Over The Bridge Podcast

In this episode of the Over the Bridge podcast, the hosts engage in a profound and expansive discussion with Ben Hurst, Director of Facilitation at Beyond Equality and TEDx speaker, on the complex themes surrounding masculinity and the societal constructs that shape male behaviour. The conversation explores the impact of toxic masculinity, the educational challenges in addressing these issues in s...

In this dynamic and interactive live podcast recording, the guys delve into alternative ways to build community in 2025. They invite two inspiring guests who share their unique experiences and perspectives on community building through sport and fitness. Tanita Blackstock, a seasoned supporter of underrepresented groups in the charity sector, talks about her involvement in the running community an...

In the first part of our recorded live show, we have an engaging discussion on trauma and healing with guest speaker Whitney Iles, founder of Project 507. The conversation explores the definition of trauma, the importance of being trauma-informed, and the various ways to manage and heal from traumatic experiences. Whitney shares insights from her extensive experience in youth and community develop...

In this episode of the Over the Bridge Podcast, Kalil and Baker share a special two-person discussion focusing on their careers in the public sector. Kalil elaborates on his current role as a safeguarding and attendance specialist leader of education, detailing his journey from studying law at Cambridge to finding fulfillment in teaching. Meanwhile, Baker, a foundation year doctor, shares his path...

In this episode of Over the Bridge Podcast, Kalil, Bilal, and Baker dive into a discussion inspired by recent personal conversations about the concept of professionalism. They explore the influence of hair, dress code, and the way they speak, especially as black and mixed-race men. The conversation covers personal anecdotes, cultural influences, and how professional norms can differ across various...

In this episode of the Over the Bridge Podcast, Kwaku and the squad explore counseling and therapy. They share personal experiences with therapy, discuss the importance of relatable therapists, and tackle the stigma around mental health for Black men. They also address the different modalities of therapy and the financial challenges of accessing mental health services before addressing the questio...

In this episode of the Over The Bridge Podcast, the full cast reunites in the studio to discuss Kalil's recent vasectomy. The cast discuss myths and shed light on common misconceptions with Kalil sharing his journey from preparing for the procedure to the aftermath. They detail everything from the surgical process to post-op recovery and family planning to educate listeners and emphasise the s...

In this episode of Over The Bridge Podcast, hosts Patrick, Baker, and Bilal discuss the challenges and dynamics of maintaining extended family ties in contemporary society. They explore how generational shifts, social media, and changing social norms affect the way Millennials and Gen Z engage with their families. The conversation delves into personal anecdotes about holiday traditions, the burden...

In this episode of Over The Bridge Podcast, Kalil opens up about his decision to get a vasectomy. The discussion covers a wide range of topics including the stigma surrounding vasectomies, men's health behaviors, emotional intelligence, and responsibility in family planning. The hosts also explore the implications of hormonal contraception for men, the biological and social pressures on male viril...

In this episode of Over The Bridge Podcast, Patrick is joined by Kalil and Baker to discuss the responsibilities that come with podcasting. They touch on the negative perception of black male podcasts, examining the influence and impact these platforms can have on their communities. They reflect on their personal motivations for being part of the podcast and how they navigate balancing authenticit...

In this episode of the Over The Bridge Podcast, hosts Bilal, Patrick, and guest Kalil reconnect to discuss various aspects of male friendships. They delve into the dynamics of their relationships, reflecting on how life changes have affected their bonds. The conversation covers topics such as the importance of intentionality in maintaining friendships, the challenges of making new friends as men g...

In this episode of the Over The Bridge podcast, hosts Bilal, Kwaku, and Patrick dive into the complex topic of Black British identity. They discuss personal experiences, generational changes, cultural expressions, and the broader factors shaping what it means to be Black and British today. The conversation spans shared cultural markers like music, food, and common experiences, while also touching...

