical context of their rivalry. They analyse recent matches, discuss key players and tactical battles, and explore the impact of recruitment and manage...

Summary This conversation explores the rich tapestry of life in the Northeast, focusing on the experiences of mining, family, and community. The guests share nostalgic stories from their childhood, the challenges of school, and the camaraderie found in the pits. They reflect on the impact of the miners' strike, the role of women during tough times, and the evolution of mining technology. Through h...

Summary In this engaging conversation, Pascale and Becca explore the journey of curly hair care, celebrating Becca's achievements in the industry, discussing the challenges of parenting, and reflecting on personal growth and neurodiversity. They share insights on the importance of creating safe spaces for clients and the joy of embracing change in both personal and professional lives.   Takeaways...

Summary In this engaging conversation, Aaron Walker, a leading Elvis tribute artist, shares his journey from a football-loving kid in Hartlepool to performing on stages around the world. He discusses his early influences, the pivotal moment that led him to pursue a career in music, and the challenges and triumphs he has faced along the way. Aaron reflects on the competitive nature of the tribute a...

Summary In this conversation, Pit Yakka discusses the Proppa Jobs campaign with Pip and Wendy Fallow, which aims to address the issues of deindustrialization in the North East of England. He highlights the dire social and economic conditions in areas like Easington and Blackhall, emphasizing the need for reindustrialization to create meaningful job opportunities. The conversation explores the impo...

Summary In this episode of 'Pit Yatter and the Misses', the couple shares their humorous and candid journey from their first meeting on Tinder to their life together filled with laughter, love, and the challenges of everyday life. They discuss their unique dynamic, funny anecdotes about their dogs, and the quirks that make their relationship special. The conversation highlights the importance of h...

Summary In this engaging conversation, Pip Fallow shares his journey from growing up in the North East of England to becoming a memoirist. He reflects on the importance of community, family, and nostalgia in shaping his identity and writing. Pip discusses the impact of de-industrialization on the North East and advocates for re-industrialization as a means to revive the community spirit. Through h...

Summary In this engaging conversation, Tommy Miller shares his journey through football, discussing his experiences as a player and coach. He reflects on pivotal moments in his career, including the decision to play for Scotland, the challenges of injuries, and the transition from player to coach. Miller emphasizes the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and having good people around in foot...

Summary In this conversation, Tommy Miller reflects on his football career, discussing his transitions between clubs, the evolution of fitness in the sport, and the emotional challenges faced by players. He shares insights on management styles, particularly under Paolo Di Canio, and recounts memorable moments, including winning at Wembley. The discussion also touches on the changing landscape of f...

Summary In this engaging conversation, Tommy Miller shares his journey from growing up in Shotton Colliery to becoming a professional footballer. He discusses the influences that shaped his career, including his father's support and the challenges he faced along the way. Tommy reflects on his time at Ipswich Town, Hartlepool United, and Sunderland, providing insights into the pressures of playing...

In this episode, Ewan Atkinson shares his journey from a young music enthusiast to a student bandmaster in the army. He discusses his experiences in music, including arranging for military bands, performing on cruise ships, and the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ewan also reflects on significant events like the Queen's funeral and his aspirations for the future in the army and musi...

In this episode, Pit Yakka engages in a heartfelt conversation with Peter Hatfield, exploring his childhood in Middlesbrough, family dynamics, career transitions, and the impact of football on his life. Peter reflects on the differences between analog and digital childhoods, the importance of creativity, and the challenges of parenting in a digital age. He shares his journey from art college to wo...

This conversation explores the journey of Stuart Brightwell, from his early experiences in football, trials with England schoolboys, and his dream of playing for Manchester United, to the struggles he faced balancing fame and personal life. It delves into his transition from professional football to semi-pro, and ultimately his coaching career in America, highlighting the challenges and triumphs a...

In this episode of Pit Yakka Craic, Matthew Smith from If U Care Share Foundation shares his personal journey of founding the charity after losing his brother to suicide. The conversation delves into the high rates of suicide in the North East, the importance of community support, and the complexities surrounding mental health. Matthew emphasizes the need for open conversations about suicide, the...

The conversation explores the origins of Pit Yakka Craic, detailing the family's journey from Easington Village to their experiences in youth football, particularly focusing on the impact of growing up in North Crescent and the significance of the Man United Academy and Lilleshall in shaping their football careers. Takeaways ​The origins of Pit Yakka Craic are rooted in family stories. ​Life in Ea...

In this episode, Sonny and Stuart Brightwell dive into the excitement surrounding the new football season, discussing the Premier League and Championship teams, player transfers, and predictions for the upcoming season. They analyze the strengths and weaknesses of various clubs, including Middlesbrough, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool, and Newcastle, while also touching...

In this special introduction to Pit Yakka Craic, Sonny swaps seats and finds himself in the hot chair as his wife, Pascalle, takes over the mic. She digs into the story behind the Podcast - how the idea was born, the inspiration driving it, and what listeners can expect from the craic ahead. From the pits of the North East to the stadiums, the culture, laughs, banter and real-life stories that bri...

In the inaugural episode of Pit Yakka Craic, the hosts delve into the rich history and personal stories surrounding their upbringing in Easington Colliery. They explore themes of community, family life, and the impact of football on their lives, while reflecting on the changes in society and the decline of their hometown. The conversation is filled with nostalgia, humour, and poignant insights int...