Brick Dust & Barbells
🎙️ Brick Dust & Barbells From the Tools to the Iron – Rebuild Your Body, Mind, and Mission This isn’t your average fitness podcast. Brick Dust & Barbells is where tradesmen over 40 come to get real — about training, recovery, mental health, and the mission they’ve still got left in them. Hosted by a former plasterer turned performance coach, we cut through the gym-bro nonsense and speak to the men who graft all day, then still find the fire to train, grow, and rebuild. Each episode brings no-fluff insights on: Smart strength & recovery for manual labourers Nutrition, supplements, and mindset that actually work Navigating sobriety, discipline, and midlife burnout Tools to get strong — on and off the job site Whether you’re on-site, in the van, or hitting your garage weights, this podcast is your go-to for straight-talking fuel and fire. It’s time to rebuild.
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#32: What Alcohol Really Takes From You
01/27/2026
#32: What Alcohol Really Takes From You
🎙️ Episode – What Alcohol Really Takes From You Subtitle: Energy, sleep, recovery & the nervous system Most people think alcohol only costs them a hangover. But what it really takes is far more subtle — and far more expensive. In this episode of Brick Dust & Barbells, we break down what alcohol actually does inside the body and nervous system — especially for people over 35 who train, graft, and try to stay sharp. We cover: Why alcohol is a stress, not a relaxant How it destroys deep and REM sleep Why HRV drops and recovery stalls The nervous system cost you don’t feel straight away How alcohol affects fat loss, hormones, and muscle repair Why one night can steal several days of energy How to choose consciously, not accidentally This isn’t about quitting forever. It’s about seeing the trade-off clearly — so you can decide if the price is worth paying. Drink with awareness. Train with intention. Protect your energy. 🎧 Listen now and take back what alcohol quietly steals.
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#31: When the Cold Hits Your Nervous System
01/19/2026
#31: When the Cold Hits Your Nervous System
If your HRV has dropped, your resting heart rate has crept up, and training suddenly feels harder in winter — you’re not broken. You’re cold, stressed, and carrying more load than you realise. In this episode of Brick Dust & Barbells, we break down what winter really does to your nervous system — and why cold weather, dark mornings, physical work, and hard training stack stress inside the body. We cover: Why cold is a form of stress on the nervous system What HRV actually measures — and what it doesn’t Why winter often lowers HRV even in fit people How the CNS takes a bigger hit in cold conditions Why easing off isn’t weakness — it’s intelligence How to train through winter without burning out How to use wearables as guides, not judges This episode is about listening, not quitting. Respect the season. Protect the system. Play the long game. 🎧 Listen now and train smarter through winter.
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#30: Strong Body, Clear Head
01/12/2026
#30: Strong Body, Clear Head
Most conversations about mental health start in the head. This one starts in the body. In this episode of Brick Dust & Barbells, we take a body-first approach to mental health — especially for men and women who are exhausted, stressed, overwhelmed, or stuck in constant fight-or-flight. If your sleep is broken, your energy is low, and your nervous system is fried, no amount of “positive thinking” will fix it. We cover: Why anxiety and low mood are often physiological, not psychological How the nervous system drives stress, overwhelm, and mental fatigue Why lifting weights and Zone 2 movement calm the mind The role of sleep, recovery, and nervous system regulation How nutrition, hydration, and magnesium support mental stability Why fixing the body often brings clarity to the mind This episode isn’t about ignoring mental health — it’s about building the capacity to cope. Strong body. Clear head. 🎧 Listen now and start rebuilding from the ground up.
