The Talking Tradesman

Russell Payne
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  • Mental Health
  • Updated Weekly

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. 3d ago

    Growing Up With ADHD, Aspergers, Tourette's & Trauma - Boxing Changed Everything - Corrie Mustafa

    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.

  2. Aug 11

    22 Years Of Drinking, Why I Finally Chose Sobriety - Steven Mitchell

    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

  3. Aug 5

    The First Westerner to fight Dambe - Luke Leyland's Extraordinary Journey into Ancient Combat

    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

  4. Jul 7

    Anxiety Brought Me To My Knees, Rob Hennessy on Mental Health, Recovery & Resilience

    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

  5. Jun 30

    The Untold Story of Big Boy MMA, Body Shots, UFC Dreams & The Truth about Fight Culture

    He started filming videos with fighters… now he’s one of the biggest personalities in MMA social media. But who is Kian King when the cameras stop rolling?Find Big Boy MMA here - https://www.instagram.com/bigboymma__?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==In this episode of The Talking Tradesman, I sit down with Kian King, better known as Big Boy MMA, to go beyond the viral clips and discover the person behind one of combat sport’s fastest-growing brands.From his upbringing and the experiences that shaped him, to building a platform that now gives him access to some of the biggest names in mixed martial arts, Kian opens up about the journey that very few people get to hear.We also dive into his infamous body shot challenge, where he’s willingly taking brutal shots from some of the hardest hitters in combat sports in pursuit of his ultimate goal—earning a UFC ticket. Along the way, he shares the physical and mental toll it’s taken, the stories behind some of the biggest names he’s worked with, and why he’s willing to keep putting himself on the line. Naturally, the conversation heads deep into the fight game. We discuss the biggest personalities in MMA, the rise of influencer boxing, the evolution of bare-knuckle fighting, and what the future holds for combat sports. Kian also shares behind-the-scenes stories from working with elite fighters, how social media has changed the industry forever, and what really goes on away from the cameras.But more than anything, this is a conversation about ambition. About backing yourself, creating opportunities where none exist, and turning a genuine passion into a career.Whether you’re an MMA fanatic, fascinated by the creator economy, or simply enjoy hearing the stories behind successful people, there’s plenty to take away from this one.In this episode we cover:* The real story behind Big Boy MMA* Kian King’s upbringing and life before social media* Building one of the UK’s fastest-growing MMA platforms* The insane body shot challenge and the pursuit of UFC tickets* Behind-the-scenes stories with some of the biggest names in combat sports* The future of MMA, influencer boxing and bare-knuckle fighting* The reality of building a career through social media* What it really takes to turn passion into purposeChapters00:00 Introduction to Big Boy MMA02:12 The Journey of Kean King10:40 School Days and Early Experiences11:43 Career Aspirations and Early Jobs13:08 The Body Shot Everyday Series17:50 Meeting MMA Legends22:15 Building Trust in the MMA Community25:46 The Future of Combat Sports and Predictions27:09 The Eddie Hall vs. Tommy Fury Showdown31:35 Influencer Boxing and Personal Aspirations34:29 Navigating the World of Social Media and Confidence40:29 Mental Health and Body Image in the Spotlight42:55 The Impact of Social Media Fame48:55 Weight Cuts and Fighter Health53:34 Surprising Encounters with Fighters54:18 The Social Side of Fighting56:53 Authenticity in Podcasting58:45 The Down-to-Earth Nature of Influencers01:00:35 The Hardest Hits in Combat Sports01:04:47 The Rise of Bare Knuckle Fighting01:08:46 Memorable Fighters and Their Stories01:14:50 The Importance of Staying Grounded01:20:46 Final Thoughts and Motivational Messages

