In this powerful episode of The Talking Tradesman Podcast, I sit down with Jay from Maibo Demolition & Groundworks for an honest conversation about pressure, loss, leadership and mental health in construction.Find Jay here - https://www.instagram.com/maibojay?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Jay shares what it’s really like running a family demolition business through the uncertainty of COVID-19, the financial strain on the industry, and the emotional weight of stepping up after losing his father. We talk about the responsibility of carrying a family name, the pressure to hold everything together, and what that does to a man behind closed doors.We also discuss the devastating impact of his younger brother Jack’s stroke and the strength it takes to support a loved one through recovery while running a business.This episode dives deep into:– Mental health in construction– Grief and leadership in a family business– The impact of COVID-19 on the demolition industry– Supporting family through trauma and recovery– Why social media became an outlet during difficult times– The importance of community support in the tradesIf you work in construction, run a business, or carry silent pressure for your family — this conversation will hit home.Open conversations save lives. And this is one of them.Chapters00:00 Meet Jay: The Demolition Expert01:11 The Reality of Demolition Work03:29 Challenges in the Demolition Industry04:42 Family Pressure and Business Name Origin06:17 Impact of COVID-19 on the Industry09:06 The Future of Construction and Demolition10:24 A Lifelong Journey in Construction12:21 Coping with Burnout in the Industry13:47 Venturing into Social Media15:14 The Evolution of Social Media Presence18:48 The Power of Social Media Marketing23:32 Monetisation and Opportunities in Boxing30:20 The Impact of Loss and Family Business40:35 Coping with Grief and Personal Struggles52:23 Facing Loss and Grief55:56 The Impact of Illness on Family58:47 Coping with Mental Health Challenges01:02:47 The Importance of Open Conversations01:09:36 Raising Awareness for Mental Health Support

In this episode of The Talking Tradesman, Russell Payne sits down with Inder Virdi, a health consultant specialising in nutrition, burnout, and chronic fatigue.Find Inder here - https://www.instagram.com/the_neuropath?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Together, they unpack why burnout is becoming so common in high-pressure industries — especially construction — and why it’s so often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or ignored altogether.Inder shares his personal journey from working as a chef to developing chronic fatigue syndrome, and the long, often frustrating road to recovery that followed. From there, the conversation opens up into the deeper connection between physical health, mental health, nutrition, and the environments tradespeople work in every day.They explore the cumulative damage caused by years in the industry — toxic exposure, poor diet, stress, lack of recovery — and why small things like knee pads, masks, and proper protection matter far more than most people realise. The discussion also touches on immune system overload, environmental toxins, technology exposure, and how chronic stress slowly drains the body long before people recognise the warning signs.This is an honest, eye-opening conversation about energy, burnout, and the cost of “just pushing through” — and why recognising the early signs could change, or even save, lives.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Burnout and Nutrition03:37 The High-Pressure World of Hospitality06:46 The Mental Toll of Creative Professions09:45 The Impact of Technology on Mental Health13:29 Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Personal Journey16:18 Understanding the Mind-Body Connection19:35 The Role of Trauma in Chronic Conditions22:03 Navigating the Healthcare System25:07 Recovery and Holistic Approaches28:27 Current Trends in Mental Health in Construction38:18 Mental Health Crisis in Construction41:22 Chemical Exposure and Health Risks46:06 Detoxification and Nutritional Strategies53:26 Cumulative Effects of Occupational Hazards01:06:28 Understanding and Preventing Burnout01:17:10 Exploring Nutrition and Mental Health Connections01:19:20 Understanding Energy Levels and Dietary Choices01:25:15 The Role of Supplements in Detoxification01:27:20 Challenging Dietary Norms and Lifestyle Changes01:33:17 Environmental Toxins and Their Impact on Health01:42:09 The Effects of 5G and Wi-Fi on Health

In this episode of The Talking Tradesman, I sit down with James Kelly for a raw, wide-ranging conversation that cuts right to the realities of modern construction.Find James Herehttps://www.instagram.com/jayckelly1990?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==James opens up about the pressures contractors face daily — cashflow strain, non-payment, unrealistic client expectations, and how the industry’s payment culture quietly fuels stress, anxiety, and burnout. We dig into why due diligence matters, the dangers of poor client pre-qualification, and how the “three-quote culture” often undervalues skill, experience, and professionalism.The conversation moves into a bigger discussion around business education in the trades, why so many skilled people are never taught how to protect themselves financially, and what needs to change if we want to attract and retain the next generation.From there, things get more personal. James reflects on faith, purpose, and why belief — particularly Christianity — often resurfaces during hardship. We explore masculinity, mental health, and the silent pressure many men carry while trying to provide, perform, and stay afloat.James also shares his experience serving in the armed forces, the challenge of transitioning back into civilian life, and how those lessons now shape his work as a coach. We talk about why coaching in construction isn’t about hype or motivation — it’s about practical systems, accountability, and personal growth that actually works in the real world.This is an honest, thought-provoking conversation about work, belief, identity, and what it really takes to survive — and grow — in the construction industry today.Thanks to our Headline Sponsors Zinsser Episode Sponsors - Climadoor Chapters00:00 Challenges in the Construction Industry05:36 Mental Health in Construction12:18 Ethics and Morality in Contracting17:17 The Developer's Downfall21:59 Pre-Qualification and Due Diligence27:05 The Anxiety of Non-Payment32:01 Understanding the Cost of Quoting36:49 Navigating the Quoting Process42:19 The Importance of Business Knowledge49:10 The Banter and Opportunities in Trades54:22 Generational Work Ethic and Family Influence59:13 Christianity and Its Perception in Society01:04:43 The Crusades and Historical Context01:08:58 Defining Goodness Beyond Religion01:11:55 Purpose and Protection01:12:49 Faith and Judgment01:14:10 Searching for Meaning01:16:29 Societal Observations01:17:52 The Role of Religion01:19:25 Military Background01:19:52 Life Experiences and Growth01:21:36 Reflections on Education and Early Life01:23:25 Joining the Royal Navy: A New Chapter01:24:27 Experiences in Anti-Piracy Operations01:28:32 Confronting Mental Health and Suicide01:33:34 The Impact of Suicide on Society01:34:49 Veterans and the Quest for Purpose01:37:20 Life in Conflict Zones: Personal Stories01:42:39 Encountering ISIS and Security Challenges01:46:21 The Wild West of Private Contracting01:49:11 Cultural Insights from the Middle East01:51:00 Transitioning from Private Contracting to Family Life01:52:47 Redefining Success Beyond Money01:54:30 Coaching in the Construction Industry01:58:10 The Future of Construction Coaching