Lord’s Taverners is one of the most prominent cricket charities in the world.

Membership is by invitation only and the 5,000 members include prominent sports, entertainment and society figures such as Sir Michael Parkinson, Sir Alastair Cook, Sir Andrew Strauss, Greg James, Miles Jupp, Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson, Jonathan Agnew and Mike Gatting. King Charles served as President in 1975.

Yet there is much more to the Taverners than a list of famous members.

On our episode, we’re joined by Chief Executive Mark Curtin and we delve into the history and the incredible work of the Lord’s Taverners.

Mark shares his insights on the charity’s mission to use cricket as a tool to empower disadvantaged and disabled young people across the UK.

We discuss:

• The history and core values of the Lord’s Taverners
• How the charity uses cricket to tackle social mobility and disability issues
• The impact of the Lord’s Taverners on young people’s lives
• Upcoming fundraising initiatives and how you can get involved
• International affiliates and membership

This episode is a must-listen for cricket fans passionate about giving back or anyone interested in the power of cricket – and sport in general – to create social change

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Cricket is a high pressure sport and environment. Fans don’t see it, but many cricketers experience anxiety, depression, stress and its side effects. Until recently, they mostly suffered in silence, but on a positive note, the culture has been changing.

On the first episode of our newly-launched business of cricket podcast, we wanted to focus on this critical issue. So our guest is Simon Cusden — a former England cricketer.

Cusden played for Kent County Cricket Club (2004-2006) and Derbyshire (2007), with a total of seven first-class and six List A matches. He represented England Under-19s in 2002-2003 and was the top wicket-taker against Bangladesh in 2004. Cusden, who battled addiction throughout his career, experienced a major mental health crisis after retiring, but got through it thanks to the cricket establishment.

With the backing of England’s Professional Cricketers’ Association (the PCA) as well as its charity for supporting former cricketers, the Professional Cricketers’ Trust (previously known as the PCA Benevolent Trust), Cusden went to rehab and recovered.

Now eight years sober, Simon is a coach who helps athletes as well as other professionals and executives functioning in high-pressure environments. He spoke to us about his own journey, as well as the evolving awareness about mental health issues in sports in general and cricket in particular.