The Talking Tradesman

From Eating Disorders, Trauma & Addiction to High Performance | James RoffeyWhat 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 constructionWhether 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.

In this episode of The Talking Tradesman, I sit down with James Kelly for a raw, wide-ranging conversation that cuts right to the realities of modern construction.Find James Herehttps://www.instagram.com/jayckelly1990?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==James opens up about the pressures contractors face daily — cashflow strain, non-payment, unrealistic client expectations, and how the industry’s payment culture quietly fuels stress, anxiety, and burnout. We dig into why due diligence matters, the dangers of poor client pre-qualification, and how the “three-quote culture” often undervalues skill, experience, and professionalism.The conversation moves into a bigger discussion around business education in the trades, why so many skilled people are never taught how to protect themselves financially, and what needs to change if we want to attract and retain the next generation.From there, things get more personal. James reflects on faith, purpose, and why belief — particularly Christianity — often resurfaces during hardship. We explore masculinity, mental health, and the silent pressure many men carry while trying to provide, perform, and stay afloat.James also shares his experience serving in the armed forces, the challenge of transitioning back into civilian life, and how those lessons now shape his work as a coach. We talk about why coaching in construction isn’t about hype or motivation — it’s about practical systems, accountability, and personal growth that actually works in the real world.This is an honest, thought-provoking conversation about work, belief, identity, and what it really takes to survive — and grow — in the construction industry today.Thanks to our Headline Sponsors Zinsser Episode Sponsors - Climadoor Chapters00:00 Challenges in the Construction Industry05:36 Mental Health in Construction12:18 Ethics and Morality in Contracting17:17 The Developer's Downfall21:59 Pre-Qualification and Due Diligence27:05 The Anxiety of Non-Payment32:01 Understanding the Cost of Quoting36:49 Navigating the Quoting Process42:19 The Importance of Business Knowledge49:10 The Banter and Opportunities in Trades54:22 Generational Work Ethic and Family Influence59:13 Christianity and Its Perception in Society01:04:43 The Crusades and Historical Context01:08:58 Defining Goodness Beyond Religion01:11:55 Purpose and Protection01:12:49 Faith and Judgment01:14:10 Searching for Meaning01:16:29 Societal Observations01:17:52 The Role of Religion01:19:25 Military Background01:19:52 Life Experiences and Growth01:21:36 Reflections on Education and Early Life01:23:25 Joining the Royal Navy: A New Chapter01:24:27 Experiences in Anti-Piracy Operations01:28:32 Confronting Mental Health and Suicide01:33:34 The Impact of Suicide on Society01:34:49 Veterans and the Quest for Purpose01:37:20 Life in Conflict Zones: Personal Stories01:42:39 Encountering ISIS and Security Challenges01:46:21 The Wild West of Private Contracting01:49:11 Cultural Insights from the Middle East01:51:00 Transitioning from Private Contracting to Family Life01:52:47 Redefining Success Beyond Money01:54:30 Coaching in the Construction Industry01:58:10 The Future of Construction Coaching

