The Talking Tradesman Russell Payne

Russ & Matt delve into the guest's background, including his upbringing, coming out as gay, and his career journey from working in the civil service to becoming a painter and decorator.

Find Matt here -

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

The conversation touches on themes of family, acceptance, and personal growth. The conversation covers various topics including experiences in school, the education system, identity, and alcoholism. Matt discusses his personal experiences with school, including instances of discrimination and mistreatment.

They also touch on the current state of the education system and the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. The conversation then shifts to the topic of identity and the hosts share their thoughts on the use of labels and pronouns. They also discuss the issue of accepting and accommodating different identities in society. The conversation concludes with a discussion on alcoholism and the impact it has on individuals and their relationships.

The conversation explores the theme of grief and bereavement, focusing on the personal experiences of losing a close friend. The speaker shares the story of his friend's sudden death and the impact it had on his life. They discuss the importance of talking about death and the taboo surrounding the topic. The conversation also touches on the struggle of hiding one's true identity and the need for acceptance and understanding. Overall, the conversation highlights the need for open and honest discussions about grief, death, and identity.

In this final part of the conversation, Matt discusses the challenges of being a gay painter and decorator and how his sexuality has become a unique selling point. He shares a story about a customer who hired him specifically because he felt safe with a gay decorator. Matt also talks about his decision to focus on interior work and his plans for the future. The conversation ends with a discussion about mental health in the construction industry and the importance of talking about struggles and seeking support.

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Dan Rolfe, a painter and decorator, joins the podcast to discuss his journey with mental health.

Find Dan Here -

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

He opens up about his childhood, growing up in a single-parent household, and the absence of a father figure. Dan shares his struggles with anxiety and depression, as well as his tendency to avoid responsibilities and shut down.

He also talks about his need for validation and feeling like he's always second best. Despite these challenges, Dan emphasises the importance of being a good person and finding happiness in serving others. Dan discusses his journey through various jobs and how he eventually started his own painting and decorating business.

He opens up about his struggles with mental health and how it impacted his business. He also talks about his experiences traveling alone and how it has helped him build confidence and find his purpose. In this final part of the conversation, Russ and Dan discuss the importance of being authentic and open on social media, the challenges of working with the BBC, and Dan's travel experiences.

They also explore the idea of Dan creating content around different industries and skill exchanges. Dan shares his passion for creating content and his desire to find his niche in the market. They wrap up the conversation by discussing the future of their respective businesses and the importance of supporting each other.

Matt and Stacey from Custom Build Bros join Russ in the studio to discuss their journey in the woodworking industry and navigating the difficult circumstances after business partner Jack suffered a stroke..

Find Custom Build Bro's here -

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

They talk about how they started the business, their passion for working with wood, and the unique projects they have undertaken, such as building a canal boat and converting camper vans. They also discuss the challenges they have faced, including Jack's stroke and the impact it has had on the business.

Stacey's role in marketing and social media is highlighted as a crucial aspect of their success. In this conversation, Russ, Matt, and Stace discuss their journey as the Custom Build Bros and the importance of marketing and social media in the construction industry. They emphasize the need to be authentic and showcase their personalities through their social media presence.

They also touch on the challenges they have faced, including Jack's stroke and the impact it has had on their business. Despite the setbacks, they remain resilient and committed to their vision. The conversation ends with a message of support for Jack's recovery and a promise to continue their success together.

**Trigger warning - contains talk of suicide & suicidal thoughts**

Aled from How's Dad discusses his work in creating spaces for dads to talk openly about mental health and bond with their children.

Find Aled here

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

The conversation touches on the lack of support for fathers' mental health, the importance of fathers in child development, and the societal expectations placed on men. Aled shares his own experience of a mental health breakdown and a suicide attempt, highlighting the need to address these issues openly and honestly.

The conversation also explores the cultural pressure on men in Wales to conform to traditional masculine stereotypes. Aled shares his experience of having suicidal thoughts and attempting to take his own life. He discusses the recurring nightmares he had about sacrificing himself to protect his family and the intense feelings of not being enough as a husband and father.

Aled reflects on the moment he almost went through with his suicide attempt but was stopped by his son's unexpected display of affection. He emphasizes the importance of talking about mental health and the need to challenge societal expectations of masculinity. Russ also acknowledges the impact his actions had on his wife and family and the ongoing journey of forgiveness and self-acceptance. Aled shares his regret about his suicide attempt but also expresses gratitude for still being alive and using his negative experience as a positive force to support others.

He discusses the concept of post-traumatic growth and how he has found purpose in his life by helping other fathers who may be in a similar position. Aled emphasises the importance of reaching out for support and encourages others to take a few minutes to talk to someone before making impulsive decisions. He also highlights the need to break the stigma around mental health and urges people to be open and unashamed about their struggles.

In this conversation, Murph the Painter shares his journey from being bullied as a child to finding his passion for painting and decorating.

Find Murph here

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

https://www.tiktok.com/@murphthepainter?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

He talks about the turning point in his life when a classmate stood up for him and put an end to the bullying. Murph also discusses the challenges and rewards of running his own business and the importance of self-employment for his personal growth.

He shares his experience with social media, particularly TikTok, and how it has helped him connect with others in the industry. Overall, the conversation highlights the resilience and determination of Murph in pursuing his passion and overcoming obstacles. In this conversation, Russ and Murph discuss various topics related to their experiences in the painting and decorating industry.

They talk about their accents, their interactions with other professionals through social media, and their experiences with different paint brands. They also touch on the importance of social media in marketing and networking, as well as the physical toll that the trade can take on their bodies. The conversation ends with a discussion about mental health in the industry and the importance of communication and understanding.

In this conversation, Russ and Victoria delve into the different types of eating disorders, such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder, and the differences between men and women in terms of prevalence and presentation.

Find Victoria here

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

They also explore the triggers and underlying causes of eating disorders, including trauma and societal pressures. The conversation highlights the importance of addressing the underlying issues and providing support for individuals with eating disorders.

The conversation explores the treatment and support options for eating disorders, focusing on the combination of psychotherapy and medication. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is highlighted as an effective approach for bulimia and binge eating. The importance of understanding oneself and developing practical strategies to manage urges is emphasized.

The conversation also touches on the first steps individuals can take to explore whether they might have an eating disorder, as well as how concerned friends and family members can support someone they suspect is suffering. The impact of societal pressures and the fitness industry on body image and eating disorders is discussed, along with the correlation between neurodiversity and eating disorders. In this final part of the conversation, Russ and Victoria discuss the impact of culture and family dynamics on mental health, the importance of creating a nurturing home environment, and coping mechanisms such as journaling and ice diving. Victoria also shares her virtual and in-person interior design services and her goal of helping people create safe and comforting spaces. The conversation ends with a reminder to prioritize self-care and the power of long-form conversations.