Trade Legends — The UK's number 1 Tradesman & Construction Podcast

Trade Legends
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Trade Legends is the UK’s #1 weekly construction podcast, hosted by Alex (Big Al) and Mark (MJTIFF). Each week, we speak with tradesmen and tradeswomen from across the building industry—carpenters, plumbers, electricians, builders, bricklayers, plasterers, apprentices, and more. Guests share real stories from life on the tools, covering skills, pay, apprenticeships, mental health, safety, and running a business. Honest talk, laughs, and inspiration from the legends of the UK trades. New episodes every week.

  1. 4D AGO

    Most Trades Businesses FAIL Because Of This | Trade Legends Podcast

    n this episode of Trade Legends, the team sits down with Russ and Kev to discuss the incredible evolution of their careers since their first appearances on the show. Russ shares the high-stakes journey of scaling his podcast, Talking Tradesmen, which grew from a nervous start in a small office to a professional high-street studio despite nearly reaching a financial breaking point with only £80 left in his business account. The conversation dives deep into the power of community and mental health awareness in the construction industry, highlighting how Russ has transitioned from simple advocacy to direct action through large-scale charity events and networking meetups, such as the upcoming boat party.The Trade Legends duo also catches up with Kev, who has seen massive success with his own brand of specialised painting tools and brushes now being stocked by major retailers like Dulux and Johnsons. Kev opens up about the grit required to juggle life on the tools with the gruelling demands of product development, including the emotional reality of building a legacy for his family while managing a serious heart condition. From the devastating blow of having a van's worth of tools stolen on Boxing Day to the triumph of launching the Golden Finish Awards, this episode serves as a masterclass in resilience, mindset shifts, and the relentless drive it takes to elevate the status of the trades.#PaintingAndDecorating #TheTalkingTradesmen #ToolTheft #TradeLegends

    1h 25m

  2. 6D AGO

    PLUMBING TITANS TESTO reveal what goes on | Trade Legends Podcast

    Join Tom from Testo on this episode of Trade Legends as we go behind the scenes of a global empire that grew from a small German town into a half-a-billion-euro industry leader. We dive into why "to measure is to know" and how relying on guesswork in the trades isn't just unprofessional, it’s dangerous.Tom reveals the surprising scale of the business, explaining how the same precision technology used by heating engineers is trusted by global giants like McDonald’s, KFC, and high-end pharmaceutical labs to keep their operations safe. We also discuss the future of the industry, from the integration of AI in fault diagnosis to the critical impact of Awaab’s Law on social housing standards.Whether you’re a veteran engineer or a student just starting out, this conversation covers everything from the life-saving importance of CO monitoring to the transition toward heat pumps and smart tool connectivity. Learn how digital documentation and professional-grade data are becoming the ultimate shield for your reputation in a rapidly changing landscape.#testo #gasengineer #tradesman #tradelegends

    1h 5m

  3. FEB 15

    Brick Laying CONTROVERSY... THE TRUTH!! WHAT HAPPENED IN 2025 | Trade Legends Podcast

    The Super Trowel boys Ash, Jack and Joe are back in the Trade Legends Podcast Studio AGAIN to tell us why Super Trowel 2026 has been changed, why its in a new location and we talk about THAT controversy after the Super Trowel 2025 event that caused the internet to go into a rage due to a few things. This is THE FIRST Podcast they have done together addressing the drama of 2025.They also tell us about attending Spec Mix in the US and what happened....Along with having a good catch up....its always great having them on Trade Legends, as what they are doing for the construction industry is amazing....and you will find out why!!#ukconstructionindustry #tradesman #construction

    1h 28m

  4. FEB 8

    "I HAVE TO KNOW DIFFERENT SKILLS FOR MY TRADE" | TRADE LEGENDS PODCAST

    This week on Trade Legends, we sat down with Andreas Degiulio from Woodway Windows, and the conversation goes far beyond windows and joinery.Andreas shares his journey from early site work and graft to carving out a highly specialised niche in period window restoration. He talks openly about still struggling to define his “trade” and why not fitting neatly into a box has actually become one of his biggest strengths. The episode dives into the reality of old-school work ethic, how early mentors shape your standards, and why doing things properly always beats chasing shortcuts.We also explore the personal side of the journey. Andreas opens up about losing his mum at just 24 years old, the weight of responsibility that followed, and how that period fundamentally changed his outlook on work, life, and resilience. It’s a powerful reminder that behind every successful business is a story most people never see.The conversation concludes by examining the shift from site work to premium, specialist projects, the importance of charging for skill and experience, and how social media can be used to build real authority rather than empty attention. Quality over volume, long-term thinking, and pride in your craft are themes that run through the entire episode.

