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

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