Made in Brum Podcast

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 b...

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 t...

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 s...

⚠️ 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 profes...

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 p...

⚠️ 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 sist...

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 Bi...

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 med...

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 ...

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 mod...

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...

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 ...

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 character...

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 internationally...

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+ weekl...

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,...

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, r...

From gym floors to running large-scale fight nights and wellness events across the UK… In this episode, Sam Carter-Smith breaks down how he built a multi-layered business across fitness, boxing promotions and wellness. We dive into: * Building Rigs Fitness from the ground up * Creating Strictly Business Fight Nights * Scaling into national events and Ultra-style fight shows * Why safety framewo...

Marcus Portman built a reputation as one of the UK’s most feared and undefeated bouncers — a life surrounded by violence, chaos and high-pressure situations. But behind that lifestyle came a darker side. In this episode, Marcus opens up on his journey through drugs, the impact it had on his life, and how he managed to come out the other side clean. This is a raw, honest conversation about co...

Steve Bull — a true Wolverhampton Wanderers legend — joins us for a raw, no-filter conversation about what football was really like before the modern era softened the game. From bone-crunching tackles to relentless aerial battles, Bully breaks down the physical and mental toughness needed to survive in one of football’s most unforgiving eras. ⚔️ Constant 50/50s and physical battles 🧠 The mindse...

Andy Whing joins us for a proper, honest conversation about his journey through football — from his playing days to stepping into management. He opens up on: ⚽ Life as a professional footballer 🧠 The pressure of the game and dressing room dynamics 🎯 Transitioning from player to manager 📈 What it really takes to lead a team 🔁 The highs, lows and realities of football life This is a grounded, ins...

JAYKAE TELLS ALL. From the streets of Small Heath to global recognition — including his track featuring in Power — this is one of Birmingham’s biggest voices like you’ve never heard him before. In this episode, Jaykae opens up on: • Growing up in Small Heath • His journey through the grime scene • The moment his music hit Power and changed everything • Linking up with Ed Sheeran • Birmingham Ci...

Former Birmingham City captain Martin O’Connor joins the B2B Made in Brum podcast for a brilliant, honest conversation about his career in football. Martin talks about his journey from Walsall to Birmingham City, becoming a leader at Blues and what it meant to captain the club during a huge period in its history. We dive into dressing room stories, life under Trevor Francis, characters like Bar...

Roger Johnson joins B2B Made in Brum for a brutally honest conversation about his football journey. From captaining Birmingham City and helping lead the club to one of the greatest nights in its history — beating Arsenal in the 2011 Carling Cup Final at Wembley — to the fierce derby battles against Aston Villa and that unforgettable semi-final comeback against West Ham. Roger opens up about the...

Former Birmingham City defender Jerry Gill joins the B2B Podcast for a proper football conversation. From life inside the Blues dressing room to the realities of climbing the football pyramid, Jerry shares honest stories about pressure, contracts, managers, and what fans don’t always see behind the scenes. No media training. No safe answers. Just real football insight from someone who’s lived i...

Carla Jade joins us to share her incredible journey from a ring girl and promo model to an undefeated Misfits Boxing lightweight world champion. We dive deep into: • How she transitioned from the sidelines into the ring • Her early battles and breakthrough fights in Misfits Boxing • Defying stereotypes and breaking barriers as a woman in combat sports • What it really takes to train, compete an...

In this powerful Made in Brum interview, Sukh Singh — co-founder and Chair of Panjabi Blues, now leading Birmingham City’s Official Supporters’ Club (OSC) — shares his journey, what it means to unite fans from every background, and how community and club identity can change the game. From South Asian voices in football to the power of inclusion at St Andrew’s, Sukh opens up on bringing people t...

Jack Storer joins B2B: Made in Brum for a brutally honest conversation about how quickly football — and identity — can disappear. Once a promising young player at Birmingham City, Jack reflects on the Second City Derby red card that changed the narrative, the injuries that followed, and how his career unravelled after a move to Scotland. In this episode, Jack speaks openly about: • The red card...

