In this episode of The Talking Tradesman, host Russell Payne sits down with Sian Francis, @SianFrancisPaintingAndDecor a painter and decorator who’s carving her own path in the trades while challenging outdated perceptions of the industry.Find Sian Herehttps://www.instagram.com/sian_franciss?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Sian shares her journey from apprenticeship to business owner, opening up about the realities of taking on apprentices, the responsibility that comes with mentorship, and what it’s like running a female-led team in a traditionally male-dominated space. She reflects on the standards she sets for her work, the pressure of leading others, and the pride she takes in helping young people find confidence and direction through the trades.The conversation goes deeper into the wider challenges facing painting and decorating as a profession – from its public perception to the lack of guidance and support for those entering the industry. Sian speaks honestly about stress, burnout, and the importance of protecting mental health, particularly in a trade where pressure is often worn as a badge of honour.Sian also opens up about her personal life, including navigating motherhood, living with ADHD, and the impact those experiences have had on both her work and her wellbeing. She speaks candidly about past experiences of domestic abuse, the emotional weight that carried, and how resilience, self-acceptance, and support have helped her move forward stronger.This is a raw and grounded conversation about work, identity, mental health, and legacy — offering valuable insight for anyone in the trades, especially those balancing ambition, responsibility, and life outside the job.Thanks to our Headline Sponsors Zinsser Episode sponsors - Climadoor Chapters00:00 Introduction to Sian Francis01:21 Building a Team: The Importance of Apprenticeships06:33 Sian's Journey into the Trades09:29 Challenges in the Industry: Perception and Standards23:41 Navigating Business Challenges and Client Issues28:45 Balancing Work and Personal Life37:59 Mental Health in the Trades: Coping Mechanisms and Strategies46:55 Pub Talks and Parenting Challenges48:53 Confidence vs. Arrogance in the Trades54:37 Navigating ADHD and Mental Health01:07:54 Overcoming Domestic Abuse: A Personal Story01:20:18 Building a Legacy for the Next Generation

In this episode, Jack Anthony, founder of SafeHands, shares his journey from aspiring boxer to becoming a respected cut man in combat sports.Find Jack here -https://www.instagram.com/safe_hands_uk?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Jack breaks down what the role of a cut man really involves — and why it’s such a critical part of fighter safety, particularly in boxing and the rapidly growing world of bare-knuckle boxing. He speaks openly about integrity in the sport, the responsibility that comes with the job, and the realities of working in an industry where trust and reputation are everything.We also talk about the role social media has played in building credibility, opening doors, and shaping the future of combat sports — especially as bare-knuckle continues to push into the mainstream.The conversation then shifts into more personal territory. Jack reflects on his childhood, his time working with troubled youth, and how becoming a parent fundamentally changed his relationship with mental health. He opens up about navigating autism within his family, the pressures of modern relationships, and why honest conversations around mental health — and suicide awareness — are so important.This is a raw, thoughtful conversation about purpose, responsibility, and the battles many people fight quietly in the background — both inside and outside the ring.Thanks to our headline sponsors - Zinsser Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Equipment Setup02:40 The Importance of Cuts Management in Boxing09:08 The Future of Bare Knuckle Boxing16:27 The Appreciation for Cut Men in Combat Sports22:40 Journey from Fighter to Cutman32:07 Techniques and Tools of the Trade37:03 Personal Reflections and Aspirations42:39 Cuban Boxing and Its Challenges53:39 Behind the Scenes: The Man Behind Safe Hands01:00:53 Building a Reputation in the Boxing Community01:08:51 The Main Character Syndrome in Combat Sports01:14:16 Future Aspirations: Managing Fighters and Career Growth01:20:53 Experiences in Alternative Education and Community Development01:28:37 Transitioning from Education to Personal Life01:35:32 The Challenges of Parenthood01:40:28 The Impact of Separation on Family Dynamics01:47:51 Reflections on Parenting and Personal Growth01:53:39 Understanding Autism and Communication Challenges01:58:57 The Reality of Parenting and Life's Imperfections02:11:08 Emotional Roadblocks and Personal Growth02:16:15 Navigating Personal Struggles and Alcohol02:25:33 Crisis Points and the Reality of Suicide02:30:55 The Journey of Safe Hands and Future Aspirations

In this episode of The Talking Tradesman, I sit down with Mhairi Todd — The Roadblock Coach, a trauma-informed life coach who helps people break through the emotional barriers that quietly shape their lives and limit their potential. Mhairi has supported hundreds of individuals through both one-to-one coaching and group workshops, helping them unlock confidence, clarity, and a deeper sense of fulfilment. https://www.instagram.com/theroadblockcoach?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Not only is she a certified trauma-informed coach with qualifications in personal performance and DISC behavioural profiling, she’s also been featured in The Telegraph and Glamour Magazine for her insightful commentary on emotional wellbeing, life choices, and modern work culture — bringing her perspective to a wider audience beyond the coaching room. In our conversation, Mhairi gets candid about her own journey — including miscarriage and the emotional roadblocks she had to navigate personally — and why so many people, especially in tough-nosed industries like construction, struggle with speaking openly about grief, vulnerability, and emotional health.We go deep on topics like: • Grief, emotional repression, and the stigma around showing real feelings • Why emotional awareness is a critical part of growth — both personally and professionally • The difference between therapy, coaching, and psychology • How to set healthy boundaries in relationships • The real work behind self-discovery and healingThis episode isn’t just about talking — it’s about understanding why we hold things in, how that holds us back, and how investing in emotional health can shift the way we live and work. It’s one of those conversations you’ll think about long after the episode ends.Thanks to our Headline sponsors - Zinsser Chapters00:00 Introduction to The Roadblock Coach02:00 Mary Todd's Journey into Coaching05:06 The Impact of PR on Coaching Business08:01 Understanding the Roadblock Coach Concept10:48 Exploring Emotional and Psychological Barriers14:52 The Stigma Around Mental Health Conversations17:53 The History of Mental Health Treatment20:59 Miscarriage: A Taboo Subject23:53 The Emotional Impact of Miscarriage26:55 Support Systems for Grieving Parents29:47 The Need for Open Conversations about Loss32:27 The Emotional Toll of Miscarriage39:34 Navigating Grief and Emotional Support44:58 The Importance of Connection in Mental Health53:11 Men's Emotional Expression and Societal Expectations01:00:58 Understanding Boundaries and Personal Growth01:08:42 Understanding Narcissism and Family Dynamics01:11:53 The Role of Coaches, Therapists, and Psychologists01:16:30 Breaking Through Personal Barriers01:20:12 Forgiveness and Self-Compassion01:24:39 Pain vs. Suffering: A Deeper Exploration01:27:50 The Nature of Life, Death, and Energy01:33:43 Investing in Yourself for a Better Life