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What does it take to step into a bare-knuckle boxing ring just days after losing your father?This week on The Talking Tradesman Podcast, heavyweight bare-knuckle boxer Aaron Ashton, AKA El Gringo Mandingo, returns for one of the most emotional and powerful conversations we’ve had on the podcast.Find Aaron herehttps://www.instagram.com/el_gringo_mandingo_?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&vrfl=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==It’s been a turbulent year for Aaron. Cancelled fights, personal setbacks, family heartbreak and the devastating loss of his father. But through it all, he’s continued to demonstrate extraordinary resilience, determination and strength.Aaron opens up about the final weeks of his father’s life, the conversations they shared, and the heartbreaking decision to honour his commitment to fight Brad Donovan at London’s O2 Arena just days after his dad passed away.From walking out to his father’s favourite T. Rex song to finding the strength to compete while carrying unimaginable grief, Aaron shares a deeply personal account of love, loss and the bond between a father and son.But this episode isn’t just about grief.We discuss how Aaron channelled his loss into something positive, helping raise approximately £12,500 towards a sensory room at the care home where his sister Sam, who has cerebral palsy, lives.We also get into the brutal world of bare-knuckle boxing, including Aaron’s incredible first-round victory over third-ranked heavyweight Mark O’Neill after accepting the fight on just one week’s notice. Aaron describes the frightening scenes that followed the stoppage, his concern for his opponent, and the relief of learning that Mark had recovered.Now, with his sights firmly set on BKB heavyweight world champion Gustavo Trujillo, Aaron discusses what comes next and what it will take to reach the very top of the sport.In this episode, we discuss:* Losing his father and navigating the reality of grief.* The emotional decision to fight Brad Donovan just days after his father’s death.* The importance of saying goodbye and having those final conversations with loved ones.* How adversity, trauma and painful experiences can become a driving force for positive change.* Raising £12,500 to support his sister’s care-home community.* The reality of bare-knuckle boxing and the dangers fighters face.* Defeating Mark O’Neill on just one week’s notice.* His ambition to become BKB heavyweight world champion.This is far more than a conversation about fighting.It’s about family, love, loss, resilience and finding a reason to keep moving forwards when life throws everything it has at you.Whether you’re a boxing fan or someone who’s experienced grief, adversity or difficult times, there’s something in this conversation for everyone.The Talking Tradesman Podcast. Built by the trades, for everyone.

Behind the viral videos, the humour and the success on social media, there’s a side of life that rarely makes it onto our screens.This week on The Talking Tradesman Podcast, Russell Payne sits down with Harrison, better known as The Benchin Bricky, for an incredibly open conversation about men’s mental health, depression, divorce, fatherhood and the pressures of modern life.Find Harrison herehttps://www.instagram.com/benchin_bricky?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&srtk=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==From growing up in an environment where men rarely spoke about their feelings to navigating relationship breakdowns, personal struggles and rebuilding his life, Harrison shares the experiences that have shaped the man he is today.We explore the darker side of social media, the damaging culture of comparison, and why so many men feel pressured to appear successful even when they’re struggling behind closed doors.But this conversation goes much further.We challenge the stigma surrounding careers in construction, question an education system that overlooks practical life skills, and discuss why working harder doesn’t always mean living better.Harrison also opens up about therapy, becoming a father, finding purpose after rugby and learning to let go of the emotional weight he’d carried for years.Because sometimes the strongest thing a man can do is admit he’s struggling.This episode is about understanding yourself, taking responsibility for your future and recognising that everyone is fighting battles we might never see.An honest, thought-provoking conversation about life, masculinity and the importance of looking beyond what we see on social media.