Episodes
Joel Bardall and Todd Von Joel follow up last week's show with a conversation about spotting customer red flags. James Reeve from Royal Spa Decoration talks about his experience coming across red flags and dealing with issues that emerge once the work has begun. A Decorator from the Isle of Wight joins the show to share a nightmare situation he faced... but with a fellow tradesperson rather than a customer.
Joel Bardall and Todd Von Joel talk to fellow Painter & Decorator - Michael - about his nightmare situation with a customer that's seen him massively out of pocket and considering whether he would carry on working in the trade.
Joel Bardall and Todd Von Joel are joined by two brand new guests on the show to follow up last week's 'Does It Really Matter' topic and discuss why they do certain things the way they do them and also how they answer all the critics that snag their work and approach online.
Joel Bardall and Todd Von Joel address some comment opinions found online about the trade and ask - "Does it really matter!?" There's comments on workwear, qualifications, using social media and online services for your business and more!
Joel Bardall and Todd Von Joel talk to tradespeople who have had careers as professional athletes. Marlie Packer OBE talks about her incredible Rugby Union career playing for England (Saracens, Bath, Wasps) and winning two World Cups, while also working on the tools thoughout her playing career as a Plumber. Danny 'Cassius' Connor talks about his professional boxing career and career progression in construction which has seen him win titles and take on the role of Site Manager & Crane Operator. Joel and Todd talk about their own (lack of) sporting abilities and also share some exciting news...
Joel Bardall and Todd Von Joel talk about their approach to decorating our own home and how far they go in achieving a professional finish when it's their own free time, money and the family will mess it up anyway. Andy Hamilton from AR Decor joins the chat and talks about his experiences.
Joel Bardall and Todd Von Joel look into the production process of paint, find out what makes paint cost what it does, some of the innovation, research and development and what the future holds for many paints and finishes. Guests: Jon Mears (Teknos) & Peter Howard (Akzonobel)
Joel Bardall and Todd Von Joel ask Decorators to join them and share some of their tips, tricks and advice. Todd also asks Joel for some advice for an upcoming job. Guests: Colin Bidwell (Paint Shack) & Wesley Knight (WKPD)
Joel and Todd take a week to answer some questions sent into the show. There's bits on about rules of the trade, confessions, debates online & more!
Todd Von Joel and Joel Bardall share two stories of good will and charity with a Painting & Decorating angle to them. The first story is about Emmaus - a homeless charity who is putting to use old paint and giving it and the homeless a new lease of life in the local community. There's also the story of how 30 or more Decorators came together on a single day, for a great cause in Northern Ireland. Guests: Chris Mengell & Gerrard Donaghy.
After doing a show recently about putting up prices, Joel and Todd look at how you can make little improvements and tweaks to your business to justify customers paying for a premium service. James Reeve from Royal Spa Decoration shares examples of improvements he's made to great effect. Construction Coach, Maria Coulter joins the discussion to share some expert insight and advice.
Todd Von Joel and Joel Bardall talk about their approach to driving for work. They touch on the most frustrating aspects of driving as a tradesperson, from the worst kinds of fellow road users to parking nightmares and why losing your cool isn't the answer.
Joel Bardall and Todd Von Joel look into whether it's a must to put your prices up for the year ahead. Joel and Todd discuss the rising cost of things - both on the tools and in society. Marketing Expert for Decorators, Jon Mears joins the conversation and gives an in-depth explanation on how to approach pricing in the new year, what the budget means for many, the opportunity around apprenticeships. Joel and Todd also read some comments from Reddit with regards to what the public think the value of having their home decorating might be.
Joel Bardall and Todd Von Joel talks about what 2025 has been like for many in the trade. Gary Burton joins the show to give his thoughts and a bit of an overview on what he thinks is in demand and where he's seen demand drop off in the market. Heather Isherwood returns after sharing her breast cancer story about six months ago. Heather gives an update on her recovery, talks about getting into spraying and shares the plan for next year when she needs another surgery to aide in her treatment. Joel and Todd also wrap up the year for them and share some final thoughts on the trade and life in ...
Joel Bardall and Todd Von Joel look into the argument as to whether too many methods, tips about working with materials and skills are being shared with the public on social media. John Kerry joins the discussion to explain why he thinks so many online are giving way too much away and how this creates a tougher market for Decorators to operate in effectively. Joanna Hay, well known on social media for sharing tips and tricks joins and explains her point of view on the topic.