In this episode of the Over the Bridge Podcast, Bilal and Patrick engage in a candid discussion about personal experiences, cultural identities, and childhood memories. Patrick, back from his travels, shares his experiences about visiting Thailand and reconnecting with a long-time friend. The conversation covers the influence of West Indian culture in the UK, the importance of family connections,...

It's Black History Month in the UK and in this week we re-release a throwback episode from the 2018 archives where we discuss - do we need a Black History Month?

In this special episode of the Over the Bridge Podcast, Thomas Swift joins us to discuss lessons learned from the past and valuable advice for the future. Covering experiences from dating to professional achievements and the importance of community, this heartfelt conversation dives deep into life advice for both younger and older selves. We also touch on themes of vulnerability, resilience, and t...

In this episode of the Over the Bridge Podcast, hosts Bilal and Kwaku share intimate discussions on their personal journeys with religion and spirituality. They examine the impact of major life events, like the birth of a child, on their religious beliefs and the challenges of practicing faith amidst cultural and familial expectations. Their conversation also explores the complexities of organized...

In this episode, Bilal and Kwaku have an open and candid discussion about men's healthcare. They delve into their personal experiences with the healthcare system, discussing startling statistics about men's reluctance to seek medical help and the stigmas attached. The conversation covers both physical and mental health, touching on societal norms and the importance of being proactive about...

In this episode, Bilal, Patrick and Kwaku dive deep into the question, 'What does a successful life look like?' They discuss their personal experiences and perspectives on success, contentment, and the ever-changing priorities in life. From navigating professional and family life to understanding self-worth and combating the pressures of social media, this episode offers a thoughtful and i...

In this episode Bilal, Kwaku, and Patrick delve deep into the subject of community. The conversation kicks off with some light-hearted introductions and personal stories, but quickly evolves into a profound discussion on what it truly means to belong to a community. If you've ever felt the pang of loneliness in a bustling city or wondered how you could make a more significant impact in your lo...

In this thought-provoking episode, Bilal, Patrick and Kwaku are joined by special guest Busayo Twins, a passionate political commentator, as they dive deep into the crucial issues facing the UK today. From the recent rise in far-right activity to the underlying socio-political dynamics, they leave no stone unturned. The conversation spans across various topics including the impact of misinformatio...

In this episode, Bilal, Patrick and Kwaku discuss their feelings of political homelessness following the recent UK general election. They explore disillusionment with mainstream parties such as Labour and Conservative, as well as the allure and challenges of smaller parties and independent candidates. The conversation delves into the failures of the current political system, the impact of media na...

After a three-year hiatus, the boys are back in the studio. In this episode we discuss our time away from the podcast, some big life updates and what we envision for Over The Bridge moving forward. 00:00 Introduction and Catching Up 01:05 Life Updates and Changes 03:48 Fatherhood Journey 09:24 Health Challenges and Recovery 16:36 Community and Belonging 21:55 Parenting and Socializing 22:40 The Im...

In this episode we are joined by Mags Abraha, editor of A Quick Ting On, the first ever book series on Black British culture. We discuss the growth of black voices in UK publishing and media, Black-Britishness as an identity and some of the themes covered in the upcoming anthology; including Black British music, fashion and politics. https://twitter.com/AQuickTingOn  https://twitter.com/Jacar...

In this episode we are joined by our friend, Presenter/Broadcaster and Host of the Brave Conversations Podcast on BBC 1Xtra, Richie Brave. We discuss what makes a "good" conversation; reflect on our favourite Black British platforms and discuss the dangers of identity politics and singular narratives when it comes to talking about our experiences. We also touch on the benefits of podcasts as a med...

In this episode we are joined by Dr Jerelle Joseph, a Research Fellow in Physical & Chemical Sciences at King's College, Cambridge and Founder of carischolar.com . We learn about her journey into the world of scientific academia from her upbringing in Dominica and discuss her comparative experience living and studying in the UK, navigating the space as a Black Caribbean woman and the fundament...