Episodes
Niall Farrell, from the GB Boxing team joins the BCB gang and discusses his mindset, nerves and life as a boxer. With the Olympics being disrupted and injuries also hampering his life, Niall courageously shares his whole story showing vulnerabilities that all of us may experience in life.Never allowing his adversities to stop him, he is always looking towards turning his curses into blessings. Niall demonstrates this incredibly in this raw interview demonstrating tips and techniques we can all use to help us move forward in our own journeys.Also do not forget to check out our new sponsor co...
Under these strange times, it is okay for us to not be okay and recognise it is difficult. Motivation can often be an issue for us, as some days we feel bulletproof and others we are struggling. Now the sound quality of this episode is very off due to internet connections, but we hope you can visit the YouTube Channel and watch and take some informative information during these uncertain times to help you.Thank you to Marcus once more for coming on and sharing his wisdom.Also do not forget to check out our new sponsor coming soon: https://www.healthxcel.co.ukWho are we?The Black Country Blo...
Frazer Clarke joins the Black Country Blokes on today's' episode speaking about his story, his work ethic, morals as a human being and why the dream of winning the Olympics is still his number 1 goal.Some accolades to date:Super heavyweight: - 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Champion - 2015 English National Champion - 2018 European Union Champion - 2017 silver medallist at Europeans & much more!! We are proud & excited to have Frazer Clarke join us on the Black Country Blokes podcast!The streamed video version is up on our YouTube channel so be sure to check that out!Also do not forget to chec...
Are men immature? And if we are, why are men immature? Is it because we want to avoid embarrassment, we fear ridicule, or is it because we just like to have a lot more fun! (Sorry ladies). Kev, Craig, Lee & Steve all share their experiences of being somewhat immature, all for different reasons.Are you immature?Who are we?The Black Country Blokes consists of 4 regular guys, speaking about all issues related to being a man in today's society.It is not just designed to focus on the mental health and well-being of men though, as it will also give our mothers, sisters, daughters and female peers...
Sadly body dysmorphia is a condition many of us face in todays society. Whether this is the strains and pressures we put on ourselves, or whether it's caused by social influences. The guys discuss this topic and their own experiences with body dysmorphia.Have you ever suffered with body dysmorphia? Let us know and give us your thoughts too!Who are we?The Black Country Blokes consists of 4 regular guys, speaking about all issues related to being a man in today's society.It is not just designed to focus on the mental health and well-being of men though, as it will also give our mothers, siste...
Sadly domestic violence stats have only risen during these times of lockdown due to covid/corona virus. Sadly this means, many people are seriously affected and being abused whilst stuck at home. This was a conversation we hoped that inspired people to just reach out and seek any assistance they required, to save their lives.We apologise for the poor internet connection and had to chop and change some parts of the edit, but our message is, check up on each other. Check up on your own well-being and please reach out if you ever need.Who are we?The Black Country Blokes consists of 4 regular g...
"You can 100% absolutely do everything you want. Why not just give it your all?" - Pedro GriffAn interesting topic discussing the education today along with stereotypes. 3 of the gang are joined by Pete, or as you may see him online as Pedro who discusses his story. An avid keen photographer but also a teacher, Pete discusses education on today's society but also leaves some tangible words of wisdom for those of us who are studying, about to study or have.A light hearted episode during the current circumstances we are going through. Of course we are all active across all social media platfo...
Sue Morris is a therapist who deals with Stress Relief & Well-being.Sue ends the show with: "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts"An important lesson for each and everyone us. But Sue kindly jumped in to share her story and what drove her to do the amazing work she does today. Aren from the BCB has recently reached out to get advice and help from Sue after the episode as she can help with anxiety, stress, trauma, anger and so much more. This is a fantastic service open to us all, but also from someone who lives and breathes what she does.Hope...
This week Kev & Aren did a live Video on Tuesdays Facebook discussing their isolation experience, in a hope to let you all know that during corona, covid isolation we can actually reframe our perspective and mindset to see the beauty too.Some topics we discussed include:- Habits to implement during lockdown- Looking after one another- Perspective shifting our circumstances- How to be grateful for what we are currently experiencing& most excitingly, Kevs Jungle Book Baloo Dancing!Stay safe everyone & Reach out anytime ❤️Hope you found this useful, and do not forget to share and drop a review...
Who would have thought we would have been where we are today? We are all now, experiencing higher levels of anxiety, fear & uncertainty. Many of us have gone from living and thriving to survival. But in a time where we need to be working together more than other, during the corona virus (Covid-19) pandemic, we urge you all to remember one thing.Looking after yourself in these times first and foremost is not selfish. In order to be truly selfless, sometimes we need to be selfish too. We have to protect our own health, to help others and also to ensure we do not spread anything to those more ...