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#29: No New You — Just a Stronger One
01/05/2026
#29: No New You — Just a Stronger One
January is loud with promises of a “new you.” New habits. New routines. New rules. New pressure. But most people don’t need reinvention — they need reinforcement. In this first episode of 2026, I break down why starting over every January keeps people stuck, burnt out, and frustrated — and why building a stronger version of who you already are is the real path forward. We talk about: Why motivation always fades (and why that’s normal) Why discipline works better when it’s built on structure How strength goes far beyond the gym The Life / Energy Triangle: Nutrition, Training, and Rest How to rebuild energy without extremes or burnout Why consistency beats intensity every single time This episode isn’t about hype, resolutions, or overnight change. It’s about laying solid foundations for the year ahead — physically, mentally, and emotionally. 🎧 If you’re done trying to become someone else and ready to back yourself again, this episode is for you. No new you. Just a stronger one.
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#28: The Energy Triangle: Why Most People Burn Out
12/16/2025
#28: The Energy Triangle: Why Most People Burn Out
🎙️ Episode – The Life Triangle: Nutrition • Training • Rest Subtitle: Why structure beats motivation — and how energy is actually built. Most people don’t struggle with discipline because they’re lazy. They struggle because they’re confused — or because something feels too complicated to stick to. That’s where the Life Triangle comes in. In this episode of Brick Dust & Barbells, I break down a simple, practical framework built around three clear pillars that anyone can understand and apply: 🔺 Nutrition – fuel, supplements, and macros that support energy 🔺 Training – strength work, running, VO₂ max, Zone 2 cardio 🔺 Rest – sleep, recovery days, and nervous system regulation We cover: Why people don’t take action (confusion vs avoidance) How structure removes decision fatigue Why motivation always fades — and why clarity creates discipline How each quadrant of the Life Triangle feeds the others How to build energy without extremes or burnout This isn’t another “do more” episode. It’s about doing less — but doing it properly. When you understand the system, you don’t need willpower. You just follow the structure. 🎧 Listen now and start building energy the right way — from the ground up.
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#27: Fix Your Sleep, Fix Your Life: The Over-40 Blueprint
12/09/2025
#27: Fix Your Sleep, Fix Your Life: The Over-40 Blueprint
If your energy is low… If your mood is up and down… If you’re crashing in the afternoons, waking up tired, or wondering why your training feels flat… It’s probably not your diet. It’s not your motivation. It’s not your age. 👉 It’s your sleep. In this episode of Brick Dust & Barbells, we break down what really happens when you turn 40+ and your sleep starts to slip — and how fixing it can transform everything from your strength to your stress levels to your mental resilience. We cover: Why men and women over 40 struggle with sleep How deep sleep and REM actually rebuild the brain and body The real reason you wake up knackered even after 7–8 hours How magnesium glycinate and malate support recovery and energy How your mitochondria (your body’s engines) depend on good sleep The truth about alcohol: why a few beers can destroy your deep sleep Simple, non-negotiable habits you can start tonight This isn’t about perfect sleep routines or fancy gadgets — it’s about taking back your evenings, your mornings, and your energy. 🎧 Listen now and unlock the one habit that makes everything else easier.
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#26: The energy Blue print
12/02/2025
#26: The energy Blue print
If you’re tired of waking up tired… this episode is for you. Most people think energy comes from caffeine, “motivation,” or willpower — but real energy is built, not borrowed. In this episode of Brick Dust & Barbells, I break down the actual blueprint for building more energy as you get older — the chemistry, the habits, and the daily systems that make you feel alive again. We cover: • Magnesium Malate — how it powers your mitochondria (your body’s engines) • Magnesium Glycinate — why it calms your nervous system and unlocks deep + REM sleep • Sleep — what really happens at night and why most people never reach proper recovery • Strength Training — the secret weapon for energy, hormones, and longevity • Hydration & Electrolytes — why water alone isn’t enough • How to build energy from the ground up, instead of burning yourself into the ground This isn’t hype. It’s not supplements for the sake of it. It’s the science of feeling human again — clear head, solid mood, strong body, stable energy. If you want practical steps you can take tomorrow morning that actually make a difference… this is your episode. 🎧 Listen now — and start building the energy you thought you’d lost.
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#25: Strong Body. Clear Head.
11/25/2025
#25: Strong Body. Clear Head.