🎙️ The Talking Tradesman Podcast. Real people. Real stories. Real conversations.Chapters00:00 Meet Harrison, the Plymouth bricklayer and creator05:03 Growing up in masculine spaces with no mental-health language17:28 The rewards and mental cost of going viral19:44 Keeping content, partnership, family, and work in balance24:53 Why Harrison keeps bricklaying alongside content creation27:22 The craft behind a distinctive construction video31:30 Burnout, hustle culture, and working more sustainably34:00 From coasting at school to applying himself36:16 Why trades should be presented as a real career choice41:37 Financial literacy and practical education for young people45:36 Trades, critical thinking, and respect within the industry48:20 Psychology as a foundation for better coping49:19 Therapy expands the mental-health toolbox50:10 How old-school ideas about masculinity silence men51:24 Depression after rugby and the loss of structure53:11 Opening up, rejection, and a marriage in crisis55:34 Isolation, COVID, and masking grief57:55 Reconciliation, relocation, and feeling alone again01:00:28 Friends can support you, but you must take the next step01:02:23 Ending the marriage and rebuilding from home01:04:24 Divorce, fatherhood, and the pain of an empty house01:08:20 Keeping children out of the conflict01:10:15 The challenges and responsibilities of step-parenting01:14:31 A new father's emotions don't follow one script01:18:34 Fatherhood, unconditional love, and leading by example01:23:17 Impossible standards and learning to enjoy progress01:28:51 Why Harrison finally chose therapy01:32:38 Mental fitness takes practice, just like physical strength01:35:07 Showing the hard parts behind social-media success01:37:18 The brick metaphor: don't carry problems indefinitely01:40:34 The hope of helping one family avoid suicide loss01:42:40 Comparison, control, and getting through today#TheTalkingTradesman #TheBenchinBricky #MensMentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #ConstructionIndustry

She’s shared her story on podcasts before. But Anastasia Severn describes this as her most emotional interview yet.In this deeply personal episode of The Talking Tradesman, Anastasia Severn opens up about her extraordinary journey through childhood struggles, addiction, criminality and prison, and the experiences that ultimately led her towards a very different path.Find Anastasia Herehttps://www.instagram.com/adhdqueen7?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&mdxt=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==From a promising young county-level swimmer to a life that spiralled into cocaine use, destructive behaviour and incarceration, Anastasia reflects on the decisions she made, the circumstances that shaped her and the emotional consequences of her past.But this conversation is about far more than the mistakes she’s made.Anastasia speaks candidly about her mental health, the impact of her mother’s stage-four cancer diagnosis, her experiences with therapy and recovery, and the difficult process of understanding herself.She also discusses why she believes lived experience has such an important role in supporting people who are struggling, particularly those who feel misunderstood or disconnected from traditional support services.Today, Anastasia is using her experiences to create something positive through Diamond in the Rough, a community-led mental wellbeing initiative supporting women and children through connection, understanding and shared experiences.It’s a remarkable story of accountability, vulnerability, resilience and the possibility of change.In this episode, we explore:* Anastasia’s childhood and the experiences that shaped her.* Her descent into addiction, criminal behaviour and prison.* The emotional impact of her past on herself and her family.* Why conventional recovery approaches didn’t always work for her.* The importance of lived experience in mental health conversations.* Her journey towards self-understanding and personal accountability.* The creation of Diamond in the Rough and her mission to support others.Having already appeared on several podcasts, Anastasia describes this conversation as her most emotional yet.Sometimes the most important part of someone’s story isn’t where they’ve been, but what they choose to do next.Welcome to another honest, unfiltered conversation on The Talking Tradesman.#TheTalkingTradesman #AnastasiaSeven #MentalHealthAwareness #PrisonToPurpose #LivedExperience