“The Horse” himself, Geoff Horsfield, joins the B2B Podcast for an unforgettable deep-dive into one of football’s most fearless and fascinating careers. 🎄 Yes — we even wrote a Christmas song about him. ⚽ But this is the full story: gritty, hilarious, honest and 100% Horsfield. 🟦 From non-league Halifax to Fulham, Blues and West Brom 💥 Promotion battles, Cup Final heartbreak, and the infamous S...

Tony Coton sits down with the Made in Brum podcast to reflect on a remarkable career between the sticks and beyond. From his days as a fearless keeper at Birmingham City and Manchester City, to becoming a trusted scout at Manchester United and England — this is a story packed with grit, glory, and great laughs. Coton opens up on: His early days at Blues and playing at St Andrew’s Iconic moments...

Jon McCarthy — former Birmingham City winger, cult hero and Northern Ireland international — sits down for a deep, honest and heartfelt interview. 🔵 From his early days at York City and Port Vale, to over 100 games for Birmingham City, Jon reflects on: ⚽ Playing in the 2001 Worthington Cup Final against Liverpool in front of a packed stadium — “the roof was on, 80,000 fans — and I literally cou...

“Even after Baz passed… the abuse didn’t stop.” Tracey Patterson — widow of the legendary One Eyed Baz (@IamZuluBaz) — joins us for a powerful, emotional, and brutally honest conversation about life before and after her husband’s passing. From years of targeted online abuse to confronting trolls face-to-face, Tracey opens up about grief, strength, mental health, and continuing Baz’s legacy thro...

Born in Erdington, raised on the Blues, and never shy of a strong opinion — Paul Devlin sits down with us to talk about what it really meant to play for the club he grew up supporting. In this episode: • Coming through the ranks as a Brummie lad • That electric connection with the St Andrew’s crowd • The truth about his time under various managers • What he really thinks about the modern game •...

From the streets of Birmingham to becoming one of the UK’s most exciting bare-knuckle fighters, Connor “Brum Town Bomber” Tierney tells it like it is. 🔥 In this episode, Connor opens up on what it really takes to succeed in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) — why inactivity kills more fighters than age, and why half‑hearted won’t cut it in bare knuckle. 🥊 bkfc.com We talk: 👊 His rise fr...

From Birmingham City youth days to doing time behind bars — and bumping into Ed Sheeran in a pub along the way… Burnsy opens up like never before. ⚽ Life at Blues as a young baller ⛓️ Spending time in jail — and what it taught him 👨‍👦 Making his dad proud 🍻 Running The Roost pub 🎤 The real story behind that Ed Sheeran night It’s raw, it’s honest, it’s Burnsy. 🔓 Support + bonus content: https...

In this explosive clip, Harlee Dean opens up on:  • Jude Bellingham’s rise at 16  • Honest managers vs egos in football  • The madness inside Birmingham City  • And his no-nonsense view on dressing room politics 🎧 This is just a slice of the full, unfiltered chat — available exclusively to Patreon members now. 🔓 Want early access & full episodes? Support the podcast here 👉 patreon.com/cw/B2BM...

Joe Egan has lived a thousand lives — Irish heavyweight, Tyson’s sparring partner, ex-convict, author, and survivor. In this raw and powerful episode of B2B Made in Brum, Joe opens up like never before: 🥊 Sparring hundreds of rounds with Mike Tyson 🚔 The John Fury beef 📖 The story behind his autobiography 🇮🇪 Growing up Irish in England 💥 Violence, redemption, and finding peace You might think...

Feed the Horse – Band (M)Aid in Brum 🔵 In between recording podcasts, we decided to… ehm, sing. (Apologies in advance.) 🎤 We’ve created a tongue-in-cheek Christmas mashup featuring some of the most iconic (and cult favourite) names from Birmingham City FC history — all set to the tune of a festive classic. It’s nostalgic, it’s daft, and yes… the vocals are questionable at best. But it’s made...

Frankie Gavin — the most decorated amateur in British boxing history — joins B2B Made in Brum for an unmissable conversation. From growing up in Birmingham to his rise through the ranks, Frankie opens up about the highs and lows of life inside and outside the ring: 🥊 Sparring with legends 🥊 Facing Kell Brook 🥊 Speaking candidly on Conor Benn and the world of modern boxing 🥊 Reflections on his l...