🎙️ Episode – Strong Body. Clear Head. When your head’s loud, your thoughts race, and you feel like you’re constantly running on fumes — it’s not just stress. It’s your body asking for balance. You can’t think your way into calm. You have to move your way there. In this episode of Brick Dust & Barbells, I talk about: Why a strong body creates a clear head How training resets your nervous system and reduces stress Why you can’t “fix your mindset” without moving your body first Simple ways to build clarity through strength, breath, and movement The difference between living in fight-or-flight and living in control This isn’t about chasing six-packs — it’s about chasing peace. Because when the body’s solid, the mind gets quiet. 🎧 Listen now and share this one with someone whose head’s been too loud lately.
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#24: The Weight You’re Carrying That’s Not in Your Hands
11/17/2025
#24: The Weight You’re Carrying That’s Not in Your Hands
🎙️ Episode – The Weight You’re Carrying That’s Not in Your Hands Not all weight is physical. Some of it lives between your ears, across your shoulders, and behind your quiet moments. Bills. Pressure. Responsibility. Expectations. The stuff no one sees — but it’s heavy all the same. In this episode of Brick Dust & Barbells, I talk about: The invisible load we all carry but rarely talk about Why silence makes it heavier How training gives you something solid to hold when life feels out of control Why movement shifts your nervous system and clears your head Simple, physical actions that give you back your power The barbell doesn’t judge. The run doesn’t talk back. When everything else feels too heavy, this is how you take control again. 🎧 Listen now — and if this one hits home, it’s probably because you’re carrying more than anyone realises.
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#23: The Discipline Behind the Muscle (ft. Chris Jones)
11/12/2025
#23: The Discipline Behind the Muscle (ft. Chris Jones)
In this episode of Brick Dust & Barbells, I sit down with Chris Jones — a man who’s been in the bodybuilding game for over 34 years. Chris retired from competition in 2021 after a long and disciplined career that pushed the limits of both body and mind. From his early days in the gym to running his own fitness business, Chris has seen it all — the highs, the sacrifices, and the mindset it takes to stay consistent for decades. We talk about: The discipline and drive behind bodybuilding at the top level How physical strength builds mental strength What burnout really looks like in elite training How training evolves as you get older Why looking after your body is the key to keeping your mind strong This is more than a conversation about bodybuilding — it’s about discipline, identity, and longevity. 🎧 Whether you’re on the tools, in the gym, or trying to rebuild your health after 40 — this one’s for you. Check Chris out here: Chris Jone's gym: https://www.evolve-fitness.co.uk/
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#22: Stop Trying to Get Motivated — Do This Instead
11/11/2025
#22: Stop Trying to Get Motivated — Do This Instead
🎙️ Episode – Stop Trying to Get Motivated — Do This Instead Most people waste years waiting for motivation to show up. They wait for the perfect Monday, the right headspace, or that magical “ready” feeling. But here’s the truth: motivation doesn’t come first. Action does. In this episode of Brick Dust & Barbells, I break down: Why waiting for motivation is the trap that keeps you stuck How action — not feelings — creates real momentum The “match strike” moments that get you moving Why this hits harder after 40 (and how to work with it, not against it) How to build unstoppable momentum with small, daily wins You don’t need to feel ready. You need to start. 👉 Action first. Motivation follows. 🎧 Listen now and share this with someone who’s waiting for “the right time” to start.
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#21: Start With the Body. The Mind Will Follow.
11/04/2025
#21: Start With the Body. The Mind Will Follow.
🎙️ Episode – Start With the Body. The Mind Will Follow. When your head’s loud, when the pressure feels too heavy, when the world goes quiet and everything feels stuck — trying to “fix your mindset” can feel impossible. Here’s the truth most people don’t talk about: 👉 You don’t fix your mind first. 👉 You start with your body. 👉 And the mind follows. In this episode of Brick Dust & Barbells, I talk about: Why your body is the anchor when your head feels like a storm How movement calms the nervous system and creates mental clarity The small physical wins that can change everything (even when you feel like doing nothing) Why momentum matters more than motivation How taking one physical step gives you a way back in This isn’t about smashing PBs or chasing six-packs. It’s about starting where you are — with what you can control — and rebuilding from there. 🎧 Listen now. One step is all it takes.