From childhood trauma and addiction to suicidal thoughts, sobriety and ultimately finding salvation through Jesus Christ — Joshua Hammond’s story is one of pain, accountability, faith and extraordinary personal transformation.Find Joshua here -https://www.instagram.com/jhdecoratingltd?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&dlrf=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==In this deeply personal episode of The Talking Tradesman Podcast, Russell Payne sits down with Joshua Hammond for an honest and emotional conversation about the experiences that shaped his life, the destructive path that followed and the profound spiritual encounter that changed everything.Growing up with an absent father and a mother battling addiction, Joshua experienced a childhood marked by instability, abandonment and emotional pain. For years, he carried the weight of those experiences, struggling with addiction, resentment and his own mental health.But eventually, Joshua came to a difficult realisation: while he couldn’t change his past, he could take responsibility for his future.“When you spend years blaming everyone else while you ain’t doing well… where is the ownership and accountability in that?”Joshua opens up about his journey into recovery, the fear of relapse and the daily practices that helped him maintain sobriety. Yet even after 18 months without drugs, he recognised something was still missing.“I was sober, but I hadn’t changed.”Despite his progress, Joshua continued to battle anger, emptiness and suicidal thoughts. Material possessions, external validation and attempts to control his circumstances couldn’t provide the peace he was desperately searching for.Then came an experience that would redefine his entire understanding of life, love and forgiveness.Joshua describes a profound spiritual encounter with Jesus Christ, an experience he believes freed him from the emotional burdens of his past and gave him a completely new sense of purpose.“Nothing in my life is ever, ever compared to the love of Jesus Christ.”Throughout this conversation, we explore:* Childhood trauma, abandonment and the lasting impact of family addiction.* The destructive cycle of substance abuse and the challenges of recovery.* Why sobriety doesn’t automatically mean emotional healing.* Taking personal accountability without dismissing the impact of childhood experiences.* Depression, suicidal thoughts and the importance of seeking support.* The mental health challenges facing men working in construction and the trades.* Joshua’s spiritual awakening and his relationship with Jesus Christ.* The power of forgiveness, redemption and finding purpose through faith.Whether you’re religious, spiritual, questioning your beliefs or have no faith at all, Joshua’s story offers an opportunity to reflect on the importance of personal responsibility, human connection, hope and the possibility of change.At its heart, this episode is about a man who reached some of the darkest places imaginable and found a reason to keep going.You don’t have to share someone’s beliefs to recognise the power of their story.🎙️ The Talking Tradesman Podcast, hosted by Russell Payne, creates space for honest conversations about mental health, adversity, resilience and the experiences that shape us.If this conversation resonates with you, please consider sharing it with someone who might benefit from hearing Joshua’s story.Subscribe, follow and join us as we continue breaking the silence surrounding mental health.A note on mental health: This episode contains discussions of addiction, childhood trauma and suicidal thoughts. If you’re struggling, please reach out to someone you trust or seek professional support. In the UK, Samaritans are available free, 24 hours a day, on 116 123.#TheTalkingTradesman #JoshuaHammond #MentalHealthAwareness #AddictionRecovery #ChristianFaith

What happens when you spend years believing there’s something wrong with you, only to discover that your brain simply works differently?In this episode of The Talking Tradesman, I sit down with ADHD coach Sam Beresford for an open conversation about ADHD, addiction, identity, recovery and learning how to work with your brain rather than constantly fighting against it.Find Sam Here - https://www.instagram.com/samberesford_coaching?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&stkn=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Sam was diagnosed with ADHD at 28.For him, that diagnosis didn’t excuse the things that had happened previously in his life — but it finally gave him clarity.We talk about what it’s like reaching adulthood without understanding why you behave, think and react in certain ways, and how receiving a late ADHD diagnosis can suddenly make years of your life begin to make sense.But this conversation goes much deeper than ADHD alone.Sam speaks openly about his relationship with alcohol and drugs, his experiences with meetings and rehabilitation, and the realisation that changed the way he viewed addiction:“I’m not addicted to the substance, I’m addicted to what it gives me.”We explore the connection between ADHD, stimulation and unhealthy coping mechanisms, and why simply removing a substance doesn’t necessarily address what someone was trying to escape from, regulate or replace in the first place.Sam also talks about reaching the point where he knew he couldn’t continue living the way he was, the importance of friends recognising when somebody is struggling, and the difficult reality that changing your life can sometimes mean leaving people behind.Going sober changed his relationships.Understanding his ADHD