You've Been Blacklisted

I Don't Like Blue Movies

In this episode of You've Been Blacklisted, host Matt Black is back in the Love Shack with Radio Ed and two new guests - Cheryl Turner, copywriter and founder of Wordy Bird, and Dave Hardy, IT consultant and founder of 5 Computing. Across five rounds of debate, the four of them go head-to-head over overrated films, overused words, nostalgia that doesn't hold up, modern life annoyances and songs that have outstayed their welcome. The arguments are strong; the justifications are questionable and absolutely nothing gets resolved - which is exactly the point. Key Takeaways Avatar divides opinion but probably shouldn't be blacklisted. Cheryl couldn't see what the fuss was about and still can't. Dave thought it was genuinely brilliant. Matt sat in the middle - he enjoyed it at the time but wouldn't rush to rewatch it. The consensus was that whatever you think of the story, the technology alone earned it a pass. Lucozade used to mean something. For a generation, a bottle of Lucozade meant you were properly ill and being looked after. Now it means you've got a gym membership you probably don't use. Cheryl missed the orange cellophane. Ed admitted he drinks it daily. The memories survived even if the brand didn't. Playgrounds were brilliant and terrifying in equal measure. Dave's memories of concrete floors, witch's hat roundabouts and genuinely dangerous equipment were vivid and mostly fond. The modern version - soft surfaces, no corners, no real danger - is safer but somehow emptier. The real hazard these days is the teenagers who've taken them over. Massive burgers with sticks in the middle have gone too far. Cheryl's case was simple - if you need a skewer to stop it falling over, it is no longer a burger. Matt agreed. Dave did not, on the grounds that burgers are never big enough. Radio Ed, predictably, was fully in favour of more meat. Key Moments "People have used it wrong so often it became right. The dictionary had to adjust." - on the word literally "Lucozade used to mean you were dying. Now it means you've got a gym membership you don't use." "They took all the danger away from the park and put it in the teenagers."  "If it needs a stick, it's too big. It's not a hamburger." About You've Been Blacklisted You've Been Blacklisted is the show where small annoyances get treated like they should be illegal. Hosted by Matt Black from Matte Black Marketing, each episode brings two guests together for five rounds of debate, strong opinions and absolutely no resolution. It is the podcast where logic takes a day off and the smallest inconvenience gets dragged through the mud. If you have a grievance that deserves a hearing, this is the show for you. How to Get in Touch You've Been Blacklisted is brought to you by Matt Black Marketing. Guests this episode: Cheryl Turner - Wordy Bird: www.wordybird.co.uk Dave Hardy - 5 Computing: ask around, he'll come to you. If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a five star review and come back for more righteous nitpicking. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Twiddle My Knob And It’ll Work Again

In this episode of You’ve Been Blacklisted, host Matt Black welcomes Jim Lewington (Orbits IT) and Michael “Mickey the Mortgage” Muir (PlanGuard Finance) into the Love Shack for five rounds of petty grievances, with Radio Ed chiming in. Films, quotes, nostalgia, modern-life nonsense and songs go head-to-head, one gets blacklisted each round, and the winner takes Blacklister of the Week (and the T-shirt). Key Takeaways The Game Plan: Five rounds — Films, Quotes, Nostalgia, Black Mirror Moments, and Songs. Matt judges; no appeals. Round 1 – Films: Jim nominates Super Size Me (a “bleeding obvious” doc later surrounded by controversy). Michael nominates Star Wars: The Phantom Menace (Jar Jar Binks, prequel regret).  Round 2 – Quotes: Michael nominates people saying “LOL” out loud. Jim nominates the word “super” (especially on LinkedIn: “super excited” = usually not).  Round 3 – Nostalgia: Jim targets wrestling (fake and baffling it still exists). Michael targets 70s kids’ TV presenters (nostalgia ruined by later scandals).  Round 4 – Black Mirror Moments: Michael nominates filmed “kindness” content (helping people for clicks). Jim nominates streaming services adding adverts (paying to avoid ads… again). Round 5 – Songs: Jim nominates Coldplay – “Yellow” (the beginning of “bland, insipid” dominance). Michael nominates “God Save the King” being used as England’s anthem at sport.  Best Moments “Small annoyances get treated like full blown crimes against humanity.” — Matt’s show thesis. Jim’s LinkedIn rage: “Super excited” is the tell that you’re not excited at all. Michael’s ethics grenade: “stop filming yourself being kind, just be kind.” Streaming services: we escaped adverts, paid to avoid adverts… and now pay again to avoid them. About the guest - Michael Muir Michael “Mickey the Mortgage” Muir is a mortgage and insurance adviser at PlanGuard Finance, with 25 years’ experience helping people buy their first home, remortgage, and protect what matters. Known for straight-talking guidance and calm problem-solving, he supports clients through lender hurdles, paperwork and options so they can make confident decisions. Michael works with homeowners and buyers across the UK, aiming to secure the right deal, reduce costs where possible, and make the process feel clear and stress-free. About the guest - Jim Lewington Jim Lewington is the founder of Orbits IT, supporting businesses with reliable, no-nonsense IT services for teams of around 5 to 300 users. With 16 years’ experience, he helps organisations keep systems secure, stable and running smoothly, solving issues fast, simplifying tech, and removing headaches before they become disasters. Originally built in South Wales and now based in the Midlands, Jim is known for straight-talking advice, sharp humour and a practical approach that makes IT feel clear, not complicated. About the host - Matt Black Raised in sunny Shrewsbury, he moved to the Black Country in 1999, living in Cannock and now Walsall. Married, divorced and remarried, he has four children, making family life busy and joyful. Matt is a charity trustee and seasoned sales professional. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Don’t Bring Your Hole Into It

