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 of The Talking Tradesman, host Russell Payne sits down with Sian Francis, @SianFrancisPaintingAndDecor a painter and decorator who’s carving her own path in the trades while challenging outdated perceptions of the industry.Find Sian Herehttps://www.instagram.com/sian_franciss?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Sian shares her journey from apprenticeship to business owner, opening up about the realities of taking on apprentices, the responsibility that comes with mentorship, and what it’s like running a female-led team in a traditionally male-dominated space. She reflects on the standards she sets for her work, the pressure of leading others, and the pride she takes in helping young people find confidence and direction through the trades.The conversation goes deeper into the wider challenges facing painting and decorating as a profession – from its public perception to the lack of guidance and support for those entering the industry. Sian speaks honestly about stress, burnout, and the importance of protecting mental health, particularly in a trade where pressure is often worn as a badge of honour.Sian also opens up about her personal life, including navigating motherhood, living with ADHD, and the impact those experiences have had on both her work and her wellbeing. She speaks candidly about past experiences of domestic abuse, the emotional weight that carried, and how resilience, self-acceptance, and support have helped her move forward stronger.This is a raw and grounded conversation about work, identity, mental health, and legacy — offering valuable insight for anyone in the trades, especially those balancing ambition, responsibility, and life outside the job.Thanks to our Headline Sponsors Zinsser Episode sponsors - Climadoor Chapters00:00 Introduction to Sian Francis01:21 Building a Team: The Importance of Apprenticeships06:33 Sian's Journey into the Trades09:29 Challenges in the Industry: Perception and Standards23:41 Navigating Business Challenges and Client Issues28:45 Balancing Work and Personal Life37:59 Mental Health in the Trades: Coping Mechanisms and Strategies46:55 Pub Talks and Parenting Challenges48:53 Confidence vs. Arrogance in the Trades54:37 Navigating ADHD and Mental Health01:07:54 Overcoming Domestic Abuse: A Personal Story01:20:18 Building a Legacy for the Next Generation

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