changed his relationship with himself.And eventually, the same mind that had contributed to periods of chaos became something Sam learned to channel into business, coaching and helping other people.We also discuss why ADHD shouldn’t automatically be viewed through the lens of deficiency.Creativity. Energy. Hyperfocus. Risk-taking. Problem solving. The ability to become completely absorbed in something that genuinely interests you.When directed towards the right thing, some of the characteristics that can make conventional environments difficult can become enormous strengths.That leads us into the world of construction and the trades.We discuss why hands-on careers, self-employment and creative environments can suit some people with ADHD particularly well — giving them the freedom, stimulation and variety they may struggle to find elsewhere.Sam now uses his own lived experience alongside his work as an ADHD coach to help other people better understand themselves and build lives that work with the way their brains operate.From being told he wouldn’t amount to anything, through addiction and recovery, to building a business and helping others — this is ultimately a conversation about understanding yourself.Because where you are right now doesn’t have to be where you stay.🎙️ The Talking Tradesman Podcast

What goes through the mind of a man who willingly steps into a bare-knuckle fight?This week on The Talking Tradesman Podcast, I sit down with BKB fighter Will Dermietzel — better known as “The Gentleman” — for a conversation that goes far beyond fighting.Find Will Here- https://www.instagram.com/will.dermietzel?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&stkn=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Will is open and unapologetic about his battles with mental health, living with ADHD, and the different sides of his personality that exist inside and outside the trigon.We talk about why bare-knuckle boxing appealed to him in the first place and why he describes the sport as something primal — perhaps the closest thing we have in the modern world to the gladiators of the past.But behind the brutality is a very different side to the man.Will reflects on the viral stoppage of Jordan Tompkins and the conflicting emotions of winning a fight while simultaneously realising that the opponent standing across from you has been seriously hurt.It’s a moment that perfectly captures one of the contradictions of combat sports: two people can inflict enormous damage on one another and still share genuine respect and camaraderie afterwards. Will and Jordan have since become friends.We also explore the mentality required to cross that line from everyday life into fight mode.Will describes what happens as he enters the trigon — gradually letting go of the version of himself that exists outside the ropes and allowing another side to take over. The gentleman remains outside; the fighter has a job to do.This isn’t simply a conversation about bare-knuckle boxing.It’s about identity, violence, ADHD, mental health, masculinity, vulnerability and what drives someone towards one of the most unforgiving combat sports in the world.This episode gets to know the man behind the bare-knuckle boxer.🎙️ The Talking Tradesman Podcast with Will Dermeitzel — “The Gentleman.”Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and all major podcast platforms.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Will the Gentleman Dermietzel 00:46 Will's viral fight and injury details03:57 The emotional impact of injury and victory05:18 Jordan's injury and close call in the fight07:01 Humility and character in fighters07:51 The contrast of gentleness and brutality09:48 The primal nature of fighting and evolution11:48 The unique ring shape and fight environment15:03 Fighting five rounds without gloves16:31 Dealing with defeat and resilience17:57 The mental health journey and coping mechanisms33:04 Society, masculinity, and mental health in men48:12 The future of bare-knuckle fighting and growth59:56 Will's plans beyond fighting and purpose01:12:08 Closing thoughts and upcoming ventures

To kick off a new partnership between The Talking Tradesman and Brewers Decorator Centres, I sat down with Brewers Jo Cotton for a special episode looking at the newly upgraded Albany paint range.Albany has been part of the decorating industry for more than 100 years, but the range has now undergone a major refresh, with new formulations, improved performance and new products designed around the needs of today’s professional decorator.Check out the range at - https://www.brewers.co.ukJo takes us behind the scenes of the development process, from product testing and feedback from decorators through to the improvements in opacity, coverage and overall performance.We also take a closer look at some of the new products, including AF1 ceiling paint, and hear what else Brewers has planned for the Albany range in the future.If you’re a professional decorator, use Albany products already, or simply want to know what’s changed and whether the new range deserves a place in your van, this is a must-watch.This episode marks the beginning of an exciting new partnership between The Talking Tradesman and Brewers Decorator Centres.