In this episode, we are joined by Dr Delroy Hall—a psychotherapist, counsellor, educator, pastor, and just a genuinely good human being. Throughout my interactions with him, and as Donald McLean and I listened to him speak, it's always been clear that he exudes a wealth of knowledge and has a unique gift for imparting wisdom that makes others feel more grounded in their own experiences.

Dr. Hall has contributed significantly to the African-Caribbean community here in Sheffield. Formerly a pastor, he stepped away to pursue his work as a psychotherapist, focusing on the mental health of the Black community. We invited him to discuss generational trauma, a topic he deeply explores in his latest book, A Redemption Song: Illuminations on Black British Pastoral Theology and Culture. According to Donald McLean, the book is "enlightening, affirming, wise in its broad range and discussion of religion, life, and the African Caribbean experience over time and space."

Dr Hall reflects on his journey—growing up in Nottingham, his love for sport (which he still pursues energetically in his 60s), and his path through education. His book speaks to the future of many households of colour, especially poignant as this Black History Month's theme is reclaiming narratives. And that’s exactly what Dr. Hall embodies—reclaiming our stories and offering solutions from within our community.

Though he humbly prefers to be called Delroy, we must acknowledge his impact. Sometimes we need to give each other our flowers, recognizing those who have dedicated their lives to serving our communities, as Dr. Delroy Hall has.

Please tune in for an insightful conversation on trauma, healing, and reclaiming the narratives that shape our lives.

In this episode of Trims and Talk, hosts Lungani Sibanda and Donald Mclean sit down with two insightful guests: Tosin, a medical student at the University of Sheffield, and Casper, a mental health professional with a background in education. Together, they dive deep into the complex and often uncomfortable conversations surrounding identity, belonging, and the recent unrest in the UK.

With raw honesty, they explore the impact of the riots in Southport and the broader implications for people of colour in this part of the world. The discussion delves into the misconceptions and unwarranted blame placed on communities of colour, highlighting the need for a more nuanced understanding of the diverse experiences that make up the fabric of British society.

Join us as we tackle these challenging topics, discuss the importance of fair treatment, and call for open, honest dialogue across communities. It's a conversation we all need right now that seeks to bridge divides and foster a sense of belonging for everyone.

In this deeply moving episode, we welcome Tim Cruickshank to discuss the multifaceted nature of grief. Tim, a qualified social worker and former probation officer, opens up about his journey through profound loss and emotional turmoil. His story is a testament to resilience and the power of seeking help.

Tim shares his experience of the end of his 20-year marriage, a period marked by deteriorating health and career challenges, which led him into a dark and lonely place. Through counselling and self-reflection, he found a path to recovery. He now serves on the board of trustees at Sheffield Mind, advocating for better mental health services, especially for men.

Tim's insights into grief, especially how it extends beyond losing loved ones to the end of significant relationships, are enlightening. He describes grief as the disruption of life's puzzle, where all the pieces are scrambled, leaving one to reassemble them without the guiding image.

This episode is particularly poignant as it resonates with my own experiences of loss and the struggle to understand and process grief truly. Tim's commanding presence and articulate reflections offer a space for listeners to explore their emotional landscapes, especially within the context of the male psyche and the experiences of black men growing up in London.

Join us in this powerful conversation and find clarity and understanding in your journey. Enjoy the episode.

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.