Carl Chinn, the best-selling author of over 30 books and who presented his own BBC Radio WM programme for 16 years, will host the new show, with the first two episiodes available to listen to now on all major streaming platforms.
Our Lives, Our Stories features a range of guests from well-known names such as UB40’s Robin Campbell and comedian Joe Lycett, to grassroots campaigners and changemakers.
Conversations focus on the personal histories of guests, along with their achievements, and the challenges that have made them who they are.
The project aims to be a living archive, continuing Chinn’s decades-long mission of preserving the lives of the working-class in Birmingham and the West Midlands.
The series also features standalone deep-dive episodes with Chinn delving into relevant historical topics.
The first two episodes are available immediately and new episodes will be released every Tuesday across YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other podcast streaming services.
‘Our Lives, Our Stories with Carl Chinn’ is produced by Chinn’s daughters Cat and Rochelle Chinn. The podcast is recorded at Birmingham independent Irish bar and grassroots music venue Nortons Digbeth, also the destination for the podcast’s launch party last night.
On launching the podcast, Carl Chinn said: “From an early age, I was fascinated by the stories told by older members of my family. They were stories about the type of people that you didn’t read in history books, but to me, they were more lively, engaging and vivid than formal history.
“That belief in the power and dynamism in everybody’s stories has motivated me throughout my career as a social historian.
“Every person has a story and that story should be told. I’m excited that through the Our Lives, Our Stories podcast I have the opportunity to talk with people of different backgrounds, beliefs and experiences and discover their stories.
“Through sharing our stories, we all learn more about each other and understand the value of that learning too.”
Peter Connolly, owner of Nortons, said: “Carl’s steadfast commitment to telling the true stories of the people and places of Birmingham and beyond, along with his passion for community, is a quality we share and support at Nortons.
“It is a genuine pleasure to work with Carl and his team on an ongoing basis, and we’re delighted he has chosen us as the venue for the recording and launch of Our Lives, Our Stories.
“We look forward to celebrating this great new venture together.”
The latest project from Carl Chinn was launched at a special event at Nortons Digbeth, attended by over 200 people representing many of Birmingham’s communities and industries.