  6. Jun 22

    From Eating Disorders & Trauma to High Performance - James Roffey

    From Eating Disorders, Trauma & Addiction to High Performance | James Roffey What does it take to rebuild yourself when life has completely broken you down? In this powerful episode of The Talking Tradesman, I sit down with James Roffey, a high-performance mindset coach whose own journey through trauma, eating disorders, addiction, and mental health struggles has shaped the work he now does helping others transform their lives. At just 17 years old, James developed an eating disorder that would consume more than a decade of his life. What started as anorexia eventually developed into bulimia, leading him down a path of self-destruction, poor mental health, and a battle to find his identity beyond the struggles he was facing. After years of recovery, self-development, and rebuilding his life from the ground up, James has gone on to coach business owners, leaders, and high-performing men to improve their mindset, health, and overall performance.   This isn’t just a conversation about mental health. It’s a conversation about what it means to be a man in today’s world. We discuss the pressures men face, why so many suffer in silence, the impact of childhood experiences on adult behaviour, and why physical health, fitness, purpose, and accountability are often the foundations for improving mental wellbeing. James shares his own lived experience of trauma, recovery, and resilience, whilst also drawing upon years of coaching experience working with men who are struggling with confidence, direction, stress, burnout, and self-worth. We explore the mindset shifts that create lasting change, why self-awareness is one of the most powerful skills you can develop, and how small daily habits can completely alter the trajectory of your life. We also dive into practical strategies around performance, including fitness, nutrition, recovery, sleep optimisation, biohacking, and the use of technology to improve both physical and mental wellbeing. More importantly, we discuss how these principles can be applied in the real world, particularly within the construction industry, where long hours, physical demands, financial pressure, and poor mental health continue to affect thousands of tradespeople every day. James explains how he has developed coaching programmes specifically designed for tradespeople, helping them improve their physical health, mindset, energy levels, productivity, and overall quality of life without unrealistic expectations or complicated routines. This is an honest conversation about adversity, accountability, resilience, masculinity, personal growth, and what it really takes to become the best version of yourself. In this episode we discuss: • James’ battle with anorexia and bulimia • Trauma, addiction, and mental health recovery • The challenges facing men in modern society • Why so many men struggle to ask for help • Mindset, discipline, and personal responsibility • Fitness and mental health • High-performance coaching principles • Self-awareness and emotional intelligence • Biohacking, sleep, recovery, and productivity • Building habits that create lasting change • The unique challenges faced by tradespeople • Improving physical and mental wellbeing in construction Whether you’re a tradesperson, business owner, parent, or someone simply trying to improve their life, this episode is packed with practical insights, honest conversation, and valuable lessons from somebody who’s lived through the darkest moments and come out the other side.

  7. Jun 17

    The Conversation that Could Save a Life - Rose Rowkins on Suicide Prevention

    How to Talk About Suicide - Rose Rowkins on Prevention, Stigma & Saving LivesSuicide remains one of the biggest public health challenges we face, yet many of us still feel uncomfortable talking about it.In this powerful and essential episode of The Talking Tradesman Podcast, I sit down with Rose Rowkins, a psychotherapist, speaker, and suicide prevention specialist who has dedicated her career to helping people develop the confidence and skills needed to support those in crisis. Through her work delivering suicide prevention training and founding Start The Conversation, Rose has helped countless individuals and organisations understand how open, honest conversations can save lives. Find Rose here -https://www.instagram.com/start_the_conv?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Together, we tackle one of society’s most difficult subjects.How do we recognise when someone is struggling? What do we say if we’re worried about a friend, colleague, family member, or workmate? Why are so many people still afraid to talk openly about suicide? And what role do all of us have in preventing it?Rose shares practical advice, real-world experience, and simple but powerful tools that can help anyone start these conversations with confidence. We explore the myths surrounding suicide, the warning signs that are often missed, and why asking direct questions could be the first step towards getting someone the support they need.We also discuss the unique challenges facing the construction industry, where stigma, isolation, and a culture of “getting on with it” can often stop people from speaking up when they’re struggling.This isn’t a conversation about having all the answers.It’s about understanding that you don’t need to be a therapist to make a difference. Sometimes the most important thing you can do is start the conversation.In this episode:* How to talk to someone you’re worried about* Suicide prevention myths and misconceptions* Recognising warning signs and risk factors* Why people often struggle in silence* Mental health and suicide in construction* Building confidence to have difficult conversations* Reducing stigma around suicide and mental health* Practical tools that could help save a lifeIf you’ve ever worried about someone but didn’t know what to say, this episode is for you.The conversation could feel uncomfortable.Not having it could cost far more.Chapters00:00 Understanding Suicide and Its Impact04:19 The Journey into Suicide Prevention08:47 The Role of Friends in Suicide Prevention10:36 Reaching In: A New Approach to Support15:03 The Importance of Starting Conversations15:34 First Aid for Mental Health20:49 The Reality of Suicidal Thoughts24:52 The Need for Honest Conversations31:51 Creating Safe Spaces in Communities35:34 The Ripple Effect of Suicide38:22 Support Systems for Survivors of Suicide41:42 Introduction and Setting the Stage43:20 Trusting Your Gut: Starting Conversations About Mental Health46:36 Tools for Talking About Suicide48:43 Navigating the Conversation: Where and When to Talk51:09 The Importance of Active Listening53:22 Understanding the Impact of Fixing vs. Listening55:56 Recognizing Signs of Distress Beyond Words59:25 The Role of Community in Mental Health01:01:48 Learning from the Past: Recognizing Signs of Distress01:03:40 The Need for Proactive Engagement01:14:38 Creating a Livable Life: Beyond Conversations01:18:38 Building Community Connections01:22:13 Honoring Those Lost: Speak Their Name Initiative