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the podcast and guest00:41 Partnership between Brewers and Talking Tradesmen01:07 Introduction to Joe Cotton and his role02:03 Background and history of the Albany brand03:01 Albany's market positioning and perception05:21 Reasons for refreshing the Albany range07:14 What has changed in the new range10:36 Product testing and formulation process14:00 Key features of the new products21:46 Details about the AF1 ceiling paint30:03 Upcoming product launches and future plans32:27 Summary and closing remarks

What happens when life forces you to stop, take stock and face something far bigger than work?In this episode of The Talking Tradesman, I sit down with Jamie, a plumbing and heating engineer whose journey has taken him from dreams of becoming a footballer, through more than two decades in the trade, to starting his own business and facing a diagnosis of prostate cancer.Find Jamie here - https://www.instagram.com/rla_heating?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&stkn=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Jamie never originally planned on becoming a plumber. At 16, football was the direction he thought his life was heading until injury changed everything. With some firm encouragement from his dad, himself an experienced plumbing and heating engineer, Jamie began a five-year apprenticeship.He hated the first couple of years.But he stuck with it.Over time, the job he never wanted became his career, eventually leading Jamie to take another huge step and launch RLA Heating Limited.We talk about the realities of leaving the security of employment, building a business from scratch, dealing directly with customers and why Jamie now wishes he’d made the jump sooner.But this conversation goes far beyond work.Jamie opens up about being diagnosed with prostate cancer, the treatment that followed and the impact the experience has had on his life.We talk openly about prostate cancer awareness, men’s reluctance to discuss their health, the importance of recognising when something isn’t right and why these conversations need to happen more often.We also look to the future of the heating industry, including changing technology, air conditioning in UK homes and where Jamie believes the trade could be heading next.This is a conversation about work, business, family, health and what really matters when life suddenly puts everything else into perspective.Another honest conversation on The Talking Tradesman.

Comedian Russ Lee joins Russell Payne for a raw, funny and deeply personal conversation about the extraordinary life behind the laughs.Russ’s route into comedy was anything but conventional.Find Russ herehttps://www.instagram.com/russleecomedy?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&stkn=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Growing up in Nottingham , his story takes us through his early years, the choices and experiences that shaped him, brushes with crime, relationships, fatherhood and the twists and turns of a life that eventually led him somewhere he never expected: stand-up comedy.But the defining moment came on Christmas Day, when Russ suffered a devastating brain haemorrhage.Rushed to hospital, his condition was so serious that his wife was told to get the family together because doctors weren’t sure he would survive the night.He did.And coming that close to death forced Russ to look at his life differently.During his recovery, he made a decision that would completely change its direction. He was going to become a stand-up comedian.In this episode, Russ takes us through that journey, from the experiences that shaped the man he became to finding his place on stage and building a career making other people laugh.But, as with so many comedians, there’s much more behind the humour.Russ and Russell talk openly about mental health, resilience, identity, relationships, mistakes, personal growth and what happens when life suddenly reminds you just how fragile it can be. They also explore the changing landscape of comedy, the importance of authenticity and Russ’s passion for supporting mental health charities and using his experiences to help others.There are plenty of laughs, but underneath them is a remarkable story about survival, perspective and second chances.This isn’t simply the story of a comedian.It’s the story of the life that created one.🎙️ The Talking Tradesman Podcast with Russell PayneReal people. Real stories. Honest conversations about life, mental health, adversity and everything that happens behind the public face.

