In this episode of The Talking Tradesman, I sit down with Darryl Robinson — a tradesman turned social media powerhouse — for a raw, honest conversation about sobriety, mental health, and the responsibility that comes with influence.Find Daryl here https://www.instagram.com/drobinson_official?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Darryl opens up about overcoming addiction, navigating the pressures of online visibility, and why authenticity has become his greatest asset. He shares how stepping into sobriety reshaped not just his personal life, but his purpose — leading him to become an ambassador for the mental health movement Men and Their Emotions, supporting men to speak up instead of suffering in silence.We also talk about his unexpected leap into stand-up comedy — pushing himself out of his comfort zone and performing on Dapper Laughs’ show at the O2 in London. From building a platform online to standing on one of the biggest stages in the UK, Darryl’s journey is about growth, courage, and backing yourself when it matters.This isn’t just a conversation about going viral.It’s about rebuilding. Reinventing. And using your voice for something bigger than yourself.If you’re interested in sobriety, men’s mental health, social media influence, or stepping into new arenas despite fear — this one’s for you.Connect with Men And Their Emotions - https://www.facebook.com/groups/menandtheiremotions/?locale=en_GB

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Sam Farok — a bare-knuckle fighter known as the “one man army.”Find Sam Here - https://www.instagram.com/sam__farokk1?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==From a tough childhood in Kurdistan to travelling across Europe alone to compete in combat sports, Sam built himself from nothing but belief. No safety net. No excuses. Just resilience.We talk about:• Growing up without support and learning to back yourself• The mindset required to step into the ring• Discipline in martial arts vs the misconceptions around bare-knuckle fighting• The role of mentors and strong role models• Cultural pride and what Liverpool means to him• Why self-belief is everythingSam opens up about what fighting has given him — structure, identity, purpose — and the message he wants young fighters to hear.This is a conversation about resilience, discipline, and backing yourself when no one else does.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene01:04 Sam's Background and Early Life04:01 The Journey to Liverpool06:49 The Impact of Fighting on Sam's Life09:42 Life in Liverpool and Community13:25 Transition to Bare-Knuckle Fighting16:32 The Reality of Bare-Knuckle Fighting19:36 Future Aspirations and Goals22:10 Facing Adversity in the Ring25:49 The Importance of Team Support28:35 Breaking the Silence: Men's Mental Health33:11 Inspiration from Family and Role Models38:58 Believing in Yourself: The Key to Success40:35 Redirecting Youth: The Power of Boxing44:23 Fearlessness in Pursuit of Dreams

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