EP26. Russell Payne on Mental Health, The Trades & The Future of The Talking Tradesman Podcast

EP26. Russell Payne on Mental Health, The Trades & The Future of The Talking Tradesman Podcast

In Episode 26 of Built4UsPodcast, JT (JT Motiv) sits down for an exclusive conversation with special guest Russell Payne, founder and host of The Talking Tradesman Podcast. Known for fostering honest conversations about life in the trades, Russell opens up about the origins of his podcast, its mission, and why discussions about mental health in construction and the trades are more important than ever. This episode continues the conversation by focusing on the power of connection, community, and giving tradesmen a platform to speak openly. In this episode, JT and Russell discuss: * The story behind The Talking Tradesman Podcast * Mental health in the trades and construction industry * Why tradesmen often struggle in silence * The pressures of modern working life * The importance of open conversations * What exciting plans are coming next for The Talking Tradesman This is a real, honest conversation between two voices passionate about improving wellbeing across the trades and construction industries. Listen, share, and help break the silence. You never know who might need to hear this today. 🛠️ This isn't just a podcast — it's a community. 💪Let's build something stronger together. 👉 Follow us on: 📸 Instagram: @built4uspodcast [https://www.instagram.com/BUILT4US_PODCAST] 🎧 TikTok: @built4uspodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@built4us_podcast] ▶️ YouTube: @built4uspodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@BUILT4US_PODCAST] 🎙️ Spotify / Apple Podcasts: BUILT4US Podcast Facebook: Built4us Podcast [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578745217633] UK BASED SUPPORT: 💥If you or anyone you care about is struggling with their mental health, reach out for support: If it's an emergency- ring 999 💥If you want to speak to someone, call The Samaritans on 116 123 💥To locate mental health support in your area, search The Hub of Hope https://hubofhope.co.uk/ [https://hubofhope.co.uk/] 💥Free 24/7 Emotional, Physical & Financial Wellbeing Support for Construction Workers & their Families Home - Lighthouse Charity [https://lighthousecharity.org/] 🛠️Produced by Tim Roe of Courageous_Productions [https://www.courageousproductions.com/] 💪Proudly Powered by JT MOTIV [https://jtmotiv.com/] INFO ON GUEST & HOST Russell Payne LinkedIn [https://linkedin.com/in/russell-payne-5b49142bb] The Talking Tradesman Website [https://www.thetalkingtradesman.co.uk/] Podcast [https://www.thetalkingtradesman.co.uk/podcast] JT Motiv Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-ford-jt-motiv] Website [https://jtmotiv.com/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jt_motiv/]

EP25: Work-Life Balance in Construction: Why it Matters More Than Ever.

In Episode 25 of Built4UsPodcast, JT and Ben have an honest, reflective conversation about something often overlooked in the construction industry: Work-life balance — and why it's more important than ever. In an industry known for long hours, pressure, and constant demands, many workers find themselves stuck in a cycle of work, stress, and burnout — often at the expense of their mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. Following on from recent episodes exploring mental health, addiction, and workplace culture, this conversation shifts towards what real change can look like. JT and Ben open up about their own experiences: * Past mistakes and regrets * Times they prioritised work over everything else * The impact it had on relationships and mental health * How they've changed their approach to life and work In this episode, we discuss: * The reality of work-life balance in construction * Why burnout is so common in the industry * The pressure to always be working * How being more present improves relationships and well-being * Practical mindset shifts that can make a difference * Why balance isn't weakness — it's necessary This is a real, relatable conversation for anyone feeling the pressure of modern working life — especially in the trades. Listen, share, and help break the silence. You never know who might need to hear this today. 🛠️ This isn't just a podcast — it's a community. 💪Let's build something stronger together. 👉 Follow us on: 📸 Instagram: @built4uspodcast [https://www.instagram.com/BUILT4US_PODCAST] 🎧 TikTok: @built4uspodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@built4us_podcast] ▶️ YouTube: @built4uspodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@BUILT4US_PODCAST] 🎙️ Spotify / Apple Podcasts: BUILT4US Podcast Facebook: Built4us Podcast [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578745217633] UK BASED SUPPORT: 💥If you or anyone you care about is struggling with their mental health, reach out for support: If it's an emergency- ring 999 💥If you want to speak to someone, call The Samaritans on 116 123 💥To locate mental health support in your area, search The Hub of Hope https://hubofhope.co.uk/ [https://hubofhope.co.uk/] 💥Free 24/7 Emotional, Physical & Financial Wellbeing Support for Construction Workers & their Families Home - Lighthouse Charity [https://lighthousecharity.org/] 🛠️Produced by Tim Roe of Courageous_Productions [https://www.courageousproductions.com/] 💪Proudly Powered by JT MOTIV [https://jtmotiv.com/] INFO ON GUEST & HOST Ben Summers LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-summers-%F0%9F%8C%B1-38b9b46a/] Ben's Comedy Club: The Ginger Giggle Club [https://www.instagram.com/thegingergiggleclub/] JT Motiv Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-ford-jt-motiv] Website [https://jtmotiv.com/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jt_motiv/]