    1h 16m

  5. FEB 1

    THE BRUTAL TRUTH About Building a Carpentry Business from Nothing | Trade Legends Podcast

    ✅ Special Xero offer: Get 90% off for 6 months using this link: www.xero.com/tradelegends Terms & Conditions apply.* In this episode of the Trade Legends podcast, we sit down with Nooks Carpenter to explore his remarkable transition from an eleven-year career in a factory to running a successful, high-end carpentry business. Carleton discusses the personal catalysts that spurred his change, including the profound impact of losing both parents at a young age and the recent passing of a close friend and mentor who always encouraged his craft. He shares the "comfort is the thief of joy" mindset that ultimately gave him the courage to leave his stable job during the COVID-19 pandemic and pursue his creative passions full-time.The conversation dives deep into the practicalities of building a trade business from the ground up, offering invaluable "nuggets" for aspiring entrepreneurs. He discusses the scrappy early days of using job deposits to fund essential tools and explains how he leveraged social media to build a six-figure portfolio that now attracts million-pound projects. We also tackle the often intimidating world of pricing and bidding for large-scale contracts, as Carleton provides a masterclass on maintaining profitability through meticulous expense tracking and on valuing skill over simple hourly rates.

    51 min

  6. JAN 25

    2025 Roundup: The Most Controversial Episodes | Trade Legends Podcast

    ✅ Special Xero offer: Get 90% off for 6 months using this link: www.xero.com/tradelegends Terms & Conditions apply.* In this episode of the Trade Legends Podcast, Mark and Alex sit down for a full 2025 roundup, reflecting on the standout episodes, guests and moments from the past year. From recording over 30 podcasts to juggling guest schedules, last-minute cancellations and filming around real life, they break down what really goes on behind the scenes of running one of the UK’s leading trade podcasts. The conversation revisits some of the year's most memorable guests, featuring emotional, hard-hitting stories that resonated with listeners and became among the most-watched and listened-to episodes across YouTube and Spotify.The episode also dives into the bigger issues affecting tradespeople today, including tool theft, social media’s growing influence in the trades, and how conversations from the podcast have even led to Parliament and national discussions. Mark and Alex share why niche trades, real stories and honest conversations matter more than chasing big names, while also looking ahead to what’s coming in 2026. If you’re a tradesperson, small business owner, or someone interested in the realities of trade life, podcasting and the evolving construction industry, this episode is a must-watch.

    54 min

  7. 12/28/2025

    SHOCKING PLUMBING STORIES on the TRADE LEGENDS PODCAST

    Luke (Blue Bulldog Plumbing) is back on the podcast for the first time in two years, and this conversation goes exactly where you’d expect when you put a working plumber, content creator, and brand collaborator in the same room with zero filters. We talk honestly about what it’s really like to grow on social media in the trades, the pressure to take brand deals, and why credibility matters more than quick money. Luke opens up about turning down offers, getting threatened by companies for sharing real-world experiences, and why showing jobs going wrong is more valuable than polished highlight reels. We also get into the realities of on-site filming, dealing with negative comments, imposter syndrome, awards, and how social media has changed the way he approaches his work. This episode is raw, practical, and unapologetically honest for anyone in the trades, on social media, or thinking about mixing the two.#plumbing #mjtiffplumbing #bluebulldogplumbing #plumbingtips

    1h 22m

  8. 12/21/2025

    Building a Tool Brand Almost BROKE Me - Sean From Monster Rigs Story | Trade Legends Podcast

    In this episode of the Trade Legends podcast, Alex sits down with Sean, founder of Monster Rigs, to unpack the real story behind building a trades brand from the ground up. From starting out on the tools at 16 to navigating recessions, cashflow pressure, product failures, and relentless reinvestment, this is an unfiltered conversation about what it actually takes to build a business in the construction industry.Sean opens up about his journey through carpentry, the post-2008 construction crash in Ireland, and how those brutal years shaped his mindset as an entrepreneur. The discussion dives deep into product development, manufacturing costs, sampling, branding mistakes, social media growth, and why most people massively underestimate the time, money, and sacrifice required to launch a physical product brand. This episode pulls no punches on the reality of working long nights, reinvesting every penny, and still staying on the tools while trying to grow a company.The conversation also tackles bigger topics affecting trades and small business owners today, including apprenticeships, influencer culture in construction, brand loyalty, government policy, taxation, recession fears, and why chasing quick money almost always ends badly. Sean explains why lt Monster Rigs, not followers.#Tradesman #SmallBusiness #tradelegends #toolbelts

    1h 3m
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About

Trade Legends is the UK’s #1 weekly construction podcast, hosted by Alex (Big Al) and Mark (MJTIFF). Each week, we speak with tradesmen and tradeswomen from across the building industry—carpenters, plumbers, electricians, builders, bricklayers, plasterers, apprentices, and more. Guests share real stories from life on the tools, covering skills, pay, apprenticeships, mental health, safety, and running a business. Honest talk, laughs, and inspiration from the legends of the UK trades. New episodes every week.

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