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#20: No More Dad Bod: Strength, Stamina & Sanity
10/27/2025
#20: No More Dad Bod: Strength, Stamina & Sanity
🎙️ Episode – No More Dad Bod: Strength, Stamina & Sanity Let’s be honest — somewhere between the graft, the kids, late nights and a few too many pints, a lot of people end up in a body that doesn’t feel like their own anymore. The “Dad Bod” isn’t just about how you look. It’s about how you feel: low energy, extra weight, creaky joints, brain fog, and that quiet voice saying “Is this just how it is now?” It’s not. In this episode of Brick Dust & Barbells, I break down: What the Dad Bod really represents (and why it’s not permanent) Why energy and strength fall off after 40 How to rebuild with strength, stamina, and sanity Breaking out of the excuse cycle that keeps people stuck Why showing up consistently beats chasing perfection every time This isn’t about six-packs or fads. It’s about taking your body — and your life — back. 🎧 Listen now and share it with someone who’s ready to rebuild.
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#19: From Burnout to Brickhouse: Energy After 40
10/20/2025
#19: From Burnout to Brickhouse: Energy After 40
🎙️ Episode – From Burnout to Brickhouse: Energy After 40 Most blokes in the trades know what burnout feels like — the constant exhaustion, the 3AM wake-ups, the aches that don’t go away, and the sense that you’re running on fumes no matter how much you rest. But here’s the truth: burnout doesn’t have to be the end of the story. You can rebuild. You can go from burnout to brickhouse — solid, strong, and full of steady energy that lasts. In this episode of Brick Dust & Barbells, I break down: The difference between fatigue and burnout (and why it matters) Why energy collapses after 40 — stress, poor recovery, and lost purpose The Brickhouse Blueprint: rest, strength training, Zone 2 cardio, proper nutrition, and reconnecting with your mission How to rebuild energy you can trust — for the tools, the gym, and life outside work This isn’t about quick fixes. It’s about building foundations that keep you standing tall, no matter what life throws at you. 🎧 Listen now and share it with a mate who’s been running on empty — he’s not broken, he just needs to rebuild.
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#18: Fatigue vs Burnout: Know the Difference, Save Your Life
10/14/2025
#18: Fatigue vs Burnout: Know the Difference, Save Your Life
🎙️ Episode – Fatigue vs Burnout: Know the Difference, Save Your Life Most lads in the trades just say, “I’m knackered, I’ll push through.” But there’s a big difference between fatigue and burnout — and if you don’t know which one you’re dealing with, you could be digging yourself into a hole you can’t climb out of. In this episode of Brick Dust & Barbells, I break down: The difference between fatigue (needs rest) and burnout (needs a reset) How to spot the signs of each — in your body, your energy, and your mindset Why tradesmen confuse the two and make burnout worse Practical fixes: recovery strategies vs life resets My own experiences with both — and what it taught me 💡 Fatigue is solved by a weekend off. Burnout is solved by a life reset. Know the difference, and you’ll save yourself years of pain. 🎧 Listen now and share this with a mate who’s always “knackered” — but deep down, might be running on empty.
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#17: Money vs Health: What’s Really Costing You More?
10/10/2025
#17: Money vs Health: What’s Really Costing You More?
