Our Lives, Our Stories with Carl Chinn

Carl Chinn sits down in conversation with Roifield Brown, entrepreneur, podcaster, publican and proud Brummie. The son of Windrush generation parents, his Jamaican roots deeply affect him and he tells the remarkable story of his influential great-grandmother, known across her village simply as "Teacher."Roifield also shares his own journey from Birmingham to London, Canada, and California, and why he came back home to be with family. Powerful senses of identity, belonging and inclusiveness inspire his new role at Temper & Brown, his bar in the Jewellery Quarter, where every Sunday means old school reggae, jerk chicken,rice and peas, and a room full of Brummies of every background.https://temperandbrown.com

Carl Chinn sits down in conversation with Byline Times journalist and broadcaster, Adrian Goldberg, to talk identity, football and belonging.Adrian – the proud son of two migrants to Birmingham – tells the story of his father, a Jewish refugee from Germany who came to England via the Kindertransport during the Second World War, moved to Birmingham, where he met his Irish Catholic mother. They discuss what it means to be a Brummie, fandom, and how Adrian's passion for football and punk music has shaped his career.Find out more about Adrian's book: 'Where's The Money Gone? The Battle for the Soul of English Football'.

Carl Chinn is joined by fellow historian Dr Kiran Sahota, revealing her research into the vital roles of South Asian men and women in two world wars and how that heritage empowers today’s communities and young people.Growing up as a young Sikh Brummie in Handsworth, she was influenced by her grandparents and Kiran speaks about how her own family history - spanning the Partition of India, migration and foundry work - has shaped her career today, shining a light on hidden stories.Make sure to keep an eye out for Kiran’s upcoming project: ‘Forgotten India at 80: The Stories You Don’t Know’.Find out more about Kiran’s work here: https://www.bimcic.com/ 

In this episode, Carl Chinn sits down in conversation with businessman and former Bullring trader, John White. They talk about growing up around Birmingham’s historic markets, the world of the barrow boys, and a life shaped by hard work, resilience, and community.John shares stories of his early life, leaving school at 13 to work alongside his father, and the characters who defined the old Bullring. He reflects on the changing face of the markets, memorable moments from his journey, and how he went on to build a successful career in business.

In this episode, Carl Chinn sits down in conversation with musician and UB40 co-founder, Robin Campbell. They talk about growing up in Birmingham, discovering reggae, and the journey from local gigs to global success with UB40.Robin shares stories of his early life, the people who shaped him, and the moments that defined the band, alongside reflections on community and music.

Carl Chinn is joined by author Sophie Martin-Canning to explore the personal history behind her novel, Kissed By The Angels, as well as the impact her father had on boxing. Sophie talks about growing up in a Brummie-Irish family and how her own childhood found its way onto the page. They speak about her father Paddy Martin and his legacy, as a man who influenced young boxers across Birmingham and beyond.

In this episode, Carl Chinn sits down in conversation with comedian, artist and TV presenter, Joe Lycett. They talk family history, building a comedy career, creativity, and what it means to be a champion for Birmingham.Content warning: This episode contains some strong language.

In this episode, Carl Chinn sits down in conversation with writer, performer, educator and former Poet Laureate of Birmingham, Casey Bailey. They talk about Casey's childhood growing up in Nechells, the power of education, masculinity and class, as well as Casey's upcoming music, poetry and theatre projects. Content warning: This episode contains discussion of violence and suicide. Please do take care whilst listening or skip this episode if this could be distressing for you.Find out more about the organisations mentioned in this episode:Free@Last - https://freeatlast.co.uk/Continental Star FC - https://continentalstarfc.co.uk/Check out Casey's work here: https://caseybailey.co.uk/ 

In the first episode of 'Our Lives, Our Stories', Carl Chinn dives into his own life story. From his family history to his education, Chinn takes us through the influences behind his career as a social historian, his focus on the lives of the working classes and the importance of recording your own history and story. Follow @ourlivespod on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.