What happens when some of the darkest moments of your life eventually become fuel for making other people laugh?Jimmy O’Neill, better known as The Wigan Joker, joins me for a raw, funny and at times incredibly difficult conversation about the man behind the comedian.Find Jimmy Here - https://www.instagram.com/the_wigan_joker?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsi=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Growing up in Wigan, Jimmy’s childhood was overshadowed by violence, instability and a complicated relationship with his father. He speaks openly about witnessing domestic violence at home, having his confidence shattered at a young age and the lasting impact those experiences had on the person he became.But this isn’t simply a story about trauma.Jimmy takes us through the unlikely journey from a quiet, damaged kid to standing on stage making rooms full of people laugh. We explore why comedy seems to attract people carrying their own pain, where the Wigan Joker persona ends and Jimmy O’Neill begins, and the period when Jimmy became convinced that being a great comedian meant being a tortured one.We also get into the changing world of comedy.Jimmy shares his thoughts on cancel culture, political correctness, being blacklisted from parts of the comedy circuit and why he believes comedy should remain one of the few places where almost anything can be explored through humour.We talk about the craft of telling a joke, the rise of social media and independent creators, the changing route into entertainment and why comedians no longer need the traditional gatekeepers to build an audience.Underneath all of it is a fascinating conversation about trauma, resilience, identity, forgiveness, self-destruction and the extraordinary ability to turn painful experiences into something that makes other people smile.Jimmy may be known as The Wigan Joker.This episode introduces you to the man behind the laughs.🎙️ The Talking Tradesman Podcast

Simon Ibekwe’s journey to becoming one of Britain’s most exciting heavyweight prospects has been anything but conventional.Just three weeks after getting the call, Simon stepped into the ring in Thailand on the undercard of Tyson Fury’s final fight and produced the biggest moment of his career so far. 28 seconds. One devastating knockout. A moment that went viral and put the heavyweight division on notice.Find Simon Here -https://www.instagram.com/simon_ibekwe?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsi=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==But this episode isn’t just about the knockout.We get to know the man behind the boxer.Simon opens up about growing up in Tottenham, his family and faith, his journey from football into teaching and eventually professional boxing, and the setbacks and cancelled fights that tested his patience long before the world started paying attention.We also break down exactly what happened against Daniel Bear, the game plan going into the fight, the moment Simon knew his opponent was hurt, and how life has changed since that knockout exploded across social media.Now unbeaten and with momentum firmly behind him, Simon talks about the opportunities ahead, why he refuses to get carried away by the hype, and his determination to turn one huge moment into a serious career at the top of the heavyweight division.Is Simon Ibekwe the next genuine threat in British heavyweight boxing?This is the story behind the 28 seconds everyone saw, and the years of work they didn’t.🎙️ The Talking Tradesman Podcast with Simon Ibekwe.Available now on YouTube, and all major podcast platforms.

In this powerful episode of The Talking Tradesman Podcast, Russell sits down with boxer Corrie Mustafa for a raw conversation about neurodiversity, childhood trauma, family, identity and finding purpose through boxing.Find Corrie here https://www.instagram.com/coza_boxing?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Diagnosed with ADHD, Asperger’s and Tourette’s from a young age, Corrie opens up about growing up feeling different, being heavily medicated and struggling to understand why his mind worked the way it did. He talks candidly about bullying, emotional dysregulation and the impact medication had on him, describing periods of his childhood where he felt numb and disconnected from himself.Corrie also takes us inside a complicated upbringing. From being raised partly by his grandmother in Hackney to feelings of abandonment, difficult family relationships and being made to feel like the “problem child”, he reflects on experiences that continued to affect him long into adulthood.But this is also a story about finding an outlet.Boxing gave Corrie somewhere to put the chaos.What began as a way of channelling his energy and emotions became a source of discipline, identity and purpose. We talk about his journey into the fight game, his experiences as a boxer, his ambitions for the future and the lessons the sport has taught him about himself.Corrie also explains how understanding his neurodiversity as an adult has completely changed his perspective. Traits he once saw as weaknesses have, in many ways, become some of his greatest strengths.This is a brutally open conversation about what can happen when a child who feels different grows into an adult determined to finally understand himself.In this episode:• Growing up with ADHD, Asperger’s and Tourette’s• Being heavily medicated from a young age• Bullying and feeling like an outsider• Emotional dysregulation and anger• Childhood trauma and complicated family relationships• Abandonment and the search for belonging• Finding boxing as a positive outlet• How boxing gave Corrie discipline and purpose• Understanding neurodiversity as an adult• Corrie’s boxing career and ambitions for the futureIf Corrie’s story resonates with you, share the episode with someone who needs to hear it.The Talking Tradesman Podcast explores the conversations that often go unspoken, from mental health and addiction to adversity, identity, resilience and the experiences that shape who we become.Subscribe for more honest conversations and new episodes of The Talking Tradesman Podcast.

