In this episode of Talking Tradesman, host Russ engages with Lily, a young apprentice painter and decorator, as she shares her journey from a challenging childhood to finding purpose in her career.

Find Lily here -

https://www.instagram.com/paintingwithlily?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Lily discusses the difficulties of moving to a new area, the impact of family dynamics, and the struggles she faced during lockdown. A pivotal moment in her life was the loss of a close friend, which prompted her to reevaluate her choices and ultimately led her to pursue a career in decorating.

Throughout the conversation, Lily reflects on the importance of resilience, making tough decisions, and the desire to create a better future for herself and her potential family. In this conversation, Russ and Lily discuss the evolution of dating apps, the unique challenges and opportunities in the trade industry, particularly for women, and Lily's journey as a decorator. They explore the importance of customer satisfaction, the apprenticeship process, and the business side of running a decorating business.

Additionally, they touch on leveraging social media for career growth and the significance of inspiring the next generation of tradespeople. In this conversation, Russ and Lily discuss the challenges and triumphs of navigating social media, personal growth, and the importance of community in the construction industry. They delve into the significance of physical health for tradespeople, aspirations for entrepreneurship, and the mental health challenges faced within the industry. The discussion also highlights financial struggles and the impact of social media on personal and professional lives, emphasizing the need for support and understanding in the trade community.

In this conversation, Russ and Jeff delve into the intricate relationship between mental and physical health, exploring how fitness, nutrition, and self-image impact mental well-being.

Find Jeff here -

https://www.instagram.com/jeffraybould?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Jeff shares his personal journey into fitness coaching, emphasising the importance of confidence and purpose in overcoming mental health challenges. They discuss the role of nutrition and sleep in mental health, the impact of social media on body image, and the necessity of self-care for overall well-being.

In this conversation, Russ and his guest delve into the significance of setting goals and having a sense of purpose in life. They discuss the emotional journey of overcoming cancer, the importance of mental health, and the balance between personal ambitions and family life.

The dialogue emphasises the need for resilience, the impact of adversity on personal growth, and the evolving nature of values as one navigates through different life stages.

In this episode, Russ and Paint Warrior, Kevin Tingley discuss the challenges of navigating sponsorships in the decorating industry, the importance of building relationships, and the role of brand ambassadors in promoting growth.

Find Paint Warrior here -

https://www.instagram.com/paintwarrior_?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

You can find Paint warrior on all social channels or on his website - www.paintwarrior.co.uk

They also delve into personal struggles with mental health, particularly in relation to loss and grief, and reflect on the significance of friendship and community support in overcoming life's challenges. In this conversation, Kevin discusses the importance of building connections in today's digital age, the significance of banter and friendships, and the unique experiences surrounding weddings.

He also delves into the challenges of navigating business growth, particularly with apprenticeships, and highlights innovations in tools and products. Finally, he reflects on the power of social media in shaping business dynamics and brand partnerships within the construction industry. In this part of the conversation, Kev discusses the challenges and rewards of content creation, particularly on social media platforms.

He reflects on the value of paid collaborations versus unpaid efforts, the importance of knowing one's purpose on social media, and the frustrations with platforms that do not offer monetisation. The discussion shifts to personal health challenges, where Kev shares his journey with heart issues and the impact on his work and lifestyle.

Russ expresses optimism about future aspirations, including podcast growth and public speaking opportunities, while emphasising the importance of mental health conversations within the trades community. The conversation concludes with a focus on embracing new opportunities and personal development.

In this episode, Russ interviews James from Hikitia Surface Design, exploring the journey of creativity and the art of uplifting spaces through Venetian plastering. Find James here - https://www.instagram.com/hikitia_surface_design?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== They discuss the importance of client collaboration, the evolution of James's career from graffiti artist to surface designer, and the impact of social media on the industry. The conversation also touches on mental health awareness in construction and the human side of social media interactions. In this conversation, James talks about various themes including the importance of self-reflection, the power of community and collaboration in the industry, the impact of social media on personal growth, and the balance between passion and practicality in career choices. He emphasizes the significance of learning from failures and the transformative power of meditation in achieving inner calm. We discusses the transformative power of meditation and mindfulness, emphasising their importance in personal and professional life. James shares insights on breath-work, the significance of kindness, and how investing in self-care can enhance productivity. The discussion also touches on the mental health crisis in the construction industry, highlighting the need for awareness and connection among workers. James advocates for a holistic approach to well-being, integrating yoga and mindfulness into daily routines to foster resilience and improve mental health.