Every day, 18 people commit suicide & sadly 12 of these are men.Mental health is a non for profit organisation that is committed to increasing the mental health awareness within our community.WHO ARE MENTAL HEALTH FIRSTMental health first training was set up as a company that provides accessible and affordable training to everyone not just companies that have big training budgets.The company consists of two main trainers that have been delivering Mental health training within the construction industry with great feedback and success for some time now.Mental health within the construction in...
"Like a swimming pool, we concentrate on pulling them out of the deep end like an emergency service, but we know theyve been in the shallow end for 12 months, splashing about.." by Marcus LeonardMarcus Leonard joins us, to speak about IAPT, perspective, today's society, mental health, depression, anxiety and so much more. He is joined by all the BCB gang today who all share their own struggles and hope that this resource can benefit as many people as possible who may feel they need an assessment or help.About Marcus: After qualifying in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and making a “now ...
"Look at yourself and ask do I need help?" #293 of the BCB gang discuss Bullying and how it affects our life not just at the moment but also moving forward in our day-to-day life. Lee, Kev & Aren discuss their own personal experiences with either being bullied or witnessing bullying. We openly send a request to anyone who is bullying to stop. This is not cool, this is not how we should treat each other. Similarly, if there is anyone experiencing bullying, then please do not hesitate to reach out to your loved ones, to us or helplines. Do not suffer in silence.Important timestamps:[04:20] Ba...
"I didn't hate my mom, I hated my mom for drinking" #28Kristian Marrey explains his troubled past of seeing his mothers battle with alcohol forcing him to fend for himself and his younger brother. Having lived in hostels, forced to grow up far too quickly Kristian shares such a brave story openly on this episode but more importantly leaves us with a lesson that you can change your life. You do not need to be a product of your initial environment and you can change your circumstances.We all go through pain and adversity, but together and by recognising that the adversity can teach us to be s...
"Have You Found Your Purpose Yet? #27All the BCB gang discuss the finding and having a purpose. A question that likely crops up for all of us during our years and as we go through life. We also agreed that Purpose tends to change as we grow older or life hands us different experiences. Whether it's your job, philanthropy, children or spouse we all find purpose in things that often sit outside us. It is those things that keep us striving and moving on days we may not feel itWhat's your purpose? Have you found it yet?Important timestamps:[00:30] Kevs Purpose[02:10] Arens Purpose[12:00] Craigs...
Male suicide does not seem to be slowing down & it is now everyones responsbility to help. For this episode, all of the BCB gang have come along and spoken about the society we now live in and what is going on. Can we help?Are we to blame? What is the future like for the young children who will soon grow up into men likely to face? A raw and honest episode that touches on some serious subjects.Some shocking stats:In the UK & Republic of Ireland, there were 6,859 suicides in 2018. In the UK, there were 6,507 suicides. In the Republic of Ireland, there were 352 suicides.Deaths by suicide rose...
"The problem with the internet is, you can be whoever you want to be" #25The gang open up about the dangers of catfishing in all walks of life. People deceiving people, deliberately to manipulate them for self gain sadly exists. The property industry, where Aren operates in sadly saw someone commit suicide due to the stresses of life. This was never exclusive solely to property, or at least it can't be solely pinpointed to this. But having been a victim of catfishing, lies and unethical practice Aren speaks about his own struggles with falling for the wrong things. Similarly Kev speaks abou...
"Self care is probably the most neglected thing we do" #24An honest conversation with NLP & life coach expert Nick Daveis, and 3/4 of the BCB gang, Kev, Craig, Lee & Aren discuss the goals, and also self care & consistency. A common neglected aspect of many of our lives, as we chase money, cars and houses often neglecting the most important thing to us. Our mental and physical health. The conversation in true BCB form segway from goals, to self care, to inner voices to Dan Bilzerian! But I am sure there are so many aspects of this, that will hugely resonate with you all.Important timestamps...
"To lose your older brother, your robbed of seeing him in the pub having a drink with, going for a drive with him..." Steve Hansel #23A tragic story of loss, Steve bravely shares his story with 3 of the gang. A story of learning to cope, over time and the blessings that have came from that. Blessings in the terms of existing relationships growing stronger post the tragic event of a freak accident.[01:55] Freak accident[06:00] An innocent mistake?[13:00] A parent losing their son[17:00] Coping mechanisms, remembering who they was[25:30] We are not alone, in what we are going throughAn insigh...
Managing Anxiety with Alexander Walker? #22"Depression and anxiety is an accumulation of your events, or perception of your events" - Alexander Walker An insightful interview with Alexander Walker who helps people deal with their anxiety via hypnotherapy. Talking about the anxious mind and how that actually forms, it gives a great insight into why some of us struggle with anxiety today.Important timestamps:[02:55] An anxious mind[05:30] A visualization strategy to help you with anxiety[13:45] Self relaxation to help you relax[17:50] Suicide in men[24:22] Consent with Hypnotherapy[34:00] Fin...