🎙️ Episode – Money vs Health: What’s Really Costing You More? Most lads in the trades will graft seven days a week, chase overtime, and push through pain — all for the sake of money. But here’s the truth: if you wreck your health, the money won’t matter. Illness, injury, and burnout will cost you more than you’ll ever earn. In this episode of Brick Dust & Barbells, I dig into the trade-off between money and health — and why health is the real wealth. We cover: Why tradesmen put money first (bills, pride, fear, graft culture) The hidden cost of ignoring health — from injuries to lost earnings Why strength, stamina, and recovery are the insurance policy for your income Practical ways to balance both without sacrificing family or career The truth: you don’t have to choose one or the other — but without health, the money runs out fast You wouldn’t run your van flat out without servicing it. So why do it to your body? 🎧 Listen now, share it with a mate who’s “too busy” to train, and let’s raise the standard for men in the trades.
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#16: The 3AM Man: Why Men Wake Up Anxious and Empty
10/02/2025
#16: The 3AM Man: Why Men Wake Up Anxious and Empty
🎙️ Episode – The 3AM Man: Why Men Wake Up Anxious and Empty Ever find yourself wide awake at 3AM, staring at the ceiling, heart racing, mind running laps? You’re not alone. For men over 40 — especially on the tools — 3AM is often when the doubts, the stress, and the cracks in the foundation show up. It’s not just about bad sleep. It’s your body and mind sending a signal. In this episode of Brick Dust & Barbells, I break down: Why men wake up wired and restless in the early hours How stress, booze, and poor recovery fuel the 3AM wake-up What your nervous system is really telling you at night Practical fixes: sleep hygiene, training, hydration, and downshifting Why the 3AM man isn’t broken — he’s just running on empty This isn’t about hacks. It’s about rebuilding rest, recovery, and purpose so you can wake up strong, not anxious. 🎧 Listen now, share it with a mate who jokes about “being up at stupid o’clock,” and let’s raise the standard for men in the trades.
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#15: Back Pain, Shoulder Pain, Knee Pain — Let’s Fix It
10/02/2025
#15: Back Pain, Shoulder Pain, Knee Pain — Let’s Fix It
🎙️ Episode – Back Pain, Shoulder Pain, Knee Pain — Let’s Fix It If you’re over 40 and on the tools, chances are you’ve felt one of these: A back that locks up after lifting. Shoulders that ache after a ceiling job. Knees that grind going up ladders. Most lads just push through — painkillers, pints, and hoping it goes away. But pain doesn’t vanish. It’s a signal. And if you ignore it, it becomes an injury. In this episode of Brick Dust & Barbells, I break down the big three pains in the trades — back, shoulders, and knees — and how to fix them. We’ll cover: Why back pain is usually weak core + tight hips (not “a bad back”) How shoulder pain comes from too much pushing and not enough pulling Why weak legs and stiff hips make your knees take all the strain Practical fixes: simple strength, mobility, and recovery that actually work The truth: pain isn’t always damage — it’s your body asking for attention Your body is your number one tool. If it breaks, the job stops. Stop masking pain. Start fixing it. 🎧 Listen now, share it with a mate who’s always moaning about his knees or shoulders, and let’s raise the standard for men in the trades.
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#14: Mass Gainers, Protein, Creatine — No-BS Supplement Talk
09/26/2025
#14: Mass Gainers, Protein, Creatine — No-BS Supplement Talk
🎙️ Episode – Mass Gainers, Protein, Creatine — No-BS Supplement Talk Most lads in the trades have tried a shake at some point, or thought about creatine, or wondered if mass gainers are worth the money. Problem is, the fitness industry is full of hype and half-truths. In this episode of Brick Dust & Barbells, I cut through the BS and give you the straight facts on supplements: What protein shakes actually do (and don’t do) Why creatine is the most proven supplement you can take after 40 The truth about mass gainers — who needs them and who’s wasting their cash When and how to use supplements properly without overthinking it Why food, sleep, and training always come first Supplements aren’t magic. They’re tools. Used right, they can help you recover faster, build strength, and stay in the game longer. Used wrong, they’re just expensive powders. 🎧 Listen now, share it with a mate who’s wasting money on tubs, and let’s raise the standard for men in the trades.