Joel Bardall & Todd Von Joel talk about other trades 'doing the painting as well' when the client asks. Danny Madden, General Builder & Roofer talks about when he will and won't do the decorating himself and whether he could come close to matching the standards of a pro. Kevin Tingley AKA THe Paint Warrior gives his perspective and talks about what he's witnessed from builders and other trades having a go. Plasterer & DIY Crew Member, Chris Frediani talks about when he's asked from the perspective of a finishing trade and what happens when non trade based volunteers 'have a go' on DIY SOS.
Joel and Todd react to a news story and survey that placed Decorators LAST (8th overall) as the most unfit trade in construction. Retired Olympian turned Decorator, Dan Jervis joins the discussion to share his thoughts and Nathan Carter also joins the discussion due to his reputation for looking after his physique.
Joel Bardall and Todd Von Joel look into why so many are saying they're considering giving up the trade and finding a new career path. Dan Rolfe joins the show to talk about his discontent working in the trade, giving it up and taking a break and his return to Decorating. Jon Graham gives his take on why so many might be struggling to keep working in the trade currently and whether he's ever considered quitting.
Joel Bardall and Todd Von Joel set up some scenarios they've faced and discuss ways in which they've solved them.
Joel Bardall and Todd Von Joel are joined by Sian Francis, Who talks about the incredible success and rapid growth of her business. Sian talks about her start in Painting & Decorating, How she approached setting up a business, taking on commerical jobs, apprentices, quoting, paints, social media, DIY SOS and so much more!
Joel Bardall and Todd Von Joel talk to Decorators about how to predict your timeline and plot out a timeline accurately on jobs. Joel and Todd talk about the trial and error, what you communicate to clients, how to handle overrun and also ask guests about their tips and advice for getting this right. Guests: Jason Savage & Sean Kelly.
Joel Bardall and Todd Von Joel are joined by Decorators to talk about their worst mistakes and how they solved them. Joel and Todd also share their own and what they've done to avoid them happening again. Guests: Ryan Painter & Ashley Woodcock.
Todd Von Joel and Joel Bardall talk to Decorators about their working habits and practices. This means everything from prep work and taking time for quotes/estimates to bringing lunch and how clean the back of the van is! Guests include: Sian Francis & Wesley Knight.
Joel Bardall and Todd Von Joel talk ask decorators to share some of the bizarre stories they have from working in domestic properties over the years. Guests include: Jen Gardner AKA Jen The Decorator, Joanna Ramirez AKA Decor By Jo & Bryan Dennett from LF Dennett & Son.
Joel Bardall and Todd Von Joel talk to fellow Decorator, Joe Hunt, about the challenges he had trying to become qualified, finding training options that worked for him and the struggle to find someone to take him on. Joel and Todd talk about why it's such a tough leap for a small business owner to take someone on and there's advice for anyone looking to stand out.
Joel Bardall and Todd Von Joel look into a range of options for vehicles best suited to the trade. Carl Brookes from Trade Vans UK talks about the vehicle types and makes that he feels are best for Decorators and gives his ultimate top three to look into. Chris Ordinaire talks about his approach to having a van for his work on the brushes and fellow Fix Radio Presenter, Todd Glister talks about buying versus leasing and which option he feels is best for tradespeople.
Joel Bardall and Todd Von Joel discuss the things they would never do in the trade and also invite two Decorators to join them and share their own exmaples. Guests include: Peter Clark & Andy Hamilton (AR Decor)
Joel Bardall and Todd Von Joel recap their experiences and involvement at Fix Fest last week and also catch up with well known Plasterer, Leigh Griffiths AKA The Tape Slayer. Tape Slayer has recently been diagnosed with Silicosis and talks about how it happened, the wake up call it's been and why you need to take this very seriously if you're sanding and exposed to potentially harmful dust particles.
Heather Isherwood, a Canadian Decorator based in Reading, Berkshire talks about her experiences finding a career and running a business in Painting & Decorating and the story of how she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Heather talks about the moment she found out, the treatment that followed, some of the hardest aspects of treatment after beating breat cancer and what effect it's all had on her business and work on the tools. Heather also talks about favourite paints, tools and approach to managing customers as well as some notable projects.
Joel and TVJ discuss some of their favourite and least preferred colours to work with. They also talk about colour names and play some voice notes from friends of the show about their best/worst colours and colour names.