In this episode of You’ve Been Blacklisted, host Matt Black welcomes Leigh Furnival (Not Just Travel) and Vicki May (Blu Flame Design) for five rounds of petty grievances: films, quotes, nostalgia, modern-life nonsense and overplayed tracks, while Radio Ed chips in. One pick per round gets banished; most wins takes Blacklister of the Week (and the T-shirt). Key Takeaways The Game Plan: Five rounds—Films, Quotes, Nostalgia, Black Mirror Moments, and Songs. Matt decides what gets blacklisted each round. Round 1 – Films: Vicky nominates Wicked: Part One (too long, dragged out); Leigh nominates Dune (bleak, confusing, “sand worms”).  Round 2 – Quotes: Leigh targets “my other half” (derogatory/you’re not “half a person”); Vicky targets “No offence, but…” (doesn’t make it less offensive).  Round 3 – Nostalgia: Vicky nominates Barbie (unrealistic stereotypes; “Cindy was wholesome”); Leigh nominates Cabbage Patch Dolls (ugly, pointless).  Round 4 – Black Mirror Moments: Leigh nominates subscription overload (discount bait → email spam → money leaking); Vicky nominates quick-fix ads (fake “six weeks to Arnie” nonsense).  Round 5 – Songs: Vicky nominates The Smiths – “Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now” (pure vibe-drain); Leigh nominates The Cheeky Girls – “Touch My Bum.”  Best Moments Matt’s perfect description of the format: “petty complaints… treated like public service announcements.” The brutal truth about disclaimers: “No offence, but…” basically means “brace yourself.” Vicki’s Smiths takedown: “I’d rather not be cool. I’d rather be happy.” About the guest - Lea Furnival Lea Furnival is a travel consultant with Not Just Travel, helping clients plan memorable holidays with expert advice and personal service. From family escapes to once-in-a-lifetime adventures, she creates tailored itineraries, recommends trusted hotels and takes the stress out of booking by handling the details. Known for her friendly, organised approach, Lea saves clients time, avoids common travel pitfalls and helps them get the best experience for their budget, so they can travel with confidence. About the guest - Vicki Maye Vicki Maye is the founder of Blue Flame Design, creating bold, polished branding and graphic design that helps businesses look professional and stand out. From logos and visual identity to marketing assets and social content, she turns rough ideas into clean, on-brand design with a sharp eye for detail. Known for her straight-talking, collaborative approach, Vicki makes the creative process simple, keeps projects on track, and delivers visuals that clients feel proud to share. About the host - Matt Black Raised in sunny Shrewsbury, he moved to the Black Country in 1999, living in Cannock and now Walsall. Married, divorced and remarried, he has four children, making family life busy and joyful. Matt is a charity trustee and seasoned sales professional. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Exactly How Many Erections Are You Responsible For?