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#13: The Truth About Running After 40
09/19/2025
#13: The Truth About Running After 40
🎙️ Episode – The Truth About Running After 40 Most blokes in their 40s say the same thing: “I can’t run anymore — my knees are gone.” Or they try to pick up where they left off in their 20s, smash a 5K, and wonder why they’re injured or wiped out for a week. The truth is, you can run after 40 — you just have to run differently. In this episode of Brick Dust & Barbells, I break down: Why most men get running wrong once they hit 40 The real benefits of running for tradesmen — heart, lungs, fat loss, and mental health How to run smarter: Zone 2, short distances, walk-run intervals, and strength training What throws your running off — extra weight, ego, poor shoes, bad recovery Stories and real talk from my own training and the lads I know Running after 40 isn’t about pace or proving yourself. It’s about building an engine that keeps you strong on the tools, sharp in the gym, and present at home. 🎧 Listen now, share it with a mate who says he’s “too old to run,” and let’s raise the standard for men in the trades.
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#12: What Is Functional Strength? And Why It Matters Over 40
09/12/2025
#12: What Is Functional Strength? And Why It Matters Over 40
🎙️ Episode – What Is Functional Strength? And Why It Matters Over 40 Most tradesmen think being “strong” means lifting the heaviest, working the longest hours, or surviving on grit alone. But that kind of brute force breaks you down fast — especially once you hit 40. In this episode of Brick Dust & Barbells, I break down what functional strength really is — and why it matters more than ever as you get older. We’ll cover: The difference between brute force and usable strength Why graft culture leaves so many men broken by 40 How functional strength keeps you injury-free, mobile, and full of energy Simple ways to build strength that carries over to work and life Real examples of lads who look strong but can’t move vs those who train smart and last longer Strength isn’t just about looking big or grinding harder — it’s about building a body that serves you, on site and off it. 🎧 Listen now, share it with a mate who thinks “more weight” is the answer, and let’s raise the standard for men in the trades.
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#27: Fix Your Sleep, Fix Your Life: The Over-40 Blueprint
09/12/2025
#27: Fix Your Sleep, Fix Your Life: The Over-40 Blueprint
🎙️ Episode – Fix Your Sleep, Fix Your Life: The Over-40 Blueprint If your energy is low… If your mood is up and down… If you’re crashing in the afternoons, waking up tired, or wondering why your training feels flat… It’s probably not your diet. It’s not your motivation. It’s not your age. 👉 It’s your sleep. In this episode of Brick Dust & Barbells, we break down what really happens when you turn 40+ and your sleep starts to slip — and how fixing it can transform everything from your strength to your stress levels to your mental resilience. We cover: Why men and women over 40 struggle with sleep How deep sleep and REM actually rebuild the brain and body The real reason you wake up knackered even after 7–8 hours How magnesium glycinate and malate support recovery and energy How your mitochondria (your body’s engines) depend on good sleep The truth about alcohol: why a few beers can destroy your deep sleep Simple, non-negotiable habits you can start tonight This isn’t about perfect sleep routines or fancy gadgets — it’s about taking back your evenings, your mornings, and your energy. 🎧 Listen now and unlock the one habit that makes everything else easier.
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#11: HRV, Heart Rate & Your Body’s Dashboard: Why Tradesmen Burn Out Too Soon
09/01/2025
#11: HRV, Heart Rate & Your Body’s Dashboard: Why Tradesmen Burn Out Too Soon
Most tradesmen think they’re just “tired” or “getting old.” But the truth is, your body is giving you signals — you’re just not reading them. That’s where HR (heart rate) and HRV (heart rate variability) come in. They’re not fitness fads — they’re your body’s dashboard. Ignore the warning lights, and you’ll burn out faster than you should. In this episode of Brick Dust & Barbells, I break it down in plain language: What HR and HRV actually mean Why they matter for blokes in the trades How stress, booze, poor sleep, and energy drinks wreck your numbers The nervous system explained: sympathetic vs parasympathetic (fight vs rebuild) How to use this data to train smarter, recover better, and stay in the game longer You wouldn’t ignore the warning lights on your van. Don’t ignore them in your body. 🎧 Listen now, share it with a mate who’s always running on fumes, and let’s raise the standard for men in the trades.
