The Talking Tradesman

In this episode of Talking Tradesman, host Russ engages with Lily, a young apprentice painter and decorator, as she shares her journey from a challenging childhood to finding purpose in her career. Find Lily here - https://www.instagram.com/paintingwithlily?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Lily discusses the difficulties of moving to a new area, the impact of family d...

In this conversation, Russ and Jeff delve into the intricate relationship between mental and physical health, exploring how fitness, nutrition, and self-image impact mental well-being. Find Jeff here - https://www.instagram.com/jeffraybould?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Jeff shares his personal journey into fitness coaching, emphasising the importance of confidence...

In this episode, Russ and Paint Warrior, Kevin Tingley discuss the challenges of navigating sponsorships in the decorating industry, the importance of building relationships, and the role of brand ambassadors in promoting growth. Find Paint Warrior here - https://www.instagram.com/paintwarrior_?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== You can find Paint warrior on all social...

In this episode, Russ interviews James from Hikitia Surface Design, exploring the journey of creativity and the art of uplifting spaces through Venetian plastering. Find James here - https://www.instagram.com/hikitia_surface_design?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== They discuss the importance of client collaboration, the evolution of James's career from graffiti artist...

In this episode of the Talking Tradesman podcast, host Russ speaks with Sofi Goncalves, a nutritionist, about the critical connection between nutrition and mental health, particularly in the construction industry. Find Sofi Here https://www.instagram.com/thebasicnutritionist?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== They explore the gut-brain connection, the importance of gut...

**Trigger Warning - Conversation around suicide throughout In this episode of The Talking Tradesman, host Russ speaks with Steve from Uncle Matt's Hats, a project inspired by the memory of Steve's brother, Matt, who tragically took his own life. Find Uncle Matts Hats here https://www.instagram.com/unclemattshats?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== The conversation delves...

In this episode, Tyler shares his journey from a traditional tiling apprenticeship to becoming a successful entrepreneur specialising in custom sinks. Find Tyler Here https://www.instagram.com/_tyler_the_tiler_?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== He discusses the importance of social media in growing his business, the challenges he faced with addiction, and how he turned...

In this episode of Talking Tradesman, host Russ speaks with Scott from The Stair Guys about his journey into the staircase industry, his childhood experiences, and the impact of family dynamics on his life. Find Scott Here - https://www.instagram.com/the_stair_guys?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== They delve into Scott's struggles with mental health, grief, and learni...

In this episode of Talking Tradesman, host Russ interviews Chris Binch, a former paratrooper with a diverse career including bodyguarding and firefighting. Find Chris here - https://www.instagram.com/theoldparatrooperpodcast?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Chris shares his journey from a challenging upbringing in Nottingham to joining the military, detailing his expe...

In this conversation, Russ and Mark delve into Mark's journey from a landscape gardener to a social media influencer, exploring themes of personal growth, mental health, and the evolving perception of trades in society. Find Mark Here https://www.instagram.com/markmarshall_lsh?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== They discuss the challenges of recognition, the impact of c...

In this conversation, Russ and Danny delve into the origins of Danny's family business, Madden Builders, and the stigma surrounding trades. Find Danny Here - https://www.instagram.com/maddenbuilders?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== The discussion highlights the need for a balanced education system that recognises various career paths, including trades, and the importa...

In this episode of The Talking Tradesman, host Russ welcomes Brian, the first American guest, to discuss various topics including mental health in the construction industry, the importance of trade education, and Brian's entrepreneurial journey with his product, Pretty Boy. Find Brian here - https://www.instagram.com/prettyboyproducts?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==...

In this episode of the Talking Tradesman podcast, host Russ engages in a heartfelt conversation with Sean Nolan, an Irish decorator. Find Sean Here - https://www.instagram.com/nolan_decorating?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== They explore Sean's upbringing in Dublin, his experiences with family dynamics, and the challenges he faced growing up, including dyslexia and b...

In this episode of Talking Tradesman, host Russ speaks with Andrew Williams, a former paratrooper and author of 'Beyond the Drop Zone.' Find Andy here - https://www.instagram.com/beyondthedropzone?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== They discuss Andy's journey from a challenging childhood marked by trauma and abandonment to his experiences in the military, the impact of...

In this conversation, Russ speaks with Anthony Bedward, a psychotherapist, about his journey into the field of psychotherapy, the importance of addressing trauma, and the challenges faced by individuals seeking help. Find Anthony here - https://www.instagram.com/a2btherapy?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Anthony shares insights on how trauma impacts individuals, part...

In this episode, Russ speaks with Scott from Brigg Installations about his journey from childhood to adulthood, touching on themes of adoption, career choices, and significant health challenges. Find Scott here - https://www.instagram.com/brig_installations?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Scott shares his experiences with back surgeries and the impact of fibromyalgia...

In this conversation, Russ and Dan Meakins delve into the intricacies of running a woodworking business, discussing the challenges faced by tradespeople transitioning from skilled labor to entrepreneurship. Find Dan Here https://www.instagram.com/the_business_of_woodworking?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== They explore the importance of understanding the difference be...

In this episode of the Talking Tradesman podcast, host Russ speaks with Lou from Gafflow Resin Finishes about his journey in the decorative epoxy resin business. Find Lou and Gaff Flow here https://www.instagram.com/gafflowresinfinishes?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Lou shares insights into the unique art of resin flooring, the challenges of running a business, and...

In this episode, Russ speaks with Pixie, a heating engineer, about her journey into the trade, the challenges of adult apprenticeship, and the importance of mental health awareness in the trades. Find Pixie here - https://www.instagram.com/pixie_heating?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== They delve into Pixie's personal experiences with menopause, PMDD, and endometriosi...

In this conversation, Russ and Rob discuss their collaboration and the importance of spreading the message about mental health in the construction industry. Find Rob and the MYH Podcast here https://www.instagram.com/myhpodcast?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== They also talk about the work of the Lighthouse Club, a charity that supports construction workers and their...

In this episode of The Talking Tradesman, Heather shares her inspiring journey from being a biology teacher to becoming a successful painter and decorator. Find heather here - https://www.instagram.com/she_paints_berkshire?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== She discusses her passion for decorating, the challenges of balancing work and family life, and the unexpected dia...

Nick Dunn, a former paratrooper, shares his experiences in the military and as a private security guard in anti-piracy operations. Find Nick here - https://www.instagram.com/nickjdunn86?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== He discusses the intense training and camaraderie in the parachute regiment, as well as the purpose and pride it gave him. Nick also talks about the ch...

Jack Walton shares his journey and experiences with mental health, starting from his childhood to his teenage years. He discusses his upbringing in a religious household, his struggles with anxiety and bullying in school, and his process of coming out as gay. Find Jack here - https://www.instagram.com/iamjackwalton?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Jack also opens up a...

Alex shares his story of how he became "The Valley Viking", We get to know the man behind Eric Carpentry. Find Alex Here - https://www.instagram.com/errioc_carpentryltd?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== We discuss the branding of Alex's business, Errioc Carpentry, and the significance of the name 'Valley Viking'. Alex, also known as the Valley Vik...

Jacob Guy, who works for Torfaen Sports Development, discusses his work supporting and raising awareness for mental health in his community. Find Jacob here - https://www.instagram.com/torfaensport?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== https://www.facebook.com/jacob.guy.1 He specifically focuses on running a targeted group for dads, recognising the need for support and res...