In this episode of You’ve Been Blacklisted, Matt Black welcomes Claire Lloyd-Jones (LJ Modern Bookkeeping) and Shaun Gill (Concept Architectural Design) for five rounds of petty complaints, dodgy quotes and modern-life moans, with Radio Ed chipping in from the Love Shack. Key Takeaways The Game Plan: Five rounds — Films, Quotes, Nostalgia, Black Mirror Moments, and Songs. One blacklist per round; most “wins” takes Blacklister of the Week (and the T-shirt). Round 1 – Films: Shaun goes after Forrest Gump (too much running, not enough meaning), while Claire targets Star Wars — specifically A New Hope.  Round 2 – Quotes: Claire nominates “Don’t worry, be happy” (pointless when real problems exist), while Shaun nominates “Good vibes only” (influencer-core, patronising).  Round 3 – Nostalgia: Shaun declares Panini sticker books a financial trap you need to remortgage to finish; Claire nominates shell suits (flammy, rustly, tragic in hindsight).  Round 4 – Black Mirror Moments: Claire goes after electric scooters (dangerous, abandoned everywhere, no helmet culture); Shaun targets ice baths (performative “doing it for the ‘gram”).  Round 5 – Songs: Shaun nominates “What Does the Fox Say?” while Claire nominates Crazy Frog (the unholy ringtone era).  Best Moments Shaun arriving as a “beefcake” and the running gag about how many “erections” he’s responsible for. The nostalgia fashion pitch: shell suits as a “go-to piece for a wedding… or a funeral” (apparently). Matt’s very relatable parental pain: Panini costs “eight to nine hundred pounds every bloody tournament.” About the guest - Claire Lloyd-Jones Claire Lloyd-Jones is the founder of LJ Modern Bookkeeping, helping small businesses stay organised, compliant and confident with their numbers. With a friendly, no-jargon approach, she supports clients with day-to-day bookkeeping, tidy reporting and practical guidance that makes finances feel manageable. Claire prides herself on accuracy, reliability and clear communication, giving business owners more time to focus on growth while knowing their books are in safe hands. About the guest - Shaun Gill Shaun Gill is the founder of Concept Architectural Design, creating practical, well-designed spaces for homeowners and property developers. From initial ideas through to planning and detailed drawings, he guides clients with clear advice and a problem-solving mindset, helping projects run smoothly from concept to construction. Known for his approachable style and attention to detail, Shaun balances creative design with real-world buildability to deliver layouts that look great and work brilliantly. About the host - Matt Black Raised in sunny Shrewsbury, he moved to the Black Country in 1999, living in Cannock and now Walsall. Married, divorced and remarried, he has four children, making family life busy and joyful. Matt is a charity trustee and seasoned sales professional. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Unexpected Item in the Bagging Area

In this episode of You’ve Been Blacklisted, Matt Black welcomes Paul Biddulph (Information Solutions) and James Cassidy (Inspired Accountancy Services / Inspired Roofing Solutions) to battle across five rounds of petty grievances, with Radio Ed stirring the pot. One nomination per round gets banished; most “wins” takes Blacklister of the Week (and the unwanted T-shirt). Key Takeaways The Game Plan: Five rounds — Films, Quotes, Nostalgia, Black Mirror Moments, and Songs. One blacklist per round; most round-wins = Blacklister of the Week. Round 1 – Films: James targets Kill Bill (Volume 1) for being a “to be continued” wind-up with barely any Bill; Paul nominates Mamma Mia for being a nauseating ABBA film musical.  Round 2 – Quotes: Paul nominates “Don’t wait for the storm to pass, learn to dance in the rain” for being overused, IKEA-core inspiration. James nominates “We did a thing” for cryptic attention-seeking posts that make you decipher the news.  Round 3 – Nostalgia: James goes after yo-yos (three tricks, then a knotty mess). Paul nominates the decline of real bands (guitar/drums/bass) and argues we’re force-fed solo artists instead.  Round 4 – Black Mirror Moments: Paul blacklists AI deepfake videos (fake shark clips, “what’s real anymore?”). James blacklists self-service checkouts for “unexpected item in bagging area” stress, queues, and doing unpaid work while getting judged by the attendant.  Round 5 – Songs: Matt’s finale comes down to James’ pick “You’re Beautiful” — James Blunt (overplayed misery), versus Paul’s pick “Trip to Trumpton” (ruined by frantic jungle/drum & bass). Best Moments Matt on judging: “I’ll be judging silently and unfairly.” The password one-liners (including Matt’s infamous “not long enough” gag). James on modern posting culture: “We did a thing… and it’s your job to decipher what they’ve done.” The nostalgia swerve into a surprisingly sincere rant about why bands matter. About the guest - James Cassidy James Cassidy is the founder of Inspired Accountancy Services and Inspired Roofing Solutions, combining commercial nous with a practical, hands-on approach to helping people and businesses thrive. He supports clients with clear, no-nonsense advice, focusing on good decisions, strong foundations and long-term growth. Known for his straight talking, humour and problem-solving mindset, James brings energy and reliability to every project, whether he’s balancing the numbers or getting stuck in on-site. About the guest - Paul Biddulph Paul Biddulph is a technology and information specialist at Information Solutions, helping organisations use data, systems and smart thinking to work more efficiently. With a calm, practical approach, he supports clients to simplify processes, improve reporting and get the right information to the right people, without the jargon. Known for being dependable and solutions-focused, Paul bridges the gap between tech and day-to-day operations, making digital change feel clear, useful and achievable. About the host - Matt Black Raised in sunny Shrewsbury, he moved to the Black Country in 1999, living in Cannock and now Walsall. Married, divorced and remarried, he has four children, making family life busy and joyful. Matt is a charity trustee and seasoned sales professional. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.