Pit Yakka Craic

Pit Yakka Craic

Pit Yakka Craic is the podcast that celebrates the North East – its people, its humour, and its graft. 🎙 From pit village tales and football rivalries to inspiring life stories and proper pub banter, Sonny Brightwell and guests bring you conversations that are funny, real, and full of heart. Expect laughs, local legends, and a touch of Northern grit – all served with a smile.

Episodes

August 20, 2026 105 mins

In this episode, Alan Hamilton shares his remarkable life story, from childhood in the mining community to building a successful family business. He discusses the importance of work ethic, legacy, and adapting to change, offering valuable insights for entrepreneurs and families alike. Alan shares his life story, lessons learned, and insights on success, health, family, and personal growth. This episode offers valuable advice on res...

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In this episode, Alan Hamilton shares his fascinating life story, from childhood in Carville to his father's remarkable journey from miner to businessman. Discover insights into family history, childhood memories, and the evolution of technology and industry over the decades. Pit Yakka shares personal stories and insights on health, family, business, and values, highlighting the importance of resilience, innovation, and community i...

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Join Sonny and Stu for another laid-back episode of The Monthly Kickabout as they put the football world to rights with plenty of laughs, opinions and proper football craic.

This month, the lads chat through the latest happenings in the Premier League, take a look back at the dramatic Championship Play-Offs, and give their thoughts on the controversial Southampton "Skygate" debate that had fans talking. They also discuss another do...

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In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Katrina Fisher, a world champion MMA fighter. From her humble beginnings in Murton, County Durham, to her triumph at the IMMAF World Championships, Katrina shares her experiences of resilience, empowerment, and the importance of hard work. She discusses her upbringing, the challenges she faced, and how she found her passion in combat sports. Katrina emphasizes the signi...

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This conversation explores the life experiences of John, who grew up in a mining community, sharing stories from his childhood, school days, and early work experiences. The discussion delves into the harsh realities of corporal punishment in schools, the thrill and risks of gambling, and the transition from mining to other jobs. John also opens up about his health challenges, particularly his prostate cancer diagnosis, and ...

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This conversation delves into the world of football, focusing on the new show dedicated to discussing the sport. The hosts share their insights on the social aspects of football, the intensity of the Sunderland-Newcastle derby, and the historical context of their rivalry. They analyse recent matches, discuss key players and tactical battles, and explore the impact of recruitment and management strategies on team success. Th...

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This conversation explores the rich tapestry of life in the Northeast, focusing on the experiences of mining, family, and community. The guests share nostalgic stories from their childhood, the challenges of school, and the camaraderie found in the pits. They reflect on the impact of the miners' strike, the role of women during tough times, and the evolution of mining technology. Through humour and heartfelt anecdotes, they...

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In this engaging conversation, Pascale and Becca explore the journey of curly hair care, celebrating Becca's achievements in the industry, discussing the challenges of parenting, and reflecting on personal growth and neurodiversity. They share insights on the importance of creating safe spaces for clients and the joy of embracing change in both personal and professional lives.

Takeaways

Becca's passion for curly hair led h...

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In this engaging conversation, Aaron Walker, a leading Elvis tribute artist, shares his journey from a football-loving kid in Hartlepool to performing on stages around the world. He discusses his early influences, the pivotal moment that led him to pursue a career in music, and the challenges and triumphs he has faced along the way. Aaron reflects on the competitive nature of the tribute artist scene, his memorable performa...

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In this conversation, Pit Yakka discusses the Proppa Jobs campaign with Pip and Wendy Fallow, which aims to address the issues of deindustrialization in the North East of England. He highlights the dire social and economic conditions in areas like Easington and Blackhall, emphasizing the need for reindustrialization to create meaningful job opportunities. The conversation explores the importance of community pride, innovati...

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November 11, 2025 44 mins

Summary

In this episode of 'Pit Yatter and the Misses', the couple shares their humorous and candid journey from their first meeting on Tinder to their life together filled with laughter, love, and the challenges of everyday life. They discuss their unique dynamic, funny anecdotes about their dogs, and the quirks that make their relationship special. The conversation highlights the importance of humour in navigating love and life, ...

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In this engaging conversation, Pip Fallow shares his journey from growing up in the North East of England to becoming a memoirist. He reflects on the importance of community, family, and nostalgia in shaping his identity and writing. Pip discusses the impact of de-industrialization on the North East and advocates for re-industrialization as a means to revive the community spirit. Through humour and heartfelt storytelling, h...

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In this engaging conversation, Tommy Miller shares his journey through football, discussing his experiences as a player and coach. He reflects on pivotal moments in his career, including the decision to play for Scotland, the challenges of injuries, and the transition from player to coach. Miller emphasizes the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and having good people around in football. He also shares insights on th...

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In this conversation, Tommy Miller reflects on his football career, discussing his transitions between clubs, the evolution of fitness in the sport, and the emotional challenges faced by players. He shares insights on management styles, particularly under Paolo Di Canio, and recounts memorable moments, including winning at Wembley. The discussion also touches on the changing landscape of football, including the pressures of...

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In this engaging conversation, Tommy Miller shares his journey from growing up in Shotton Colliery to becoming a professional footballer. He discusses the influences that shaped his career, including his father's support and the challenges he faced along the way. Tommy reflects on his time at Ipswich Town, Hartlepool United, and Sunderland, providing insights into the pressures of playing for his hometown club and the impac...

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In this episode, Ewan Atkinson shares his journey from a young music enthusiast to a student bandmaster in the army. He discusses his experiences in music, including arranging for military bands, performing on cruise ships, and the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ewan also reflects on significant events like the Queen's funeral and his aspirations for the future in the army and music.takeaways ​Ewan is currently a st...

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In this episode, Pit Yakka engages in a heartfelt conversation with Peter Hatfield, exploring his childhood in Middlesbrough, family dynamics, career transitions, and the impact of football on his life. Peter reflects on the differences between analog and digital childhoods, the importance of creativity, and the challenges of parenting in a digital age. He shares his journey from art college to working in the creative industry, and...

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This conversation explores the journey of Stuart Brightwell, from his early experiences in football, trials with England schoolboys, and his dream of playing for Manchester United, to the struggles he faced balancing fame and personal life. It delves into his transition from professional football to semi-pro, and ultimately his coaching career in America, highlighting the challenges and triumphs along the way.takeaways ​Stuart's ea...

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September 10, 2025 56 mins
In this episode of Pit Yakka Craic, Matthew Smith from If U Care Share Foundation shares his personal journey of founding the charity after losing his brother to suicide. The conversation delves into the high rates of suicide in the North East, the importance of community support, and the complexities surrounding mental health. Matthew emphasizes the need for open conversations about suicide, the role of empathy in supporting those...
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    The conversation explores the origins of Pit Yakka Craic, detailing the family's journey from Easington Village to their experiences in youth football, particularly focusing on the impact of growing up in North Crescent and the significance of the Man United Academy and Lilleshall in shaping their football careers. Takeaways ​The origins of Pit Yakka Craic are rooted in family stories. ​Life in Easington Village provided a unique c...

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