The Talking Tradesman

Russell Payne

Raising mental health awareness throughout the uk building trades and beyond. Proving insight, knowledge and entertainment on a subject that needs attention and action.

  1. 1d ago

    "I Was Sober, But I Hadn't Changed" Addiction, Faith & Finding Jesus - Joshua Hammond

    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

  2. Oct 5

    ADHD, Addiction & Finding Your Superpowers - Sam Beresford, ADHD Coach

    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

  3. Sep 29

    Inside The Mind Of A Bare Knuckle Boxer - "The Gentleman" Will Dermietzel

    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

  4. Sep 22

    The New Albany Paint Range From Brewers - What's changed & Why

    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

  5. Sep 15

    The Diagnosis That Changed Everything - Prostrate Cancer, Business and Life. Jamie - RLA Heating

    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.

  6. Sep 8

    He Wasn't Expected To Survive The Night, The Russ Lee Story

    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.

  7. Sep 1

    The Wigan Joker - Childhood Trauma, Comedy, Controversy & The Man Behind The Laughs

    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

  8. Aug 25

    The 28 - Second Knockout That Changed Everything. Simon Ibekwe

    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.

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Raising mental health awareness throughout the uk building trades and beyond. Proving insight, knowledge and entertainment on a subject that needs attention and action.

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