Welcome to this week's episode of the 'Trims and Talk Podcast.' It's not often that we get the chance to converse with people we truly admire, and today, we have the privilege of speaking with the remarkable Angela Barrows. Angela is a highly respected psychotherapist and the host of 'Mindful Thoughts,' as well as a co-host on 'Women's League' on Ultravision TV. She is an incredible individual, full of wisdom, insight, and compassion.

In this episode, we explore Angela's fascinating journey into psychotherapy. One of the key points we discuss is how we often forget that people we look up to are just as human as we are. Angela shares her backstory and experiences with openness and honesty, which is both refreshing and inspiring.

Alongside my co-host Donald McLean, we delve into important topics affecting the black community, including the deep-seated mistrust of statutory organizations. It's a profound and sometimes uncomfortable conversation, but one that's necessary for understanding and growth.

Join us for this insightful episode of 'Trims and Talk Podcast.' While it's a lengthy discussion, we encourage you to listen in increments and absorb the invaluable perspectives Angela brings to the table.

In this episode, we originally planned to interview Gambinga Gambinga, our esteemed colleague at Sheffield African-Caribbean Mental Health Association (SACMHA). However, due to unforeseen circumstances, he couldn't join us. As I prepared to record with my co-host, Donald McLean, I sensed something unusual about him that day. Donald, adapting to his new contact lenses, seemed a bit distracted, blinking in a way that I found slightly hilarious but couldn’t mention.

Recognizing that he needed a distraction, I decided to press on and record the episode. What ensued was an unexpectedly enriching conversation, one of the best we've ever had. This experience reminded me that sometimes, we need things we don’t even realize. As men, as brothers, nothing sets the mind right like a good, meaningful conversation.

Since meeting Donald at work, we've tackled life's toughest questions and shared personal stories. Despite our different backgrounds—he, an Englishman of West Indian descent, and I, an African who spent formative years in the UK—we both navigate the complexities of belonging and identity in this country. Our shared commitment to serving the Sheffield community through SACMHA has only strengthened our bond.

Donald's generous sharing of his life experiences has been a blessing, and I hope my contributions have been equally beneficial to him. This episode is a testament to the power of brotherly dialogue. As humans, we need to process the world around us through humane conversations to avoid being at odds with each other.

I hope you find the same blessing in this episode that I experience every time I speak with Donald. Enjoy the conversation.

In today's episode, we are joined by two distinguished guests, Dr. Stephanie Ejegi-Memeh and Dr. Chukwuemeka Agbarakwe (Dr. Chuks). Both are esteemed academics from the University of Sheffield, and they bring a wealth of experience and insight into the conversation.

We delve deep into their journeys through the academic world, exploring the challenges and triumphs they've encountered along the way. Dr Stephanie, whom we affectionately dub a disruptor, shares her passionate quest to question and reshape systems to better serve melanated communities in Britain. As the daughter of a Nigerian father and a Caribbean mother from St. Vincent, Stephanie’s heritage has imbued her with a fighter spirit, driving her to advocate for equity and inclusion.

Dr. Chuks, on the other hand, brings a regal presence to the discussion. With eloquence and purpose, he discusses his mission to ensure the next generation recognizes its intellectual capital and potential. By penetrating the core of the British educational and political systems, Dr Chuks aims to pave the way for others who are similarly melanated, making these spaces more accessible and equitable.

Throughout this enlightening episode, both guests share captivating anecdotes and valuable experiences, shedding light on the realities of navigating academia and identity in Britain. Their stories are not just inspiring but also a call to action for greater inclusivity and recognition.

Tune in for an episode filled with powerful narratives and profound insights. Enjoy the journey with Dr. Stephanie Ejegi-Memeh and Dr. Chuks as they challenge the status quo and illuminate paths for future generations.

In this episode, we delve into the remarkable journey of Donald McLean, a man I've known since the late 90s when we worked together at the Norton Centre of Sheffield College. Back then, he was either the head of department or head of school—I can't remember exactly—but his influence was undeniable. Over the years, our paths have crossed frequently in Sheffield, leading to a conversational relationship that has always been enriching.

Recently, I've taken on coordinating the Black Barbers project at SACMHA, a venture Donald has been instrumental in since its inception. His strategic genius continues to drive the project forward, with him co-coordinating alongside me. Our shared interests and our bond as black men, friends, and human beings have made our discussions particularly enlightening.

Every conversation with Donald leaves me invigorated and inspired to do more for my community, my people, and my city of Sheffield. In this episode, we explore his journey, his contributions, and his vision for the future. Join us as we uncover the insights and motivations of this inspirational brother. Enjoy!

This week on the Trims and Cuts Podcast, we have an enlightening conversation with Dr. David Campbell, a distinguished psychotherapist and educator. Dr Campbell opens up about his journey to becoming a psychotherapist, highlighting the hard work and sacrifices it took to achieve his esteemed title. He passionately discusses the importance of recognizing his identity as a black man and how this shapes his professional and personal outlook.

Dr. Campbell sheds light on the critical issues faced by black men in mental health, particularly the disparities in treatment compared to their white counterparts. He shares his experiences working at Sheffield Hallam University, emphasising the necessity of incorporating black perspectives in mental health discussions. This episode delves into systemic biases in mental health care, the importance of cultural competence, and Dr. Campbell's mission to ensure black voices and issues are consistently on the agenda.

Join us for this thought-provoking episode as Dr. Campbell challenges us to consider mental health through a black lens and inspires us to advocate for equitable treatment for all.

Join us in a deeply personal and moving conversation with David Bussue, CEO of SACHMA (Sheffield African Caribbean Mental Health Association Health and Social Care). Your hosts Lungani Sibanda and Donald McLean explore the seldom-discussed topic of male vulnerability through David's experiences. In this episode, David shares openly about the emotional impacts of losing his mother, father, and brother, and how these profound losses have shaped his emotional expression and relationships with his children. As a black man, David also addresses the broader societal expectations around male emotionality, offering insights into the challenges men face in articulating their feelings. This candid discussion aims to shed light on the importance of emotional openness, especially in promoting mental health. Thank you for tuning in to this important conversation.

Welcome to "Trims and Talk," the podcast that brings the intimate and transformative power of barbershop conversations right to your ears. Focused on exploring men's mental health, especially within the Black community, this series captures the spirit of those candid talks that happen between the buzz of clippers.

Every episode features compelling discussions with a variety of voices, including mental health professionals, community influencers, and everyday men sharing their journeys. Through these dialogues, "Trims and Talk" sheds light on emotional wellness, tackles societal stigmas, and celebrates the strength found in vulnerability.

Subscribe to "Trims and Talk" on Spotify and be part of a movement towards greater mental health awareness and healing, one trim at a time.

Join us, listen, and transform.