The Painting & Decorating Show

In this episode, Joel Bardall and Todd Von Joel chat with decorators who are using their skills to make a real difference through community projects. They catch up with Jen The Decorator about her experience working on DIY SOS - how she got involved, what the experience was like, and why giving back mattered to her. They also hear from decorator Karis Fear about her work with Band of Builders. Karis discusses the projects she’s been part of, and the personal experiences that inspired her to get involved, including her daughter Amelia’s journey with dyskinetic cerebral palsy and the challenges of accessing life-changing therapy and support. Later in the episode, Joel and Todd also share their own thoughts on community projects in the trade, what can stop people from getting involved, and why these positive stories deserve far more attention.

Joel Bardall and Todd Von Joel are joined by travelling mural artist Kathleen Dieux to explore how she uses VR technology to design and deliver large-scale artwork around the world. They discuss her creative process, pricing, materials and standout experiences from working internationally, before Joel and TVJ debate whether they’d ever use VR in their own work and the appeal of travelling abroad for jobs.

Joel Bardall and Todd Von Joel invite Chris Ordinaire and Peter Clark to join them and share three game changing/career defining changes they made to their business. Joel and Todd share an example or two of their own and Joel talks about two very different clients he's been working for.

Joel Bardall and Todd Von Joel talk to Dan and Sarah from 'The Ugly Duckling Kitchens' talk about their story and journey with the business over the past 13 years. Dan talks about how he developed his skills after leaving the Armed Forces and trying a variety of different jobs. Sarah talks about the business growth and how they targeted the market with their niche. Dan talks about his approach to completing the work with tools and finishes and Sarah explains the quoting phase and where it will go from here.

Joel Bardall and Todd Von Joel check in with some fellow Decorators so that they can compare notes on what demand is like currently. Sian Francis gives a perspective from Hampshire and talks about what she's still in demand for and what type of enquiries have dropped off for her business. Ashley Woodcock talks about having to step outside of his comfort zone and take on work that he wouldn't usually do. Joel and Todd share their own thoughts and experiences and more.

Todd Von Joel and Joel Bardall talk to Marc Silver from Murwalls about some of their amazing community based projects that's seen them re-shape the underpasses and town centres like Harlow and Stevenage. Marc talks about audio descriptive murals and the incredible story about how that came about. He talks about how they completed and updated murals for the Lionesses after they beat Spain in the Euros last summer and talks about the Diogo Jota 20 mural. There's also discussion about use of augmented reality and what next for Murwalls.

Joel Bardall has had a tricky time with a customer that has no trust in tradespeople after being knocked in the past. Joel and Todd talk about the frustration that this can cause when you're being honest or have to explain a setback or unexpected issue that's cropped up on a job. Psychotherapist, Enda Murphy (Author of Five Steps To Happiness) joins the boys to explain how you can build trust with customers and also handle confrontation and difficult conversations with customers.

Joel Bardall and Todd Von Joel follow up last week's show with a conversation about spotting customer red flags. James Reeve from Royal Spa Decoration talks about his experience coming across red flags and dealing with issues that emerge once the work has begun. A Decorator from the Isle of Wight joins the show to share a nightmare situation he faced... but with a fellow tradesperson rather than a customer.

Joel Bardall and Todd Von Joel talk to fellow Painter & Decorator - Michael - about his nightmare situation with a customer that's seen him massively out of pocket and considering whether he would carry on working in the trade.