In this episode of the Talking Tradesman podcast, host Russ speaks with Sofi Goncalves, a nutritionist, about the critical connection between nutrition and mental health, particularly in the construction industry.

Find Sofi Here

https://www.instagram.com/thebasicnutritionist?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

They explore the gut-brain connection, the importance of gut microbiome, and how dietary choices impact mental well-being. Sofi emphasises the need for better nutritional habits, especially in high-stress environments like construction, and discusses the challenges of processed foods and meal deals that often lead to poor dietary choices.

The conversation highlights the importance of whole foods and the need for education around nutrition to improve overall health. In this conversation, we explore the detrimental effects of ultra-processed foods on health, particularly their impact on the gut microbiome and mental health. The discussion emphasizes the importance of making gradual dietary changes, focusing on whole foods, and understanding the marketing tactics of the food industry.

We also delve into the ethics of nutrition within healthcare systems and the role of fasting in health management. In this conversation, we explore the multifaceted relationship between nutrition, health, and lifestyle, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by tradespeople.

The discussion covers sustainable weight management, the importance of preparing for fasting, and the mindset needed to invest in one's health. Practical meal suggestions are provided to enhance energy levels and overall well-being, alongside addressing common nutrition questions. The impact of alcohol on health is examined, and the need for better nutrition education in schools is emphasized, highlighting the gaps in knowledge that exist in society today.

**Trigger Warning - Conversation around suicide throughout

In this episode of The Talking Tradesman, host Russ speaks with Steve from Uncle Matt's Hats, a project inspired by the memory of Steve's brother, Matt, who tragically took his own life.

Find Uncle Matts Hats here

https://www.instagram.com/unclemattshats?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

The conversation delves into the emotional journey behind the creation of the hat brand, which aims to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention. Steve shares personal anecdotes about Matt, the significance of baseball caps in their family, and how the project seeks to normalise conversations around mental health.

The discussion also touches on the impact of Matt's death on the family and the importance of understanding the complexities of suicide. In this conversation, Steve shares his personal journey through grief and guilt following the loss of his brother, Matt. He discusses the complexities of navigating emotions after a loved one's suicide, emphasising the importance of understanding that guilt is a common feeling but not a necessary one.

The conversation transitions into the launch of Uncle Matt's Hats, a project aimed at raising awareness for mental health and suicide prevention. Steve explains the unique packaging and branding of the hats, which are designed to spark conversations about mental health. He also highlights the partnership with a charity that provides resources for those in need of support, reinforcing the message that it's okay to seek help and talk about feelings.

In this episode, Tyler shares his journey from a traditional tiling apprenticeship to becoming a successful entrepreneur specialising in custom sinks.

Find Tyler Here

https://www.instagram.com/_tyler_the_tiler_?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

He discusses the importance of social media in growing his business, the challenges he faced with addiction, and how he turned his life around.

Tyler also touches on the jealousy he encountered from peers and the significance of mental health in the construction industry. In this conversation, Tyler shares his journey through financial struggles, addiction, and the impact of his environment on his choices.

He discusses the importance of understanding debts, and reflects on the turning points in his life that led him to make better decisions. Tyler emphasizes the significance of setting goals, pursuing dreams, and breaking free from addiction, while also highlighting the consequences of hanging around the wrong people.

His story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of personal growth and the pursuit of a better life.

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In this episode of Talking Tradesman, host Russ speaks with Scott from The Stair Guys about his journey into the staircase industry, his childhood experiences, and the impact of family dynamics on his life.

Find Scott Here -

https://www.instagram.com/the_stair_guys?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

They delve into Scott's struggles with mental health, grief, and learning challenges, including dyslexia. The conversation highlights the importance of supportive relationships, particularly in entrepreneurship, and discusses the role of alcohol in coping with life's challenges.

Scott shares his personal growth journey and reflections on navigating these experiences. In this conversation, Scott shares his deeply personal journey through addiction, mental health struggles, and the transformative power of therapy. He discusses the pivotal moments that led him to seek help, the various therapeutic approaches he explored, and the importance of community support in mental health recovery. The conversation emphasizes the need for open discussions about mental health, the stigma surrounding it, and the critical role of organizations like Andy's Man Club in providing support to those in need.

In this conversation, Scott discusses the critical issues surrounding mental health in the trades, emphasizing the importance of community support and initiatives like Project 7000. He highlights the financial pressures faced by tradespeople and the need for systemic change in the industry to address these challenges. The conversation also touches on the skills shortage crisis, the impact of government policies on small businesses, and the changing perceptions of trades and education. Ultimately, Scott calls for raising awareness and taking action to improve the situation for tradespeople.

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