In this episode of The Talking Tradesman, Russ and Angie sit down in the first Sofa session to discuss the challenges faced in the salon business, including a difficult move, accusations of client poaching, and the impact of these experiences on mental health.

They explore the importance of support systems and the need for open conversations about mental health, reflecting on their personal journey and the lessons learned along the way. In this conversation, Russ and Angie delve into the complexities of navigating life's challenges, coping with loss, and the importance of resilience.

They discuss personal growth through distractions like social media, the impact of therapy, and the significance of kindness and understanding in relationships. The dialogue also highlights the empowerment of women through initiatives like the Female Boss Awards, showcasing the journey of self-improvement amidst adversity.

In this conversation, Russ sits down with fellow podcast host - Hayley Owens, they discusses the intricacies of podcasting, & Hayley shares insights from her background in law enforcement, particularly in homicide investigations, and reflects on the impact of these experiences on her mental health. Find Hayley @SpinJustice on Youtube or

https://www.instagram.com/spin.justice?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==The discussion touches on societal issues such as knife crime and the changing nature of violence among youth, emphasising the need for awareness and understanding in today's world. In this conversation, Russ discusses the profound impact of trauma on emergency service workers, particularly how witnessing horrific events can lead to PTSD. Hayley reflects on her personal experiences and the changes in her perspective after becoming a parent. The discussion also touches on the challenges of navigating school systems, the control exerted during lockdown, and the importance of finding one's voice in public speaking. Throughout, there is an emphasis on personal growth, the complexities of parenting, and the need for mental health support in high-stress professions. In this conversation, Russ discusses the critical issue of mental health in the construction industry, highlighting alarming statistics about male suicide rates. He emphasizes the importance of open communication and listening, particularly among men, to combat the stigma surrounding mental health. The discussion transitions into Hayleys journey of starting her podcast, focusing on injustices and the power of conversation as a form of therapy. She also explores the concepts of manifestation and self-belief, encouraging listeners to embrace opportunities and challenge self-imposed limitations. The conversation wraps up with a call to action for support and connection within the community.

This episode delves into a candid exploration of guest Glenn Everard's journey through addiction, family trauma, and the challenges of coming out.

Find Glenn here -

https://www.instagram.com/glenneverard/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

The dialogue emphasises the significance of mental health awareness and the impact of shame on personal identity and recovery. In this conversation, Glenn shares his journey with alcohol, exploring how it affected his self-esteem and confidence from a young age. He discusses the dual nature of alcohol as both a social lubricant and a dangerous coping mechanism, leading to a series of reckless behaviours and violent encounters.

Through his experiences, he reflects on the societal perceptions of alcoholism, the importance of addressing underlying emotional pain, and the need for a deeper understanding of self-destructive behaviours, particularly in men. In this conversation, Glenn shares his experiences with aggression, compassion, addiction, and the legal challenges he faced while running a business selling replica watches.

He reflects on how understanding mental health has shaped his perspective on others' behaviours and the importance of compassion. He also discusses his journey through addiction, the consequences of his actions, and the lessons learned along the way. In this conversation, Glenn shares his journey through addiction, recovery, and the ongoing challenges he faces. He discusses the legal battles he encountered, the pivotal role his father played in guiding him towards responsibility, and his experiences in rehab.

Glenn reflects on the importance of therapy, the triggers he faces in daily life, and how he has learned to drink responsibly after years of sobriety. The conversation also touches on the mental health crisis in the construction industry and the initiatives being taken to raise awareness and provide support.

In this conversation, Russ and Lee Anderson explore the complexities of masculinity, the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life, and the impact of childhood experiences on adult behavior.

You can find lee here -

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

They discuss the struggles with abandonment issues, the influence of a female-dominated upbringing, and the search for identity. The conversation also touches on the role of alcohol in social settings and the journey of coming out and self-acceptance. In this conversation, Lee shares his journey of self-discovery, coming out, and the complexities of navigating relationships and emotions. He discusses the internal conflicts faced during his coming out process, the nature of happiness, and the importance of emotional control.

The conversation delves into the impact of childhood trauma on adult relationships, particularly abandonment issues, and emphasises the significance of empathy and emotional boundaries when helping others. In this conversation, Russ and Lee explore the profound impact of listening and therapeutic conversations on mental health. They discuss the importance of trained listeners in society, the journey of overcoming addiction, and the role of life coaching in personal development.

Lee shares his experiences with addiction, recovery, and the desire to create a retreat for self-discovery, emphasising the need for community and support in healing. The dialogue highlights the significance of open conversations and the transformative power of sharing one's story.

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.

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.