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#10: Strong on the Tools: What That Really Means
08/31/2025
#10: Strong on the Tools: What That Really Means
🎙️ Episode – Strong on the Tools: What That Really Means For years, being “strong on the tools” has meant carrying more, working faster, and surviving longer days than the next bloke. But that version of strength comes with a price: burnout, broken joints, and nothing left in the tank once you get home. In this episode of Brick Dust & Barbells, I break down what being strong on the tools really means for men over 40 in the trades — and how to build the kind of strength that actually lasts. We’ll cover: Why the old definition of strength burns you out What true strength looks like on site and off it Four simple ways to build lasting energy, resilience, and focus Stories from the trade that prove the difference between short-term graft and long-term strength Being strong isn’t about grinding yourself into the ground. It’s about being powerful, patient, and present — at work and in life. 🎧 Listen now, share it with a mate who thinks he’s indestructible, and let’s raise the standard for men in the trades.
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#09: Food That Fuels You — Not Slows You Down
08/28/2025
#09: Food That Fuels You — Not Slows You Down
🎙️ Episode #09:Food That Fuels You — Not Slows You Down Most tradesmen eat for convenience, not for performance — bacon rolls in the morning, meal deals at lunch, takeaways at night, washed down with energy drinks or pints. It keeps you going in the moment, but it’s wrecking your energy, your recovery, and your long-term health. In this episode of Brick Dust & Barbells, I break down straightforward nutrition for busy working men — no fad diets, no calorie-counting apps, just real talk about how to fuel your body so it works with you, not against you. We’ll cover: Why the usual “tradie diet” leaves you sluggish and bloated What food that actually fuels you looks like Quick wins you can use straight away (without meal-prep madness) The trade-off between comfort food and long-term energy How to eat to last longer on the tools and have energy left for life outside work The trade is hard enough. Stop fuelling like you’re fighting fires every day — and start eating like a man who wants to win the long game. 🎧 Listen now and share with a mate who still lives on bacon rolls and Monsters.
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#08: You’re Not Broken. You’re Just Undertrained.
08/20/2025
#08: You’re Not Broken. You’re Just Undertrained.
🎙️ Episode – You’re Not Broken. You’re Just Undertrained. Most tradesmen over 40 wake up every day feeling wrecked — stiff back, sore knees, no energy, short fuse. The story we tell ourselves? “I’m broken. I’m too old for this.” But here’s the truth: you’re not broken — you’re just undertrained. In this episode of Brick Dust & Barbells, I break down the mindset shift that changes everything. Because the trade hasn’t ruined you — it’s just left you unprepared. And the good news is, you can rebuild. We’ll cover: Why aches and fatigue aren’t the end — they’re signals The difference between being broken vs undertrained How recovery, hydration, and strength training transform life on and off the tools Real stories of tradesmen who rebuilt themselves after thinking they were done The first simple steps to start training for life, not just work You don’t need to accept the story that age and graft have finished you. You need a new story: you’re rebuilding. 🎧 Listen now, share it with a mate who thinks he’s “too far gone,” and let’s raise the standard for men in the trades.
