The Black Country Blokes

In this episode of The Black Country Blokes , Kev and Lee sit down for a proper honest chat about grief, health scares, fitness, discipline, and making changes before it’s too late . After losing his brother to a heart attack and realising his granddad died at the same age, Kev opens up about the drastic lifestyle changes he’s made — cutting out booze, processed food, sugar and cigarettes, losing...

In this episode of The Black Country Blokes , Kev and Lee sit down with Paul Gough , the long-standing director and head coach of Priory Park Boxing Club in Dudley , who has spent 30 years using boxing to change lives . What started as a boxing club on Priory Road has grown into a community hub supporting 300–400 people every week , offering training, mentorship, and opportunities for young people...

In this episode of The Black Country Blokes , Kev and Lee are joined by long-time friend DR Emily Barney from Spartannn Brain Gym – back in the very room where she now runs her mental fitness sessions. Together, they dive into a big question: Is the message “men just need to talk” actually helping – or does it oversimplify a much bigger problem? They get properly stuck into: Why saying “he should’...

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 lin...

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, hones...

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 po...

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: What it’s like growing up with a sibling who is neurodivergent The realitie...

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: Life inside and outside the ring Copin...

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. Pra...

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 differentl...

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:...

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 th...

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, th...

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 c...

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 importanc...

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 hi...

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....

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, Rub...

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 ke...

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 t...

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 le...

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...

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’...

In this episode of The Black Country Blokes , hosts Lee and Kev dive into the "winter blues," also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). As the days get shorter and colder, many people find their mood and energy levels dropping. Join us as we explore the science behind the winter blues and share practical tips on how to boost your mental health, stay motivated, and make the most out of the s...

In this episode of The Black Country Blokes , hosts Lee and Kev chat with Hamza Uddin, a rising star in British boxing signed with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing. Hamza is gearing up for his fight on Saturday, November 30th, 2024, at the BP Pulse LIVE in Birmingham, on the undercard of the highly anticipated SUNNY EDWARDS vs GALAL YAFAI showdown. With an impressive 2-0 (1KO) pro record, Hamza has...