S7 Ep6: Charlie Williams: Undefeated Boxer to Actor | Birmingham City, Shia LaBeouf & Family Tragedy

S7 Ep6: Charlie Williams: Undefeated Boxer to Actor | Birmingham City, Shia LaBeouf & Family Tragedy

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 potential fight with Joe Cordina, Charlie walked away at the top — a decision he describes as the best he ever made. He also discusses growing up in a proud boxing family, his lifelong love of Birmingham City, working alongside stars including Shia LaBeouf, Toby Kebbell and Michael Fassbender, and his ambition to create opportunities for working-class actors in Birmingham. In a deeply personal conversation, Charlie opens up about losing his sister to suicide and the impact it has had on him and his family. This is a story about pressure, grief, identity and finding a new purpose after sport. ⚠️ This episode contains discussion of suicide and bereavement. Subscribe to Made in Brum for more honest conversations with the people shaping Birmingham and the Midlands. #CharlieWilliams #MadeInBrum #BirminghamCity #BCFC #Boxing #BritishBoxing #Tamworth #Acting #MentalHealth #ShiaLaBeouf

S7 Ep5: The Birmingham Pub Bombings: What Really Happened?

⚠️ 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 sister, Maxine Hambleton, in the Birmingham Pub Bombings on 21 November 1974. In this deeply moving conversation, she reflects on growing up with unimaginable loss, the lifelong effects of trauma, and why the fight for truth and justice continues today. Together, Julie and Pete explain the work of Justice4the21, the misconceptions surrounding the bombings, the emotional decision to meet Paddy Hill, and why they believe the full truth has yet to be uncovered. This isn't just a conversation about history. It's about grief, resilience, unanswered questions, and ensuring the voices of the victims and their families are never forgotten. In this episode: 🕊️ Julie's memories of her sister Maxine 💔 Living with grief for over 50 years 📍 The Birmingham Pub Bombings and their lasting impact ⚖️ Why Justice4the21 continues to campaign today 🤝 Meeting Paddy Hill and changing perspectives 📰 The role of the media and public perception 🏛️ Unanswered questions and the search for truth ❤️ Remembering the 21 innocent victims Regardless of your knowledge of the events of 1974, this is an important conversation about justice, humanity and the lifelong impact of terrorism. If you found this episode moving or informative, please consider liking the video, subscribing to Made in Brum, and sharing it so more people can hear these important stories.

S7 Ep4: NOEL BLAKE: Birmingham City, Villa Derbies, England & The Truth Behind Football’s Biggest Moments

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 Birmingham City vs Aston Villa clashes, talks about THAT derby penalty, clears up one of the biggest misconceptions from his playing days, discusses his journey into coaching with England’s youth teams and gives his thoughts on developing the next generation of talent. This is a football conversation packed with humour, honesty and behind-the-scenes stories from one of the most respected figures in the game. In this episode: ⚽ Birmingham City memories 💙 The Second City Derby and Aston Villa rivalry 🎯 THAT penalty against Villa 👀 Setting the record straight on one of football’s biggest misconceptions 🏴 Coaching England’s next generation ⭐ Harry Kane, Nathan Redmond, Benik Afobe and England’s youth setup 🧠 Developing young footballers and building winning teams ⚽ The modern game vs football in the 80s and 90s 😂 Dressing room stories and life in football Whether you’re a Blues fan, football supporter or simply love hearing incredible stories from the game, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. 👍 If you enjoy the episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe and let us know your favourite story in the comments. #BCFC [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/bcfc] #NoelBlake [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/noelblake] #MadeInBrum [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/madeinbrum]

S7 Ep3: DON BROADHURST: Commonwealth Gold, Losing My Mum & Changing Young Lives Through Boxing

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 medals. Don opens up about the heartbreak of losing his mum, the incredible support of his family throughout his journey, fatherhood, and why his greatest achievement today is helping young people across the Midlands discover confidence, discipline and opportunity through boxing. It’s a conversation about resilience, community, family values and the life lessons sport can teach us all. In this episode: 🥇 Winning Commonwealth Games Gold 🥊 Representing England on the world stage ❤️ Coping with the loss of his mum 👨‍👩‍👧 The importance of family 🥊 Using boxing to inspire young people across the Midlands 🏆 The values boxing teaches beyond winning 💙 Birmingham, community and giving back 🎙️ Life after elite sport Whether you’re a boxing fan, sports lover or simply enjoy hearing remarkable life stories, this is an episode packed with inspiration and perspective. If you enjoy the episode, please like, subscribe and let us know your favourite moment in the comments. Powered by  ⁨@brumlife⁩ [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCZeAY8eIE9Iec1d6Obhwcrw]#DonBroadhurst #Boxing #MadeInBrum

S7 Ep2: DAVID COTTERILL: Addiction, Conspiracy Theories & The Birmingham City Story

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 openly about alcohol addiction, recovery, mental health, dressing room culture, football politics and why he still believes Birmingham City were capable of achieving promotion under Gary Rowett. We also dive into David’s fascination with conspiracy theories, questioning narratives, independent thinking and some of the topics that have sparked plenty of debate both inside and outside football. This is a raw, funny and thought-provoking conversation with a player who has experienced the highs and lows of the game and isn’t afraid to speak his mind. In this episode: ⚽ Birmingham City and the Gary Rowett era ⚽ Harry Redknapp and life at Blues ⚽ Brendan Rodgers and Swansea City ⚽ Playing alongside Gareth Bale for Wales ⚽ Alcohol addiction and recovery ⚽ Mental health in football ⚽ Football dressing room culture ⚽ Conspiracy theories and independent thinking ⚽ The reality of professional football ⚽ Life after football Whether you’re a Blues fan, football supporter or simply enjoy honest conversations that go beyond the pitch, this is one you won’t want to miss. 🎙️ Subscribe for more Made in Brum podcasts filmed at St Andrew’s. #BCFC #DavidCotterill #MadeInBrum #FootballPodcast