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

In this episode, I sit down with Sian Brennan-Todd, a confidence coach who went from life as a professional dancer to helping people back themselves in business and in life.Find Sian here -https://www.instagram.com/sianbrennantodd?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==We get into why confidence isn’t something you’re “born with” — it’s something you build one small promise at a time. Sian talks openly about the fear of being seen, why public speaking scares so many of us, and how communication skills can make or break you, especially if you’re self-employed in the trades.We talk about:• Why confidence is a daily practice, not a switch• How your social circle impacts your belief in yourself• Why stepping outside your comfort zone is the only way to grow• Setting boundaries, saying no, and protecting your energy• How gratitude, self-reflection, and kindness shift everything• The pressure social media puts on self-worth• Why professionalism matters more than ever in the tradesThis one’s for anyone who wants to level up personally or professionally but feels stuck, doubtful, or held back by their own thoughts. If you run a business, work for yourself, or want to communicate with more confidence, Sian gives simple, practical tools you can start using today.It’s a proper reminder that confidence isn’t magic — it’s a habit.Thanks to our Headline Sponsors - Zinsser Chapters00:00 Introduction to Confidence Coaching04:33 Cultural Perspectives on Trades and Confidence10:34 Empowerment and Public Speaking17:21 The Role of Confidence in the Trades23:25 Communication and Trust in Business29:26 The Impact of Attitude on Success35:33 Embracing Growth Beyond the Comfort Zone42:46 Navigating External Opinions and Self-Perception50:58 The Role of Professionalism in Confidence59:39 Surrounding Yourself with Supportive Circles01:05:02 The Power of Connection and Communication01:16:55 Building Confidence Through Commitment01:22:06 Trusting Yourself and Taking Risks01:28:52 The Journey of Growth and Confidence01:34:31 Saying No: A Confidence Builder01:40:04 Communication as a Key to Confidence01:50:10 The Impact of Kindness on Confidence01:55:55 Taking Control of Your Life02:01:00 The Importance of Communication Skills02:08:30 Encouraging Social Interaction in the Younger Generation02:15:11 The Power of Communication in Business02:20:13 Embracing Change and Personal Growth

In this episode of The Talking Tradesman, I sit down with Will Castle — TEDx speaker, filmmaker, mental-health advocate, and founder of the “Heirlooms” project. Find Will at www.willcastle.comhttps://www.instagram.com/willc239?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Will lost his father to suicide at just 22 years old, an event that shattered his world and forced him into a journey of grief, identity, and survival. For years he held that pain in silence, but eventually turned it into a mission to break the stigma around men’s mental health and suicide bereavement.Will opens up about his childhood, the day he discovered his father had taken his own life, and the emotional fallout that followed. He talks about depression, anger, guilt, and the hidden impact suicide has on the families left behind. We explore why so many men still struggle to ask for help, how generational silence contributes to mental-health decline, and why open conversations are one of the most powerful tools we have.He also shares the story behind “Heirlooms” — the award-winning short film he helped create to give a voice to those living with suicide loss. The project has reached thousands, raising awareness and building understanding around a topic many still fear or avoid. Through his talks, filmmaking, fundraising and advocacy, Will has become a leading voice for people navigating grief, trauma and post-suicide recovery.This episode is raw, emotional, honest — and vital. Whether you’ve experienced loss yourself or you simply want to understand mental health on a deeper level, Will’s story will stay with you long after the episode ends.Thanks to ourHeadline Sponsor - Zinsser Topics we cover: • The moment Will’s life changed forever • How grief affects mental health over time • The stigma surrounding suicide and why it persists • Why men struggle to talk openly about their emotions • Creating Heirlooms and amplifying unheard stories • How to support someone affected by suicide • Finding purpose after traumaIf you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. Talking saves lives.