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