EP24: The Drinking Culture in Construction: Why It's Still Destroying Lives.

In Episode 24 of Built4UsPodcast, James (JT Motiv) and Ben take an honest and unfiltered look at one of the most normalised — yet destructive — parts of the construction industry: * The drinking culture. * From "work hard, drink hard" mentalities to using alcohol as a coping mechanism, drinking has long been embedded in life on-site. * But what impact is it really having on mental health, addiction, and the lives of workers? Following on from previous conversations around zero tolerance policies and mental health support in construction, this episode digs deeper into the cultural side of the issue. Why is heavy drinking still so accepted? And why are so many men struggling because of it? In this episode, we discuss: * The reality of drinking culture in construction * How alcohol is used to cope with stress and pressure * The link between mental health and substance use * Why it's so hard to break the cycle * The impact on families, work, and wellbeing * What needs to change in the industry This is a raw, honest conversation about a topic that affects thousands of workers but isn't spoken about enough. If you work in construction or care about men's mental health, addiction, and workplace culture, this episode is essential listening. Listen, share, and help break the silence. You never know who might need to hear this today. 🛠️ This isn't just a podcast — it's a community. 💪Let's build something stronger together. 👉 Follow us on: 📸 Instagram: @built4uspodcast [https://www.instagram.com/BUILT4US_PODCAST] 🎧 TikTok: @built4uspodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@built4us_podcast] ▶️ YouTube: @built4uspodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@BUILT4US_PODCAST] 🎙️ Spotify / Apple Podcasts: BUILT4US Podcast Facebook: Built4us Podcast [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578745217633] UK BASED SUPPORT: 💥If you or anyone you care about is struggling with their mental health, reach out for support: If it's an emergency- ring 999 💥If you want to speak to someone, call The Samaritans on 116 123 💥To locate mental health support in your area, search The Hub of Hope https://hubofhope.co.uk/ [https://hubofhope.co.uk/] 💥Free 24/7 Emotional, Physical & Financial Wellbeing Support for Construction Workers & their Families Home - Lighthouse Charity [https://lighthousecharity.org/] 🛠️Produced by Tim Roe of Courageous_Productions [https://www.courageousproductions.com/] 💪Proudly Powered by JT MOTIV [https://jtmotiv.com/] INFO ON GUEST & HOST Ben Summers LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-summers-%F0%9F%8C%B1-38b9b46a/] Ben's Comedy Club: The Ginger Giggle Club [https://www.instagram.com/thegingergiggleclub/] JT Motiv Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-ford-jt-motiv] Website [https://jtmotiv.com/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jt_motiv/]

EP23. Mental Health First Aiders in Construction: Support or Tick Box Exercise?

