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

In this episode of The Talking Tradesman, Russell Payne sits down with Inder Virdi, a health consultant specialising in nutrition, burnout, and chronic fatigue.Find Inder here - https://www.instagram.com/the_neuropath?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Together, they unpack why burnout is becoming so common in high-pressure industries — especially construction — and why it’s so often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or ignored altogether.Inder shares his personal journey from working as a chef to developing chronic fatigue syndrome, and the long, often frustrating road to recovery that followed. From there, the conversation opens up into the deeper connection between physical health, mental health, nutrition, and the environments tradespeople work in every day.They explore the cumulative damage caused by years in the industry — toxic exposure, poor diet, stress, lack of recovery — and why small things like knee pads, masks, and proper protection matter far more than most people realise. The discussion also touches on immune system overload, environmental toxins, technology exposure, and how chronic stress slowly drains the body long before people recognise the warning signs.This is an honest, eye-opening conversation about energy, burnout, and the cost of “just pushing through” — and why recognising the early signs could change, or even save, lives.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Burnout and Nutrition03:37 The High-Pressure World of Hospitality06:46 The Mental Toll of Creative Professions09:45 The Impact of Technology on Mental Health13:29 Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Personal Journey16:18 Understanding the Mind-Body Connection19:35 The Role of Trauma in Chronic Conditions22:03 Navigating the Healthcare System25:07 Recovery and Holistic Approaches28:27 Current Trends in Mental Health in Construction38:18 Mental Health Crisis in Construction41:22 Chemical Exposure and Health Risks46:06 Detoxification and Nutritional Strategies53:26 Cumulative Effects of Occupational Hazards01:06:28 Understanding and Preventing Burnout01:17:10 Exploring Nutrition and Mental Health Connections01:19:20 Understanding Energy Levels and Dietary Choices01:25:15 The Role of Supplements in Detoxification01:27:20 Challenging Dietary Norms and Lifestyle Changes01:33:17 Environmental Toxins and Their Impact on Health01:42:09 The Effects of 5G and Wi-Fi on Health

In this episode of The Talking Tradesman, I sit down with James Kelly for a raw, wide-ranging conversation that cuts right to the realities of modern construction.Find James Herehttps://www.instagram.com/jayckelly1990?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==James opens up about the pressures contractors face daily — cashflow strain, non-payment, unrealistic client expectations, and how the industry’s payment culture quietly fuels stress, anxiety, and burnout. We dig into why due diligence matters, the dangers of poor client pre-qualification, and how the “three-quote culture” often undervalues skill, experience, and professionalism.The conversation moves into a bigger discussion around business education in the trades, why so many skilled people are never taught how to protect themselves financially, and what needs to change if we want to attract and retain the next generation.From there, things get more personal. James reflects on faith, purpose, and why belief — particularly Christianity — often resurfaces during hardship. We explore masculinity, mental health, and the silent pressure many men carry while trying to provide, perform, and stay afloat.James also shares his experience serving in the armed forces, the challenge of transitioning back into civilian life, and how those lessons now shape his work as a coach. We talk about why coaching in construction isn’t about hype or motivation — it’s about practical systems, accountability, and personal growth that actually works in the real world.This is an honest, thought-provoking conversation about work, belief, identity, and what it really takes to survive — and grow — in the construction industry today.Thanks to our Headline Sponsors Zinsser Episode Sponsors - Climadoor Chapters00:00 Challenges in the Construction Industry05:36 Mental Health in Construction12:18 Ethics and Morality in Contracting17:17 The Developer's Downfall21:59 Pre-Qualification and Due Diligence27:05 The Anxiety of Non-Payment32:01 Understanding the Cost of Quoting36:49 Navigating the Quoting Process42:19 The Importance of Business Knowledge49:10 The Banter and Opportunities in Trades54:22 Generational Work Ethic and Family Influence59:13 Christianity and Its Perception in Society01:04:43 The Crusades and Historical Context01:08:58 Defining Goodness Beyond Religion01:11:55 Purpose and Protection01:12:49 Faith and Judgment01:14:10 Searching for Meaning01:16:29 Societal Observations01:17:52 The Role of Religion01:19:25 Military Background01:19:52 Life Experiences and Growth01:21:36 Reflections on Education and Early Life01:23:25 Joining the Royal Navy: A New Chapter01:24:27 Experiences in Anti-Piracy Operations01:28:32 Confronting Mental Health and Suicide01:33:34 The Impact of Suicide on Society01:34:49 Veterans and the Quest for Purpose01:37:20 Life in Conflict Zones: Personal Stories01:42:39 Encountering ISIS and Security Challenges01:46:21 The Wild West of Private Contracting01:49:11 Cultural Insights from the Middle East01:51:00 Transitioning from Private Contracting to Family Life01:52:47 Redefining Success Beyond Money01:54:30 Coaching in the Construction Industry01:58:10 The Future of Construction Coaching