A third-generation painter and decorator has gained thousands of listeners thanks to his podcast on mental health in the construction industry.

Having worked in the trade his whole life, father-of-two Russell Payne took on the "passion project" called The Talking Tradesman after going on his own mental health journey. 

This led him to pursue a degree in Psychology and volunteer for Samaritans where he found out that men working in construction are four times more likely to take their own lives. 

Determined to raise awareness of the statistics, he started talking to people in the trade in the hope of finding a way to address the problem in the industry. 

The shop is located at 50 High Street The shop is located at 50 High Street (Image: The Talking Tradesman) The 40-year-old, who lives in Stourport, said: "Men don't talk enough about their mental health as it is, but with the trades, it is a big, macho industry so people are even less likely to speak out about what they're going through. 

"Before starting my degree, I was completely unaware of mental health. People often confuse it with mental illness but the truth is everyone has mental health like physical health. It can be good or it could be bad.

"I went through a relationship breakdown and I was also struggling with anxiety. It didn't get really dark but it was enough for me to pay attention to it, so I started reading books about it and listening to podcasts which led me to studying my degree and eventually launching the podcast." 

The podcast was launched thanks to Mr Payne's wife Angie Monroe-Payne who helped turn his idea into a reality when she signed the lease on the first office space.

Mr Payne said: "I really couldn't have done this without Angie. I'd mentioned doing a podcast and she was really supportive of the idea and started looking at places I could lease. 

"She found an office space to have a look at but I was working and I couldn't go and see it, so she went in my place. 

"I completely forgot about it and when I asked if she went, she said yes I've signed the tenancy. It was amazing." 

After more than 50 episodes, the podcast has gained thousands of listeners and followers across social media platforms and Mr Payne has even launched a clothing brand. 

He has had guests travel from as far as the Scottish Highlands to chat about their experience of mental health in the industry which has been met with an "amazing" response. 

After wanting to find a more permanent base for his podcast, Mr Payne has since opened a brand-new studio at 50 High Street in Stourport which he hopes will become a social hub for the community. 

The podcast has launched its own clothing brand and attracts listeners from across the country The podcast has launched its own clothing brand and attracts listeners from across the country (Image: The Talking Tradesman) He added: "This is a complete passion project for me which has become something even bigger than I could ever have imagined. People travel from all over the country to chat with me and the response has just been amazing. 

"Mental health is such a broad topic from bereavement to suicide and depression. Some of the stories I've heard are absolutely devastating, but they get through it and it is that message of hope and knowing you're not alone that I hope people will take away from the podcast. 

"I'm so excited to be opening the studio in Stourport and I really hope it will become a hub for the whole community to enjoy where people can just chill out. I'm also hoping to host pop-up events and attract more big name guests to help spread the word about the podcast."

If you have a mental health story to share or would like to know more about the podcast contact Russell Payne at Russ@thetalkingtradesman.co.uk or follow the social media pages. 

To listen to the podcast search for The Talking Tradesman on Spotify or Apple