In Episode 23 of Built4UsPodcast, Stevie and Craig return to tackle a big question in today's construction industry: Are mental health first aiders actually helping — or have they become a tick box exercise? With increasing awareness around men's mental health in construction, many companies now have mental health first aiders in place. But is it making a real difference on-site? Or are workers still struggling in silence? Drawing from real on-site experience and over 25 years in health & safety, Stevie and Craig break down what's working, what's not, and what mental health support in construction should actually look like. In this episode, we cover: -The role of mental health first aiders in construction -Whether they provide real support or just tick compliance boxes -Why some workers still don't trust the system -The gap between awareness and action -What meaningful mental health support should look like on-site -Why the industry needs to rethink its approach This is a straight-talking, honest conversation about the reality of mental health in construction — and why change is still needed. If you work in the industry or care about improving workplace wellbeing and support for men, this episode is for you. 🛠️ This isn't just a podcast — it's a community. 💪Let's build something stronger together. 👉 Follow us on: 📸 Instagram: @built4uspodcast [https://www.instagram.com/BUILT4US_PODCAST] 🎧 TikTok: @built4uspodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@built4us_podcast] ▶️ YouTube: @built4uspodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@BUILT4US_PODCAST] 🎙️ Spotify / Apple Podcasts: BUILT4US Podcast Facebook: Built4us Podcast [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578745217633] UK BASED SUPPORT: 💥If you or anyone you care about is struggling with their mental health, reach out for support: If it's an emergency- ring 999 💥If you want to speak to someone, call The Samaritans on 116 123 💥To locate mental health support in your area, search The Hub of Hope https://hubofhope.co.uk/ [https://hubofhope.co.uk/] 💥Free 24/7 Emotional, Physical & Financial Wellbeing Support for Construction Workers & their Families Home - Lighthouse Charity [https://lighthousecharity.org/] 🛠️Produced by Tim Roe of Courageous_Productions [https://www.courageousproductions.com/] 💪Proudly Powered by JT MOTIV [https://jtmotiv.com] INFO ON GUEST & HOST Steven Kirby Website [https://sklifecoachuk.co.uk/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sklifecoachuk/] Craig Paton Instagram [https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigpaton1982] Website [https://Www.patonsafetysolutions.com]

EP22. How Zero Tolerance Policies Stop Men Getting Help.

In this powerful and honest episode of Built4UsPodcast, Stevie (former digger driver) and Craig (health and safety professional with 25+ years in construction) dive into a critical issue affecting men across the industry: how zero tolerance policies on drink and drugs may be stopping men from speaking up about mental health and addiction struggles. In high-pressure environments like construction, many workers feel they can't come forward without risking their jobs. Instead of support, there's fear — fear of punishment, dismissal, and being labelled. This episode explores: -The real impact of zero-tolerance policies in construction -Why men often stay silent about mental health and substance use -The stigma around addiction in male-dominated industries -How workplace culture can either support or suppress people in need -The gap between health & safety policies and real human support Stevie shares lived experience from life on-site, while Craig offers insight from decades in both health and safety and the sites in Glasgow— creating a balanced, raw, and necessary conversation. If you work in construction, know someone who does, or care about men's mental health, addiction, and workplace wellbeing, this episode is a must-listen. Get Involved If this episode resonates, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Let's break the stigma and make it normal for men to speak up. Follow the BUILT4US Podcast for real conversations about mental health in construction. 🛠️ This isn't just a podcast — it's a community. 💪Let's build something stronger together. 👉 Follow us on: 📸 Instagram: @built4uspodcast [https://www.instagram.com/BUILT4US_PODCAST] 🎧 TikTok: @built4uspodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@built4us_podcast] ▶️ YouTube: @built4uspodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@BUILT4US_PODCAST] 🎙️ Spotify / Apple Podcasts: BUILT4US Podcast Facebook: Built4us Podcast [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578745217633] UK BASED SUPPORT: 💥If you or anyone you care about is struggling with their mental health, reach out for support: If it's an emergency- ring 999 💥If you want to speak to someone, call The Samaritans on 116 123 💥To locate mental health support in your area, search The Hub of Hope https://hubofhope.co.uk/ [https://hubofhope.co.uk/] 💥Free 24/7 Emotional, Physical & Financial Wellbeing Support for Construction Workers & their Families Home - Lighthouse Charity [https://lighthousecharity.org/] 🛠️Produced by Tim Roe of Courageous_Productions [https://www.courageousproductions.com/] 💪Proudly Powered by JT MOTIV [https://jtmotiv.com] INFO ON GUEST & HOST Steven Kirby Website [https://sklifecoachuk.co.uk/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sklifecoachuk/] Craig Paton Instagram [https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigpaton1982] Website [https://Www.patonsafetysolutions.com]