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

Dave Smith, better known as The Mindset Soldier, joins me for one of the most raw and powerful conversations we’ve had on the podcast.Find Him here - https://www.instagram.com/mindset.soldier?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Behind the growing social media following and daily mindset content is a story most people never see. Dave is an abuse survivor, a former soldier, and someone who has battled PTSD, homelessness, and addiction—experiences that could have easily broken him. Instead, they became the foundation for the mindset he now teaches.In this episode, Dave opens up about growing up in the care system, the impact of early trauma, and how those experiences followed him into adulthood and military life. We talk honestly about PTSD, mental health struggles, and the reality many veterans face long after leaving service. But this isn’t just about what he’s been through—it’s about what he’s built from it.Now known online as The Mindset Soldier, Dave uses his platform to share powerful messages around discipline, resilience, accountability, and faith—helping thousands of people reframe their mindset and take control of their lives. We get into: • Why your past doesn’t have to define your future • The truth about trauma and how it shapes your mindset • The role of accountability in rebuilding your life • Faith, purpose, and finding meaning after rock bottom • Why vulnerability is a strength, not a weaknessThis is a deep, honest conversation about hitting rock bottom, taking ownership, and rebuilding yourself from the ground up.If you’ve ever struggled mentally, questioned your direction, or felt stuck in your past—this one will hit home.Thanks to our episode sponsors - Monarch www.monarch.co.uk

What actually happens when you get hypnotised… and can it genuinely change your life?In this episode, I sat down with Maxine Buckley, master NLP practitioner and hypnotherapist — and yeah… I was hypnotised live on the podcast.Find Max here -https://www.instagram.com/maxine2buckley?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==We get into how hypnotherapy really works (not the stage show nonsense), and how it’s being used to help people deal with anxiety, trauma, addiction, stress, and those patterns you can’t seem to break no matter how hard you try.Maxine explains what’s actually going on in the mind during hypnosis, why it’s so misunderstood, and how techniques like NLP and hypnotherapy can help rewire limiting beliefs and behaviours.We also talk about: • Mental health in the real world (not the fluffy version) • How trauma sticks and how it can be processed properly • Why willpower alone isn’t enough for most people • And whether hypnotherapy is legit… or just clever psychologyNo gimmicks. No weird stuff. Just a proper conversation about how the mind works — and how you might be able to take control of it.If you’ve ever struggled with anxiety, bad habits, or feeling stuck… this one will get you thinking.Thanks to our Headline Sponsors - Zinsser Guest merch sponsors - Branded By Sammi

In this episode, Rob Barr shares the journey that took him from tradesman to property developer, and the hard lessons that came with it.Find Rob Here-https://www.instagram.com/robrealproperty?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Rob built the life many people aspire to — the nice house, the car, the lifestyle. But behind the scenes, he realised he’d created a system where he was constantly chasing money just to maintain the life he’d built. What looked like success from the outside eventually led him to rock bottom.That moment forced a complete rethink.Rob made the bold decision to sell everything and move to Spain with his family in search of a better quality of life and a life built around purpose rather than pressure.We also dive into mental health, financial struggles, societal expectations around success, and why chasing status can leave people feeling trapped rather than fulfilled. Rob shares his thoughts on the state of the NHS, UK politics, the future of jobs in the age of AI, and the mindset needed to build resilience when life doesn’t go to plan.This is a powerful conversation about redefining success, breaking free from the pressures of modern life, and building a life that actually makes you happy.Headline sponsor - Zinsser uk Merch Sponsor - Branded By Sammi

In this powerful conversation, Johan Dyer shares the deeply personal story behind the creation of BuildBoss — a platform designed to protect tradespeople’s finances and wellbeing, often described as “PayPal for the construction industry.”Find Johan and Buildboss here - https://www.instagram.com/buildbossuk?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==www.buildboss.co.ukJohan opens up about the devastating loss of his father in a paragliding accident, a tragedy that had a profound impact on his life. He speaks candidly about the grief that followed and the challenges of navigating life after such a sudden loss.Alongside this, Johan also shares his own battles with mental health. In this episode he goes into depth about that journey — the struggles he faced, how therapy became a turning point for him, and the role it played in helping him rebuild his life and perspective.Through honest conversation and lived experience, Johan explains how those experiences ultimately led him to create BuildBoss — a platform aimed at improving trust, payment security, and financial protection for tradespeople across the construction industry.This episode blends personal tragedy, recovery, and innovation in the construction industry, offering practical insight and a powerful reminder that even the hardest experiences can lead to purpose.Thanks to our Headline Sponsors - Zinsser uk

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