What happens when drinking stops being something you do… and starts becoming part of who you are?In this episode of The Talking Tradesman, I sit down with Steven Mitchell to talk openly about his journey from heavy drinking and alcohol addiction to sobriety — and the impact that decision has had on his mental health, his family, his relationships and the way he now lives his life.Find Steven Here - https://www.instagram.com/alcoholfreeandme?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Growing up in Scotland and later working within the trades and construction industry, alcohol was everywhere. Drinking was normalised from a young age and became deeply embedded in the culture around him. From the age of 13 through to 35, alcohol remained a constant part of Steven's life.But eventually something had to change.Steven talks about recognising his relationship with alcohol, finding a strong enough reason to stop drinking, and why his kids became his biggest motivation for staying sober.We get into the reality of sober life — not just giving up alcohol, but learning how to socialise without drinking, finding new sources of enjoyment and dealing with the parts of your personality that previously relied on a pint.Steven has replaced drinking with running, hiking, climbing mountains and setting himself new challenges, discovering that life without alcohol doesn’t have to mean missing out. In many ways, it’s given him more.We also discuss the wider drinking culture within construction and the trades, the relationship between alcohol and mental health, and why conversations around addiction, alcoholism and substance misuse need to become more normal within our industry.This isn’t an anti-alcohol conversation.It’s an honest conversation about recognising when something is no longer serving you, understanding your own limits and having a strong enough “why” to make a change.For Steven, that why is simple: his kids.From alcoholism and addiction to sobriety, fatherhood, mental health, running, mountain hiking and learning how to be fully present again — there’s a lot in this one.🎙️ The Talking TradesmanTopics include: sobriety, sober life, alcohol addiction, alcoholism, quitting alcohol, drinking culture, construction industry, tradespeople, mental health in construction, men’s mental health, addiction recovery, fatherhood, personal growth, running, hiking, health and lifestyle change.Chapters00:00 Introduction and guest background01:32 Stevens early drinking habits and cultural influences04:16 Realisation of alcohol problems and decision to quit09:30 Balancing work, family, and drinking habits14:55 The impact of drinking culture in trades20:41 Setting goals through running and mountain climbing30:24 The importance of having a 'why' for sobriety36:33 Managing social situations and peer pressure48:59 The profound effect of sobriety on life and family55:53 The importance of responsibility and support in recovery

What drives someone to leave the comfort of home, travel to northern Nigeria, and step into one of the world’s oldest and most brutal combat sports?In this episode, I sit down with documentary filmmaker and adventurer Luke Leyland, the first white Westerner to compete in Dambe—an ancient Hausa fighting tradition that is as much about culture, history and identity as it is about combat. Rather than observing from the sidelines, Luke immersed himself in the community, trained alongside local fighters, earned their respect, and ultimately made history inside the arena. Find Luke here -https://www.instagram.com/lukeleyland1?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==But this conversation goes far beyond one fight.We explore what drives Luke’s obsession with the world’s most unusual combat sports, why he believes stepping into another culture is the greatest way to understand it, and how combat can become a bridge between people rather than something that divides them. From the brutal realities of Dambe to competing professionally in medieval armoured combat—and the extraordinary challenges he plans to take on next—Luke is constantly searching for experiences that push him physically, mentally and culturally. This is a conversation about courage, curiosity, purpose, and what happens when you’re willing to walk into the unknown.In this episode we discuss:* Becoming the first white Westerner to fight professionally in Dambe* The history and traditions behind Nigeria’s ancient combat sport* Training for a fight with no blueprint to follow* Respect, culture and breaking barriers through shared experiences* Medieval armoured combat and fighting in full steel armour* The psychology of stepping into fear* Luke’s mission to uncover and document extraordinary combat sports around the worldIf you’ve ever wondered what lies beyond mainstream sport—or what happens when someone chooses experience over comfort—this is an episode you won’t forget.