In this episode, Jack Anthony, founder of SafeHands, shares his journey from aspiring boxer to becoming a respected cut man in combat sports.Find Jack here -https://www.instagram.com/safe_hands_uk?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Jack breaks down what the role of a cut man really involves — and why it’s such a critical part of fighter safety, particularly in boxing and the rapidly growing world of bare-knuckle boxing. He speaks openly about integrity in the sport, the responsibility that comes with the job, and the realities of working in an industry where trust and reputation are everything.We also talk about the role social media has played in building credibility, opening doors, and shaping the future of combat sports — especially as bare-knuckle continues to push into the mainstream.The conversation then shifts into more personal territory. Jack reflects on his childhood, his time working with troubled youth, and how becoming a parent fundamentally changed his relationship with mental health. He opens up about navigating autism within his family, the pressures of modern relationships, and why honest conversations around mental health — and suicide awareness — are so important.This is a raw, thoughtful conversation about purpose, responsibility, and the battles many people fight quietly in the background — both inside and outside the ring.Thanks to our headline sponsors - Zinsser Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Equipment Setup02:40 The Importance of Cuts Management in Boxing09:08 The Future of Bare Knuckle Boxing16:27 The Appreciation for Cut Men in Combat Sports22:40 Journey from Fighter to Cutman32:07 Techniques and Tools of the Trade37:03 Personal Reflections and Aspirations42:39 Cuban Boxing and Its Challenges53:39 Behind the Scenes: The Man Behind Safe Hands01:00:53 Building a Reputation in the Boxing Community01:08:51 The Main Character Syndrome in Combat Sports01:14:16 Future Aspirations: Managing Fighters and Career Growth01:20:53 Experiences in Alternative Education and Community Development01:28:37 Transitioning from Education to Personal Life01:35:32 The Challenges of Parenthood01:40:28 The Impact of Separation on Family Dynamics01:47:51 Reflections on Parenting and Personal Growth01:53:39 Understanding Autism and Communication Challenges01:58:57 The Reality of Parenting and Life's Imperfections02:11:08 Emotional Roadblocks and Personal Growth02:16:15 Navigating Personal Struggles and Alcohol02:25:33 Crisis Points and the Reality of Suicide02:30:55 The Journey of Safe Hands and Future Aspirations

In this episode, I sit down with Sian Brennan-Todd, a confidence coach who went from life as a professional dancer to helping people back themselves in business and in life.Find Sian here -https://www.instagram.com/sianbrennantodd?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==We get into why confidence isn’t something you’re “born with” — it’s something you build one small promise at a time. Sian talks openly about the fear of being seen, why public speaking scares so many of us, and how communication skills can make or break you, especially if you’re self-employed in the trades.We talk about:• Why confidence is a daily practice, not a switch• How your social circle impacts your belief in yourself• Why stepping outside your comfort zone is the only way to grow• Setting boundaries, saying no, and protecting your energy• How gratitude, self-reflection, and kindness shift everything• The pressure social media puts on self-worth• Why professionalism matters more than ever in the tradesThis one’s for anyone who wants to level up personally or professionally but feels stuck, doubtful, or held back by their own thoughts. If you run a business, work for yourself, or want to communicate with more confidence, Sian gives simple, practical tools you can start using today.It’s a proper reminder that confidence isn’t magic — it’s a habit.Thanks to our Headline Sponsors - Zinsser Chapters00:00 Introduction to Confidence Coaching04:33 Cultural Perspectives on Trades and Confidence10:34 Empowerment and Public Speaking17:21 The Role of Confidence in the Trades23:25 Communication and Trust in Business29:26 The Impact of Attitude on Success35:33 Embracing Growth Beyond the Comfort Zone42:46 Navigating External Opinions and Self-Perception50:58 The Role of Professionalism in Confidence59:39 Surrounding Yourself with Supportive Circles01:05:02 The Power of Connection and Communication01:16:55 Building Confidence Through Commitment01:22:06 Trusting Yourself and Taking Risks01:28:52 The Journey of Growth and Confidence01:34:31 Saying No: A Confidence Builder01:40:04 Communication as a Key to Confidence01:50:10 The Impact of Kindness on Confidence01:55:55 Taking Control of Your Life02:01:00 The Importance of Communication Skills02:08:30 Encouraging Social Interaction in the Younger Generation02:15:11 The Power of Communication in Business02:20:13 Embracing Change and Personal Growth