/episode/index/show/634908f1-72f7-414a-a75c-df8848ae8d33/id/37887940
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#07: The Graft is Ageing You Faster Than You Think
08/18/2025
#07: The Graft is Ageing You Faster Than You Think
The graft takes its toll. Every ceiling skim, every awkward lift, every long day on your feet — it all adds up. By the time most tradesmen hit their 40s, the body feels decades older: sore knees, stiff shoulders, constant fatigue. And most lads just shrug it off as “getting old.” But the truth is, it’s not just age — it’s accumulated stress with no recovery. Poor sleep, dehydration, and years of smashing through pain without building real strength all speed up the clock. In this episode of Brick Dust & Barbells, I break down: Why the graft accelerates ageing more than you realise The hidden costs of graft culture and the “push through” mentality How dehydration, poor sleep, and lack of training hammer your recovery 5 simple ways to slow the clock and add years to your career (and life) The mindset shift from “indestructible apprentice” to “industrial athlete” You’re not broken — you’re just overdue a service. Take care of yourself with the same pride you put into your work, and you’ll be unstoppable. 🎧 Listen now, share this with a mate on the tools, and let’s rebuild the body, mind, and mission together.
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#06: Alcohol, Energy Drinks & The Weekend Spiral - Honest talk on habits that steal your energy and discipline.
08/11/2025
#06: Alcohol, Energy Drinks & The Weekend Spiral - Honest talk on habits that steal your energy and discipline.
🎙️ Episode 6 — Alcohol, Energy Drinks & The Weekend Spiral In this episode of Brick Dust & Barbells, I get real about three habits that quietly drain the energy, discipline, and drive of men in the trades — especially over 40: alcohol, energy drinks, and the weekend spiral. We talk about: How even “a couple of pints” wrecks recovery, sleep, and testosterone Why energy drinks give you fake fuel and long-term fatigue How weekend habits undo the week’s progress and keep you stuck Simple swaps to break the loop without going “all or nothing” This isn’t about perfection or preaching — it’s about being honest, making better choices, and walking into Monday with a full tank instead of a hangover and a caffeine crash. You’re not broken — you’re just running the wrong fuel mix. 🎧 Listen now, share with a mate, and let’s start raising the standard for the men in the trades — one choice at a time.
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#05: The Tradesman’s Trap: Work Hard, Burn Out, Repeat
08/07/2025
#05: The Tradesman’s Trap: Work Hard, Burn Out, Repeat
In this episode, I’m calling out the cycle that’s burning out men across the trades — work hard, burn out, repeat. It’s the mindset we were all raised on: push through pain, graft harder than the next man, and never stop to breathe. But here’s the truth… That cycle doesn’t make you stronger — it keeps you stuck. I break down the unspoken rules of graft culture and how they’re wrecking our health, energy, and long-term potential. And more importantly, I’ll show you how to break out of it — with small, strategic shifts that protect your body, rebuild your energy, and help you take back control. 🔧 In this episode: Why “hard work” isn’t always the answer How tradesmen lose years to survival mode The hidden cost of ignoring recovery What true strength looks like after 40 3 simple ways to break the burnout cycle starting today You’re not broken — you’re just in a system that never taught you how to win. 🎧 Hit play. Share this with a mate who’s stuck in the loop. Let’s change the culture — one grafted-out tradesman at a time.
/episode/index/show/634908f1-72f7-414a-a75c-df8848ae8d33/id/37718340
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#04: “Wearables, Recovery, and the Real Data You’re Missing”
07/30/2025
#04: “Wearables, Recovery, and the Real Data You’re Missing”
In this episode of Brick Dust & Barbells, I break down why wearable tech — like heart rate monitors, sleep trackers, and HRV data — isn’t just for athletes… it’s for tradies over 40 who want to train smarter, recover better, and stay in the game long-term. I’ll explain what HRV, BPM, sleep score, and Garmin’s Body Battery really mean — and how I personally use this data every day to make better decisions for my training, energy, and health. If you’re grafting all week, knackered by Friday, and wondering why the gym’s getting harder to recover from… this episode is for you. In this episode: What your HRV is really telling you Why resting heart rate spikes before burnout hits How to use Body Battery to train or recover properly The silent stress tradesmen ignore — and how to catch it early How to use wearable data without getting obsessed 🔧 From the tools to the iron — this is about rebuilding your body, mind, and mission. 🎧 Listen now — and drop me a message on Instagram if you’ve got questions or want me to cover something in a future episode.
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