Made in Brum Podcast

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 like playing under Barry Fry — the chaos, the characters, and the magic. • His struggles with injuries and addiction — and how Karen Brady stepped in at a critical moment to save his life. • THAT unforgettable Auto Windscreens Final goal and the fallout from the controversial T-shirt. • His unfiltered reflections on football, fans, and finding his place after the game. Raw, funny, emotional — this is Paul Tait like you’ve never heard him before. #PaulTait #BCFC #KRO #BirminghamCity #FootballStories #BluesFamily #AddictionRecovery #BarryFry #FootballLegends

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 scars carried home. In this special B2B Business Club episode, John Harding, Danny Groves, and Derek Plews (author of Shamrocks Among the Poppies) reflect on: • The brutal tempo of daily combat in Helmand • What it meant to fight outgunned and under-resourced • The failures of leadership that put lives at risk • The lasting impact on veterans, and the silence that followed 📖 Read more in Derek’s book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Shamrocks-Among-Poppies-Bloody-Failures/dp/1804518093 #MusaQaleh #BritishArmy #RoyalIrish #Afghanistan #MilitaryHistory #ArmyPodcast #VeteransVoices #MentalHealth #B2BBusinessClub

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, brawn, and balance) • Why risk-taking is in his DNA and how their meticulous planning keeps them grounded • The live-streamed bike rides that captivated thousands — featuring dares, milestones, and eyebrow-shaving surprises • How they transformed chaos into a fundraising powerhouse, raising thousands for worthy causes • The incredible work of Birmingham Children’s Hospital and its bereavement centre, bolstered by charity donations. It’s raw, hilarious, heartfelt — and a testament that behind the stunts and streams, this is a team effort rooted in family, resilience, and purpose. #MrAndMrsAirborne #B2BBusinessClub #Birmingham #Podcast #FamilyBusiness #Charity #Teamwork #MadeInBrum #BehindTheScenes #RealTalk

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 Sports Quarter, Tom explains why this is one of the most exciting times to be a Blues fan. Along the way, we get classic Tom Ross moments — from the story of Aston Villa fans singing Keep Right On in 1957, to his uncompromising take on loyalty in football: 💬 “You can change your religion. You can change your wife. But you never change your football team.” If you care about Blues, Brum, or brilliant storytelling — you won’t want to miss this. #TomRoss #BCFC #TomWagner #KeepRightOn #BirminghamCity #BluesRevival #BrumIsBlue #FootballTalk #B2BBusinessClub #MadeInBrum

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 weight of being cut off, and why only one person — tour guitarist Pops Delandro — ever picked up the phone. We also dive into how today’s music industry has changed, the impact of talent shows like X Factor, and the creation of House of Fyah — Matt’s powerful new reggae project. This isn’t just a music story. It’s about loyalty, resilience, speaking your truth, and starting again. Subscribe for more honest conversations with people making an impact in and beyond Birmingham. #MattHoy #UB40 #HouseOfFyah #MusicIndustry #TourLife #VaccineBacklash #RealTalk #B2BBusinessClub #MadeInBrum #ReggaeMusic #CreativeVoices #BehindTheScenes

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 At‑issue: a hybrid short film blending stop‑motion, 2D, and CG, funded via Sky Academy and Kickstarter • Why stop‑motion is far from dead — it’s enduring, nostalgic, and visually unique • The rise of AI in animation and why personal, hands‑on creativity still matters more than ever • Imposter syndrome, freelance culture, and the challenges of leading a creative team If you’re into animation, creative entrepreneurship, or independent filmmaking, this conversation offers both insight and inspiration — from the grassroots to the screen. 🎙️ Made in Brum, crafted for creators.

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 lows, and the legacy that still resonates with Blues fans today 

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 realised I wasn’t alone.” In this raw and honest conversation, Mr Airborne opens up about: • The explore that changed everything: Devil’s Palace • Why he started the #LetsTalk movement after stopping two suicide attempts during explores • How he deals with trolls, stalkers, and even police being called mid-live • Turning hate into humour — and even merchandise • The responsibility of becoming a lifeline for people struggling • The real human stories behind the fans he’s met Now, he’s taking it even further — cycling 1,000km across 6 countries to raise money for Birmingham Children’s Hospital. 🎗️ SUPPORT THE CAUSE 👉 DONATE HERE ⸻ 🔐 Sponsored by PD Locks – Qualified Locksmith 🔑 Industrial & Commercial 🔑 24-Hour Service – Based in Halesowen 👉 PD Locks on Facebook ⸻ 💬 If you’re struggling, know that you’re not alone. There’s always another way forward. Visit @MindCharity, @samaritans or @theCALMzone for support. ⸻ 📲 Follow Mr Airborne on his journey: TikTok | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube ⸻ #MrAirborne #UrbanExploring #LetsTalk #MentalHealthMatters #DevilsPalace #CharityRide #LiveExplores #PDLocks #AbandonedPlaces #RealTalk #RawAndReal #UrbexUK #StalkerStory #TrollProof #BirminghamChildrensHospital #SpiralUp

Meet Malachi Nunes — a Birmingham-born behaviour mentor, author, and anti–knife-crime leader who’s turned personal challenges into real impact. Diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD later in life, Malachi overcame a difficult upbringing and stammer to build Ambitious Lives CIC, a youth mentoring charity focused on people with SEMH needs, at-risk youth, and ex-offenders . 🔍 In this episode, Malachi opens up about: • His journey navigating learning differences and discovering his purpose () • Founding Ambitious Lives to empower young people in Sandwell and Birmingham through mentoring, training, and wellbeing support  • Campaigning against youth violence and working with schools, families, and local communities to provide real change  🎙️ Expect raw honesty, inspiring stories, and actionable insights from someone who’s lived it — and is now helping shape the next generation. 📍 Made in Brum

“I’ve managed stars… and egos.” What do Right Said Fred, The Beach Boys, and today’s reality stars have in common? They’ve all been managed — or handled — by Barry Tomes, and in this episode, he tells the truth behind the fame. With over five decades in the industry, Barry’s seen pop stars rise, reality stars spiral, and headlines made (and managed). He talks candidly about the highs, the ego trips, and how to survive the madness — but more importantly, he reveals how to turn chaos into coverage. From front-page exclusives to viral media moments, Barry shares how he leverages even the messiest situations into powerful PR. If you want to know how showbiz really works — and how stories get spun — this one’s unmissable. Real stories. Real lessons. Zero filters. #BarryTomes #RightSaidFred #ShowbizStories #TheBeachBoys #PRLife #MediaStrategy #EntertainmentIndustry #PodcastUK #B2BBusinessClub #MadeInBrum #RealityTV