In this episode of The Talking Tradesman, Paul Tinker joins me for a raw and honest conversation about life in the construction industry — from military discipline to battling alcohol, rebuilding his life, and becoming a high-level project manager and business coach.Find Paul here -https://www.instagram.com/paul_tinker_32?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Paul breaks down the hard truths most tradespeople never get taught:why so many struggle with pricing, systems, profit, and growth… and how learning basic business fundamentals can completely change your career, your confidence, and your bank balance.We get into the future of construction — premium services, rising customer expectations, a widening skills gap, and how automation and AI are about to shake the industry from the ground up.We also talk openly about mental health in the trades, accountability, personal development, and what it really takes to build a life you’re proud of. Paul shares why he’s considering relocating to Cyprus for better tax rules, more freedom, and a better quality of life.If you’re a tradesperson, construction business owner, or anyone wanting to level up in life and business, this episode is packed with straight-talking advice, real experience, and the mindset shifts you need to grow.Topics include:• Construction industry challenges• Mental health & addiction in the trades• Business coaching for tradespeople• Pricing, systems & profitability• Automation, AI & the future of construction• Skills shortages & industry evolution• Premium services vs. race-to-the-bottom pricing• Personal growth, accountability & discipline• Relocating abroad for lifestyle and tax benefitsThanks to our headline sponsors Zinsser Episode available now on all platformsChapters00:00 The Journey of Paul Tinker05:51 Challenges in the Construction Industry13:36 The Impact of Alcohol on Life and Work25:54 Transitioning to Coaching and Mentorship29:53 Risk Management in Project Delivery32:51 Transitioning from Tradesperson to Business Owner36:24 The Importance of Project Management Skills38:56 Understanding Revenue vs. Profit42:33 Sales Skills in the Trades45:03 The Role of Perfectionism in Business48:19 Pricing Strategies and Business Efficiency51:28 The Future of the Construction Industry01:08:41 The State of the Construction Industry01:13:38 Challenges in Emergency Services and Trade Skills01:17:02 The Impact of VAT Changes on Small Businesses01:21:15 The Appeal of Moving Abroad01:33:24 Business Coaching and Industry Insights

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

In this episode, I sit down with Reiss Loftus — a lad who went from a rough upbringing in Leicester to becoming a professional dancer, coach, and a real voice for men’s mental health. Reiss opens up about how his environment shaped him, the battles he had with drink and drugs, and how dance became the thing that pulled him out of it.Find Reiss here https://www.instagram.com/reiss_livetoinspireloftus?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==We talk about the birth of Brotherhood Legion, the men’s mental-health community interest company he founded, and why creating safe spaces for lads to open up is more important now than ever.Find them herehttps://www.instagram.com/thebrotherhoodlegion.cic?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==There’s a big focus on mindset in this one — positive self-talk, the people you surround yourself with, choosing ambition over chaos, and how community can completely change your trajectory. We also get into the power of networking, the shift from performing to coaching, and some honest takes on where society’s heading with things like digital ID.This episode is all about connection, purpose, and building something bigger than yourself. If you’re into mental health, personal growth, or just love a proper real conversation — this one’s for you.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Brotherhood Legion and Mental Health Advocacy02:24 Rhys Loftus: A Journey from Adversity to Opportunity13:53 The Impact of Environment on Choices and Growth19:33 The Turning Point: Embracing Dance as a Lifeline28:29 Navigating Challenges: Substance Use and Personal Growth32:51 The Highs and Lows of Performance Life34:47 The Competitive Dance Industry37:18 Cruising Through Life: The Cruise Ship Experience39:17 The Wild Side of Life at Sea40:37 Living the Dream: Balancing Work and Play42:03 The Transformation: From Streets to Stages43:11 The Contrast of Two Worlds44:39 Breaking Through Limitations46:27 The Journey of Self-Discovery47:11 The End of an Era: Leaving the Cruise Life49:07 The Downfall: Struggles with Addiction52:26 The Breaking Point: A Call for Help55:49 The Aftermath: Rebuilding Life01:00:27 The Power of Positive Self-Talk01:02:55 Surrounding Yourself with Positivity01:07:27 Unlocking Potential Through Environment01:09:12 The Power of Networking01:15:36 Transitioning Careers and Personal Growth01:22:27 Conspiracy Theories and Societal Control01:36:37 The Brotherhood Legion: Building Community and Support01:40:26 The Impact of Movement and Community on Mental Health01:43:19 The Birth of the Brotherhood: A Personal Journey01:46:21 Community Engagement and Its Transformative Power01:47:50 Challenging the Narrative: The Need for Positive Stories01:53:16 Finding Purpose Through Service to Others02:04:38 The Journey of Growth and Connection