"Your as good as anybody and better than most" Episode #213 of the gang, speak about motivation. Motivation is often short-lived and comes in and out of our lives at different times of the day, moments in the week, or across the year. Of course, we are all motivated by different things in our every day life, but at the same, there are many similarities in regard to the things that do motivate us. Family, music and goals, is some examples of these. Lee, Kev and Aren speak about their own internal motivations and also share stories of what helps them get through the difficult times, when the...
Antidote or Poison? #20An honest conversation with NLP & life coach expert Nick Daveis, where the BCB gang, Kev, Craig, Lee & Aren discuss the choices we make in our life. So often we know what we need to do, or what we should do but we often dont. This is the poison. Yet we could have benefited from taking the antidote.Important timestamps:[01:17] Why we choose the poison over the antidote?[14:30] Getting into your alpha state[22:30] The BLAST technique[34:00] Learning from situations[39:30] BLAST self care tapping techniqueHope you found this useful, and do not forget to share and drop a ...
Bob Dillon, GB Boxing Coach joins the BCB and shares his incredible story Part 2 #19Bob Dillon has coached people from, the hosts of this show themselves, to the Anthony Joshuas and Frankie Gavins of the boxing world. A respected man, not just because of his character and everything he stands for but also for his world class coaching. Bobs results speak for themselves, but to have someone who is held in such high esteem by all those who have encountered his presence, to share his story so openly was fascinating.Hearing Bob, suffer and struggle to comprehend racism, to then struggling at sch...
Bob Dillon, GB Boxing Coach joins the BCB and shares his incredible story #18Bob Dillon has coached people from, the hosts of this show themselves, to the Anthony Joshuas and Frankie Gavins of the boxing world. A respected man, not just because of his character and everything he stands for but also for his world class coaching. Bobs results speak for themselves, but to have someone who is held in such high esteem by all those who have encountered his presence, to share his story so openly was fascinating.Hearing Bob, suffer and struggle to comprehend racism, to then struggling at school wit...
Tough Enough To Care #17Dave, Co-Founder of the #ToughEnoughToCare movement, joints the full gang (Kev Dillon, Aren Deu, Lee Cadman & Craig Pinches) on the Black Country Blokes Podcast. An open and raw interview discussing the effects of PTSD, anxiety, depression and life as a man battling with their thoughts. Additionally, Dan discusses how Tough Enough to Care first came about and was started. We talk about the stigma, the stresses of helping and what we as men recommend doing not just for our own mental health, but to help others who have struggled with it too.Key timestamps:[02:30] Dan ...
Your Pain Makes You #16Andrew Price joins the Black Country Blokes. Boxing Titles, Anxiety, Depression & Understanding the Travelling Community. He joins 3/4 of the gang on this episode and discusses the truth behind a mans thoughts who suffers with anxiety. Beyond the solid exterior, Andrew has had to face many demons inside his head, like many of us. Yet he is not afraid to share them on the show. Remember even the physically strongest of us can suffer, or struggle. But talking helps.Also his song at the end is absolutely incredible! Wait for that! [48:00]The group consists of the followi...
The lads are joined by Ashley Nixon once more, for a short episode were they discuss hobbies. This is a bonus episode where they guys talk about the importance of finding your own hobbies and enjoying your own life and journey. Very often we tend to do things based on other people and we become almost people pleasers, yet we often forget to put our own needs and happiness first.The beauty of some of our hobbies is that we can relate and get together with people who are like minded, with similar interests sharing a common admiration towards a particular hobby. Belonging to tribes, whether it...
"The Difficulty of Being a Father" #14The journey of being a father is full of all sorts of emotions. Ups, downs, smiles and frowns. The lads speak about their feelings of being a father, in today's society. They not only share their feelings, but also how they feel they may be viewed and perceived by the general population too. Is being a male parent more difficult nowadays? Are we becoming more worried about how we are perceived as men when we are around children? Does this mean that we are being pushed towards not caring as much and acting in a different way?An interesting topic that man...
"That shame gripped me" - By Ashley Nixon#13Lee Cadman and Kev DIllon speak with ex boxer Ashley Nixon on this captivating interview. Ashley discusses his incredible journey from ups to incredible downs. He speaks openly about the thoughts and masks that he wore. Royal marines, prison, boxing, drugs & gangs are just some of the things that come with Ashley's life prior to hitting his 20s! An honest raw interview that will massively open your eyes, to why some men or women, do what they do and why they think what they think.The group consists of the following guys:Kev Dillon a head coach at ...
"The Purpose of life, is a life of purpose" - By The BCB #12The Gang just sit down and discuss travel including all the benefits it can provide, such as a change in a perspective, understanding different types of people better and just opening your eyes to what is truly out there.We often live in a narrow minded society, where we assume our reality, is the only reality out there. But when we are exposed to different areas, cultures, people, climates, foods, drinks, lifestyles etc we see ourselves open our mind and eyes. This becomes a humbling and learning experience if we are willing to em...