“It’s not just a landmark for Birmingham City — it’s a landmark for Birmingham.” Anton from The Royal George (Tilton Road) joins the podcast to talk about running one of the city’s most iconic pubs — right next to St Andrew’s. He shares: • What it’s like running a matchday pub since 2001 🍻 • Wild nights like the Carling Cup semi-final vs West Ham 🔵 • His and his dad’s lifelong connection to Blu...

“I dribbled four players, crossed for a goal… and then nobody wanted to take the next kick-off!” From the very first training session, José Dominguez made sure Birmingham City fans remembered his name. In this exclusive full-length interview, the Portuguese winger tells the full story — raw, honest and hilarious. We talk: • ⚽ Missing the Auto Windscreens Final to play for Portugal • 🍻 Getting m...

In this powerful full-length interview, Mark Ward opens up like never before. From playing for Everton and West Ham, to nearly keeping Birmingham City up in a last-ditch loan spell — and then his dramatic fall from grace, serving time in prison — this is a raw, honest, and moving conversation. ⚽️ Football, fame, fallouts… and finding a way back. 🗣️ “I’m a winner — and I gave it my all.” 💙 Blues...

Paul Tait is a name written into Birmingham City folklore — from that infamous Villa T-shirt moment to years of grit, goals, and graft in the famous royal blue. But behind the headlines was a story of battles off the pitch. In this candid conversation, Taity opens up about: • Signing for Blues as a youngster and being thrown straight into the club’s “crazy gang” culture. • What it was really li...

In 2006, a small band of British soldiers — mainly from the Royal Irish Regiment — were dropped into Northern Helmand, under-equipped and outnumbered, and told to hold Musa Qal’eh. For five weeks, they endured relentless Taliban attacks, scorching heat, and dwindling supplies inside a run-down compound. This is their story — courage under fire, political failures at the top, and the long-term s...

We’ve had Mr A on before, but now the ultimate duo has arrived! In this episode, Mr & Mrs Airborne clear the air and reveal the real story behind the scenes. Abby sets the record straight: she’s not just a manager, she’s a partner — thriving under pressure and taming the chaos, while Mr A leaps head-first into challenges. Get ready as we explore: • The truth about their partnership (brains, bra...

In Part Two of our conversation with broadcasting legend Tom Ross, we dive deeper into the Birmingham City revival — and it’s about far more than football. Tom shares his admiration for Tom Wagner’s leadership, Jeremy Dale’s passion, and the regeneration plans that could transform not just St. Andrew’s, but the entire city. From job creation and new transport links to the much-anticipated Sport...

Matt Hoy joins B2B Business Club to tell his side of the UB40 story — the highs of global touring, the lows of public backlash, and the fallout that followed his stance during the pandemic. He opens up about being thrown into the spotlight, replacing a frontman, and the pressure of living up to a legacy. Matt talks candidly about the silence from bandmates after his departure, the emotional wei...

Meet Drew Roper, founder and creative director of Yamination Studios, Birmingham’s independent animation based in Birmingham. What started in his bedroom has grown into a team of nine, delivering stop‑motion, 2D, and CG projects for clients like Coca‑Cola and Sky Arts In this episode, Drew opens up about: • The DIY launch of Yamination from his bedroom to a fully-fledged studio • The making of ...

We grabbed Martin Grainger just before his book launch at the RPG event at The Mackadown Sports and Social on Friday We talk Blues, testimonials, the roar of the St Andrews faithful — and Martin’s heartbreak at never getting to properly test himself in the Premiership after a major injury cut short his chance. From stunning free-kicks to fan-favourite grit, Martin reflects on the highs, the low...

This is the real story of Mr Airborne. From breaking into abandoned asylums to breaking down mental health stigma — this episode dives deep into the man behind the mask. What started as adrenaline-fueled live streams during lockdown quickly turned into something much bigger. As his explores went viral, so did his impact. 💬 “I used to go to these abandoned places for the solitude… but then I rea...