  8. Jun 10

    From Childhood Trauma to Addiction ; Reece Ishmail's Powerful Recovery Story

    What happens when childhood trauma, addiction and self-destruction take over your life?In this powerful episode of The Talking Tradesman Podcast, I sit down with Reece, a roofer whose life journey has taken him through some of the darkest places imaginable before finding recovery, purpose and hope.Find Reece Here - https://www.instagram.com/annex_roofing?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Growing up in an environment shaped by trauma and abuse, Reece found himself carrying emotional wounds long before he understood the impact they would have on his future. As the years passed, those unresolved struggles fuelled a battle with addiction that spiralled out of control, leading him down a path of substance abuse, mental health struggles, rehabilitation and complete rock bottom.Reece speaks openly and honestly about the reality of addiction, the lies it tells you, the relationships it destroys, and the devastating effect it can have on every area of your life. He shares what it was like living in active addiction, the moment he realised something had to change, and the difficult road that followed as he fought to rebuild himself from the ground up.Today, Reece lives a clean and sober life and uses his experiences to help others understand that recovery is possible, no matter how hopeless things may seem. His story is a powerful reminder that addiction is often the symptom, not the cause, and that healing starts when we’re willing to confront the things we’ve spent years trying to escape.This conversation explores childhood trauma, addiction recovery, sobriety, mental health, rehabilitation, resilience, personal growth, men’s mental health and the life-changing power of speaking openly about our struggles.Whether you’ve battled addiction yourself, supported a loved one through recovery, or simply want to hear an incredible story of resilience and transformation, this is an episode you won’t forget.Topics Covered:✅ Childhood trauma and abuse✅ Addiction and substance abuse✅ Drug recovery and rehabilitation✅ Mental health and men’s mental health✅ Sobriety and staying clean✅ The impact of unresolved trauma✅ Recovery after rock bottom✅ Personal growth and resilience✅ Construction industry mental health✅ Finding purpose after addictionIf this episode helps you, inspires you, or makes you think differently about addiction and recovery, please share it. You never know who might need to hear this story today.Chapters00:00 Childhood and Family Dynamics01:12 The Impact of Abuse and Dysfunction04:25 Transition to Wales and New Challenges07:24 School Life and Behavioral Changes10:26 Early Encounters with Drugs13:32 Finding Stability in Work and Family16:24 The Role of Substance Use in Adolescence19:23 Reflections on Addiction and Recovery25:53 The Social Acceptance of Alcohol vs. Drugs28:23 Personal Experiences with Alcohol and Drug Use31:56 The Progression of Addiction and Its Impact35:08 Recognizing the Problem and Seeking Help39:41 The Turning Point: Entering Rehabilitation51:21 The Journey of Recovery and Finding Hope01:04:15 The Power of Conversation and Mental Health01:07:54 Breaking Down Barriers: Sharing Personal Stories01:10:24 Finding Freedom: Life After Addiction01:14:59 Rebuilding Relationships and Finding Purpose01:17:29 The Importance of Purpose in Sobriety01:22:12 Cultural Norms and the Need for Change01:25:30 The Role of Community in Recovery01:30:44 Generational Patterns and Emotional Awareness

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About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Russell Payne
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    146
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Russell Payne
  • Show Website
    The Talking Tradesman

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