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Luke Leyland and the podcast00:19 Luke's journey into combat sports and documentary filmmaking02:01 Discovery of Dambe and initial interest03:02 Getting in touch with Nigerian promoters04:20 The significance of making history in Dambe 05:03 What is Dambe and its origins07:07 The Amazon Prime documentary and cultural immersion09:38 The hand wrapping and spiritual practices in Dambe14:35 Experiencing the sport and taking hits15:39 Rules and techniques in Dambe17:10 Training and fighting strategies19:32 Why Luke chose to fight in Nigeria22:52 The mindset of destiny and conquering26:06 Overcoming fears and taking next steps28:10 Security and cultural differences in Nigeria30:24 Training in the UK for Dambe32:32 The fight with Shagon and fight analysis37:36 Lessons learned and cultural appreciation38:32 Reflections on the experience and future plans43:47 Next adventures and other unique sports59:15 Luke's advocacy for mental health and community support01:04:23 The importance of community initiatives and charities01:05:22 Closing thoughts and social media links

Mental health isn’t just something Rob Hennessy talks about—it’s something he’s lived.Find Rob here -https://www.instagram.com/rob_hennessy_decor?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, Rob opens up about the experiences that have shaped him, from debilitating anxiety that has left him completely floored on more than one occasion, to the physical and mental challenge of recovering from a serious workplace accident that left him with a broken leg.Rather than allowing those moments to define him, Rob has turned his experiences into a mission: helping others realise that it’s okay not to be okay. Through his unwavering commitment to community, connection, and creating safe spaces for people to talk, he’s become a passionate advocate for improving mental health and encouraging honest conversations.Together, we explore what anxiety really feels like, how trauma can affect every aspect of life, and the practical habits, mindset shifts, and support systems that have helped Rob navigate some of his darkest moments. We also discuss why community matters so much, the life-changing impact of checking in on the people around us, and why two simple words—“Well done”—can be incredibly powerful when someone takes the brave step of asking for help.Whether you’re facing your own mental health challenges, supporting someone who is, or simply want to understand more about resilience and the power of human connection, this episode is full of honesty, hope, and practical takeaways.In this episode, we discuss:* Rob’s personal battle with anxiety and the moments that brought him to his knees* Recovering physically and mentally after a serious workplace accident* The importance of community and creating safe spaces to talk* Why vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness* Practical ways to manage anxiety and build resilience* The power of purpose, connection, and supporting others* Why small conversations can make a life-changing differenceIf this conversation resonates with you, please share it with someone who might need to hear it. You never know whose life could be changed by a single conversation.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Podcasting and Mental Health Conversations01:44 Rob Hennessy's Journey with Mental Health06:35 Childhood Influences on Mental Health11:44 Navigating Adult Life with Anxiety16:54 The Role of Counseling and Medication in Mental Health19:07 Managing Mental Health: The Journey Begins21:54 Tools for Mental Wellness: Journaling and Daily Routines25:36 Understanding Anxiety: Personal Experiences and Insights28:49 The Importance of Open Conversations About Mental Health31:45 Reaching In: Supporting Others in Their Struggles35:42 Creating Safe Spaces: The Role of Community39:51 The Power of Connection: Personal Stories and Support Networks47:48 From Breakdown to Breakthrough: A Personal Transformation51:47 Facing Darkness: A Personal Journey57:45 The Value of Trauma and Shared Experiences01:03:48 Investing in Yourself: The Importance of Self-Care01:09:47 Education and Mental Health: A Call for Change01:15:49 Finding Purpose Through Adversity: A New Path01:18:11 Overcoming Adversity: A Personal Journey01:21:52 Mental Health and Recovery01:28:43 Financial Struggles and Self-Employment01:30:42 Community Support and Connection01:33:48 Ambassadorships and Industry Recognition01:39:56 Looking Ahead: Future Opportunities