In this episode of The Talking Tradesman, Chris Ryan sits down to unpack a career that spans painting and decorating, psychotherapy, and co-founding the new wellbeing platform, Handily.Find Chris here -https://www.instagram.com/handily.app?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==This one goes deep. We get into why listening is a superpower on and off the tools, how family dynamics shape the way we work, and the reality of mental health challenges in the construction industry. Chris shares what he learned volunteering with Samaritans, the hidden pressures tradespeople carry, and how trauma, substance abuse, and emotional health show up in day-to-day life.We talk openly about men’s mental health, the power of therapy, and what real self-discovery looks like when you finally stop running from your own story.You’ll also hear Chris break down the messy, playful, human side of therapy — toxic compassion, boundaries, supervision, and why the industry desperately needs better regulation and honesty. If you’ve ever wondered how to choose the right therapist, or why some approaches work for one person and not another, this episode will hit home.And for the first time, we introduce Handily — a brand-new platform designed to support tradespeople with community, wellbeing tools, and a space to talk about the stuff we’re all dealing with but rarely say out loud.If you work in the trades, if you care about mental health, or if you’re just trying to understand yourself a bit better… this episode is a must-listen.Thanks to our Headline sponsors - Zinsser Chapters00:00 Navigating Self-Disclosure in Professional Settings00:54 The Journey to Mental Health Awareness04:56 The Role of Listening in Therapy08:52 Finding Purpose Through Volunteering13:03 Balancing Family and Business in the Trades17:57 Mental Health Challenges in the Construction Industry22:01 Understanding the Perfect Storm of Issues26:30 The Nature of Suffering and Generational Trauma28:34 The Transmission of Trauma31:45 Understanding Mental Health and Emotional Health35:24 The Role of Construction in Men's Mental Health38:30 The Distinction Between Mental Health and Emotional Health44:56 Anger: A Tool for Protest and Boundary Setting49:58 Understanding Emotions for Lasting Change56:02 The Journey to Becoming a Therapist01:01:03 Engagement in Therapy: The Playful Approach01:02:43 Toxic Compassion: The Balance of Care01:05:16 The Importance of Supervision in Therapy01:06:48 Integrative Therapy: A Blend of Modalities01:10:25 Finding the Right Therapist: A Personal Journey01:11:42 The Wild West of Therapy: Regulation and Standards01:15:40 The Responsibility of Mental Health Advocates01:20:11 Boundaries in Mental Health Conversations01:23:42 The Therapeutic Alliance: Building Relationships in Therapy01:35:26 Navigating Social Interactions and Personal Boundaries01:38:39 The Role of Context in Social Expectations01:41:38 Understanding Vulnerability in Therapy01:44:40 Bridging the Gap: Therapy for Tradespeople01:49:45 Introducing Handily: A New Platform for Trades01:58:44 Community and Networking in the Trades02:05:15 The Future of Social Media and Community Building

Seáns back on the pod ! I catch up with Seàn Nolan Find Seán herehttps://www.instagram.com/nolan_decorating?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==A year on from his first appearance, he talks honestly about the growth he’s gone through, the impact his last episode had on people, and why community matters more than ever in the painting and decorating world. We get into how events have evolved, how powerful a supportive network can be, and what it’s meant for him to step into an ambassador role's with Paint Warrior & Q1 TapesThere’s a big thread running through this conversation — connection. Real connection. The kind that changes how you see yourself and how you move in the industry.We also dive into the messy side of social media: authenticity, tribalism, brand loyalty, setting boundaries, and figuring out who you are without losing yourself online. It’s honest, it’s grounded, and it’s full of the kind of insights that only come from lived experience.And of course, we look ahead — creative ideas, future projects, and how much further you can go when the right people are in your corner.Big Thanks to our Headline sponsors Zinsser & our episode sponsors Q1 TapesChapters00:00 Navigating Industry Dynamics00:08 Reflections on Personal Growth02:59 Community and Connection in the Trade06:08 The Evolution of Events in the Industry09:59 Building a Supportive Network12:58 Recognition and Awards in the Trade15:59 The Importance of Mental Health19:04 Looking Back and Moving Forward24:17 Networking and Building Connections26:58 The Rise of the Irish Pain Fam28:49 Planning Future Events and Charity Initiatives30:01 The Importance of Community Support33:27 The Value of Networking in Business36:50 Ambassadorships and Brand Loyalty41:15 Navigating Brand Relationships and Tribalism45:48 Staying Authentic in a Competitive Space50:18 The Dangers of Industry Drama56:32 Keeping Perspective in the Industry57:18 The Value of Connections58:43 Building Relationships in Business01:01:03 Ambassadorships and Brand Loyalty01:01:18 Future Aspirations and Charity Initiatives01:03:59 The Importance of Boundaries01:08:05 Learning to Say No01:11:20 The Power of Deposits01:12:11 Pricing and Value Perception01:14:55 Continuous Learning and Growth01:17:33 Creativity and Content Creation01:19:31 Reflections on the Year Ahead