What happens when drinking stops being something you do… and starts becoming part of who you are?In this episode of The Talking Tradesman, I sit down with Steven Mitchell to talk openly about his journey from heavy drinking and alcohol addiction to sobriety — and the impact that decision has had on his mental health, his family, his relationships and the way he now lives his life.Find Steven Here - https://www.instagram.com/alcoholfreeandme?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Growing up in Scotland and later working within the trades and construction industry, alcohol was everywhere. Drinking was normalised from a young age and became deeply embedded in the culture around him. From the age of 13 through to 35, alcohol remained a constant part of Steven's life.But eventually something had to change.Steven talks about recognising his relationship with alcohol, finding a strong enough reason to stop drinking, and why his kids became his biggest motivation for staying sober.We get into the reality of sober life — not just giving up alcohol, but learning how to socialise without drinking, finding new sources of enjoyment and dealing with the parts of your personality that previously relied on a pint.Steven has replaced drinking with running, hiking, climbing mountains and setting himself new challenges, discovering that life without alcohol doesn’t have to mean missing out. In many ways, it’s given him more.We also discuss the wider drinking culture within construction and the trades, the relationship between alcohol and mental health, and why conversations around addiction, alcoholism and substance misuse need to become more normal within our industry.This isn’t an anti-alcohol conversation.It’s an honest conversation about recognising when something is no longer serving you, understanding your own limits and having a strong enough “why” to make a change.For Steven, that why is simple: his kids.From alcoholism and addiction to sobriety, fatherhood, mental health, running, mountain hiking and learning how to be fully present again — there’s a lot in this one.🎙️ The Talking TradesmanTopics include: sobriety, sober life, alcohol addiction, alcoholism, quitting alcohol, drinking culture, construction industry, tradespeople, mental health in construction, men’s mental health, addiction recovery, fatherhood, personal growth, running, hiking, health and lifestyle change.Chapters00:00 Introduction and guest background01:32 Stevens early drinking habits and cultural influences04:16 Realisation of alcohol problems and decision to quit09:30 Balancing work, family, and drinking habits14:55 The impact of drinking culture in trades20:41 Setting goals through running and mountain climbing30:24 The importance of having a 'why' for sobriety36:33 Managing social situations and peer pressure48:59 The profound effect of sobriety on life and family55:53 The importance of responsibility and support in recovery

What drives someone to leave the comfort of home, travel to northern Nigeria, and step into one of the world’s oldest and most brutal combat sports?In this episode, I sit down with documentary filmmaker and adventurer Luke Leyland, the first white Westerner to compete in Dambe—an ancient Hausa fighting tradition that is as much about culture, history and identity as it is about combat. Rather than observing from the sidelines, Luke immersed himself in the community, trained alongside local fighters, earned their respect, and ultimately made history inside the arena. Find Luke here -https://www.instagram.com/lukeleyland1?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==But this conversation goes far beyond one fight.We explore what drives Luke’s obsession with the world’s most unusual combat sports, why he believes stepping into another culture is the greatest way to understand it, and how combat can become a bridge between people rather than something that divides them. From the brutal realities of Dambe to competing professionally in medieval armoured combat—and the extraordinary challenges he plans to take on next—Luke is constantly searching for experiences that push him physically, mentally and culturally. This is a conversation about courage, curiosity, purpose, and what happens when you’re willing to walk into the unknown.In this episode we discuss:* Becoming the first white Westerner to fight professionally in Dambe* The history and traditions behind Nigeria’s ancient combat sport* Training for a fight with no blueprint to follow* Respect, culture and breaking barriers through shared experiences* Medieval armoured combat and fighting in full steel armour* The psychology of stepping into fear* Luke’s mission to uncover and document extraordinary combat sports around the worldIf you’ve ever wondered what lies beyond mainstream sport—or what happens when someone chooses experience over comfort—this is an episode you won’t forget.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Luke Leyland and the podcast00:19 Luke's journey into combat sports and documentary filmmaking02:01 Discovery of Dambe and initial interest03:02 Getting in touch with Nigerian promoters04:20 The significance of making history in Dambe 05:03 What is Dambe and its origins07:07 The Amazon Prime documentary and cultural immersion09:38 The hand wrapping and spiritual practices in Dambe14:35 Experiencing the sport and taking hits15:39 Rules and techniques in Dambe17:10 Training and fighting strategies19:32 Why Luke chose to fight in Nigeria22:52 The mindset of destiny and conquering26:06 Overcoming fears and taking next steps28:10 Security and cultural differences in Nigeria30:24 Training in the UK for Dambe32:32 The fight with Shagon and fight analysis37:36 Lessons learned and cultural appreciation38:32 Reflections on the experience and future plans43:47 Next adventures and other unique sports59:15 Luke's advocacy for mental health and community support01:04:23 The importance of community initiatives and charities01:05:22 Closing thoughts and social media links

Mental health isn’t just something Rob Hennessy talks about—it’s something he’s lived.Find Rob here -https://www.instagram.com/rob_hennessy_decor?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, Rob opens up about the experiences that have shaped him, from debilitating anxiety that has left him completely floored on more than one occasion, to the physical and mental challenge of recovering from a serious workplace accident that left him with a broken leg.Rather than allowing those moments to define him, Rob has turned his experiences into a mission: helping others realise that it’s okay not to be okay. Through his unwavering commitment to community, connection, and creating safe spaces for people to talk, he’s become a passionate advocate for improving mental health and encouraging honest conversations.Together, we explore what anxiety really feels like, how trauma can affect every aspect of life, and the practical habits, mindset shifts, and support systems that have helped Rob navigate some of his darkest moments. We also discuss why community matters so much, the life-changing impact of checking in on the people around us, and why two simple words—“Well done”—can be incredibly powerful when someone takes the brave step of asking for help.Whether you’re facing your own mental health challenges, supporting someone who is, or simply want to understand more about resilience and the power of human connection, this episode is full of honesty, hope, and practical takeaways.In this episode, we discuss:* Rob’s personal battle with anxiety and the moments that brought him to his knees* Recovering physically and mentally after a serious workplace accident* The importance of community and creating safe spaces to talk* Why vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness* Practical ways to manage anxiety and build resilience* The power of purpose, connection, and supporting others* Why small conversations can make a life-changing differenceIf this conversation resonates with you, please share it with someone who might need to hear it. You never know whose life could be changed by a single conversation.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Podcasting and Mental Health Conversations01:44 Rob Hennessy's Journey with Mental Health06:35 Childhood Influences on Mental Health11:44 Navigating Adult Life with Anxiety16:54 The Role of Counseling and Medication in Mental Health19:07 Managing Mental Health: The Journey Begins21:54 Tools for Mental Wellness: Journaling and Daily Routines25:36 Understanding Anxiety: Personal Experiences and Insights28:49 The Importance of Open Conversations About Mental Health31:45 Reaching In: Supporting Others in Their Struggles35:42 Creating Safe Spaces: The Role of Community39:51 The Power of Connection: Personal Stories and Support Networks47:48 From Breakdown to Breakthrough: A Personal Transformation51:47 Facing Darkness: A Personal Journey57:45 The Value of Trauma and Shared Experiences01:03:48 Investing in Yourself: The Importance of Self-Care01:09:47 Education and Mental Health: A Call for Change01:15:49 Finding Purpose Through Adversity: A New Path01:18:11 Overcoming Adversity: A Personal Journey01:21:52 Mental Health and Recovery01:28:43 Financial Struggles and Self-Employment01:30:42 Community Support and Connection01:33:48 Ambassadorships and Industry Recognition01:39:56 Looking Ahead: Future Opportunities