In this episode, Lewis Coomber shares his journey from a disruptive, misunderstood kid navigating ADHD to finding his place in the painting and decorating trade.Find Lewis here -https://www.instagram.com/l.c.painters?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==We talk openly about how the traditional education system didn’t work for him, but how the structure, routine, and hands-on nature of the trades gave him something to channel his energy into.Lewis also opens up about what’s happened more recently. Starting his own business just two years ago, settling into family life, and the pressure that comes with trying to make it all work at once. We get into the reality behind running a trade business. The long hours, working seven-day weeks, burnout, cash flow pressure, and the ongoing challenge of finding people you can trust to represent your name.This is an honest conversation about growth, responsibility, and figuring things out as you go. The highs, the lows, and everything in between.If you’ve ever struggled to fit the mould, or you’re in the thick of building something yourself, there’ll be something in this episode for you.Thanks to our Episode Sponsors Monarch - www.monarchpainting.co.uk

Branded By Sammi - Guest Merch

This one is hard to believe… but every word of it is true.Jacob Butchoff opens up about a life that spiralled through gang violence, identity battles, and extreme trauma… long before he ever faced the truth about who he really was.Find Jacob here -https://www.instagram.com/jacobcharlesthomas?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==We’re talking about:• Being stabbed 18 times• Getting pulled into gangs and violent crime• A restaurant attack that made national headlines• Six years in prison• Addiction and rock bottom momentsBut underneath all of that… was something deeper.A young man struggling with his identity.Jacob shares what it was really like growing up hiding the truth about being gay, the pressure to fit into environments where vulnerability gets you eaten alive, and how that internal conflict pushed him further into chaos.Then there’s the part that sounds unreal…He was adopted and told his parents died in a car crash in Paraguay…Only to later discover they were alive.And he had siblings.That moment alone changes everything.This episode goes way beyond a typical “redemption story.”It’s about truth.It’s about identity.It’s about what happens when you finally stop pretending.Now, after prison, addiction, and years of running… Jacob is living openly as a gay man, owning who he is, and working inside the prison system helping young people avoid the path he went down.No filters. No sugarcoating. Just real life.If you think you’ve heard it all… you haven’t heard this.🎧 Full episode available now on all platforms.Thanks to this episodes sponsorsMonarch - www.monarchpainting.co.uk Chapters00:00 Introduction to Jacob Butchoff04:43 Struggles with Identity and Belonging10:05 Gang Involvement and Self-Destruction20:39 The Impact of Privilege and Expectations29:36 Finding Strength in Vulnerability36:44 The Journey of Self-Discovery42:28 Mental Health and Overcoming Challenges47:45 The Complexity of Masculinity and Violence53:19 Consequences of Violence and Regret59:46 The Journey of Growth and Redemption01:06:54 Navigating Relationships and Self-Discovery01:13:53 Finding Purpose in Trauma and Helping Others01:20:39 Descent into Self-Destruction01:26:59 Unexpected Reconnection with Birth Family01:35:46 Finding Strength in Family Bonds01:42:36 Coming Out and Family Acceptance01:46:02 Turning Pain into Purpose01:52:42 The Restaurant Encounter: A Turning Point01:58:11 The Aftermath of Violence: Reflection and Regret02:05:04 Life in Prison: Adaptation and Survival02:16:21 The Flaws of the Prison System02:22:12 Navigating Gang Culture in Prison02:27:27 The Power of Vulnerability and Sharing Stories02:36:09 Redefining Strength and Masculinity02:41:55 The Journey of Personal Growth and Emotional Intelligence02:49:58 Finding Purpose Through Parenthood and Community Engagement

What if school isn’t the path… but success still is?In this episode, I sit down with Jack and Lucy from Thomas & Co. to talk about building a life in the trades by going against the grain.Jack opens up about struggling in school, not fitting the academic system, and how he turned that into fuel to build a successful business in the construction industry. This is a real conversation about finding your lane when the traditional route doesn’t work.Lucy’s story flips another stereotype on its head. She went straight from school into a joinery apprenticeship and is now working hands-on in a male-dominated industry as a female joiner. No shortcuts, no excuses… just skill, graft, and consistency.Together, they share what it’s really like running a business as a couple in the trades. The pressures, the dynamics, the support, and how they’ve made it work without losing themselves in the process.We also get into: • Why the trades are still overlooked as a career path • The truth about apprenticeships vs university • Social media and building a brand in construction • Mental health in the trades and handling pressure • Inspiring the next generation to pick up toolsThis is for anyone who’s ever felt like they didn’t fit the system… and decided to build their own instead.🎙️ Full episode of The Talking Tradesman Podcast available now on all platforms. Episode Sponsored by Monarch ! www.monarchpainting.co.uk Chapters00:00 Breaking Stereotypes in Trades04:28 Education and Its Impact on Career Choices10:56 Navigating Gender Dynamics in the Trade17:46 The Importance of Support in Relationships23:55 The Dynamics of Working as a Couple29:45 Passion and Commitment in the Trade41:38 The Dynamics of Working Together as a Couple46:09 Navigating Challenges in a Joint Business48:39 Addressing Discrimination in the Workplace50:54 Building a Supportive Community54:49 The Importance of Quality in Craftsmanship01:00:01 Adapting to Modern Techniques and Materials01:04:02 Understanding Client Expectations and Trust01:09:09 The Role of Gender in the Trades01:13:56 Confronting Bias and Misconceptions in the Industry01:16:08 Navigating Gender Dynamics in the Trades01:18:19 The Importance of Support and Community01:20:33 The Reality of Friendship and Support01:22:38 The Journey to Success and Recognition01:24:18 Building a Business with Integrity01:27:43 Customer Relationships and Expectations01:29:58 The Passion Behind the Craft01:33:17 Encouraging Women in the Trades01:35:05 Mentorship and Guidance for Future Generations01:38:57 The Value of Real-World Experience01:41:25 Challenging Academic Norms01:43:24 The Lifelong Skills of Trades01:46:08 Mental Health in the Construction Industry01:50:50 The Human Element in Business01:55:22 Navigating School Challenges and Parental Support01:57:53 The Impact of Bullying and Trauma02:02:17 Supporting Young Creators and Mental Health02:03:36 The Importance of Mental Health Awareness02:07:21 Embracing Change and Career Transitions02:13:35 The Value of Hard Work and Resilience02:20:54 Empowering the Next Generation in Trades