Don't touch the cat

#28 - A walk & talk

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 15:41:09 GMT

I discuss sporadic episode releases, the pressures of social media and work, what I think 2025 will bring, dealing with anxiety, and a few other bits from the top of my head.

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#27 - Baz Hunt, Geologist/Surveyor

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 11:01:26 GMT

Baz is a chartered geologist and surveyor with over 40 years of experience in the building industry, specialising in surveying and investigative roles. With his vast knowledge of building materials and architecture, he has become a trusted expert, now sharing his insights through social media.

In his captivating videos—often showing him abseiling down iconic buildings—Baz not only identifies structural issues and provides expert solutions but also weaves in fascinating historical context.

During the podcast, he discusses the growing concern over unqualified social media "experts", as well as sharing his professional opinion on the ideal patio system for homes in the UK.

His straightforward, accessible explanations make even the most complex topics easy to understand for everyone.

Having been published in numerous trade magazines, Baz is now reaching a wider audience on TikTok, where he continues to blend history, architecture, and practical advice in an engaging and informative manner.

Follow Baz on TikTok @stone_guru

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#26 - Mike McCann, BEWI

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 17:30:36 GMT

Mike, the sales manager for BEWI UK (formerly Jackon UK), is a true cornerstone of the tiling industry. With years of experience across multiple companies, he's built a reputation as someone who has genuinely made a difference. Over the course of his career, Mike has supported and guided thousands of industry professionals. His dedication and expertise were rightfully recognized at this year’s TTA (The Tiling Association) Awards, where he was honoured with the prestigious UK Employee of the Year title. On top of all that, Mike is just a really nice guy — someone who's always willing to help and bring a positive spirit to everything he does.

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#25 - Darren Clutterbuck, Rye Plastering Services

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 05:00:32 GMT

Join us for an insightful episode as we delve into the world of plastering with the highly experienced Darren, hailing from Bexhill. With over two decades of expertise in his craft.

Initially capturing our attention through his candid and thought-provoking TikTok content, Darren's astute observations on the challenges facing tradespeople in today's market struck a chord. His articulate analysis of the shifting landscape in the trade sector piqued our interest, prompting us to explore his journey further.

Tune in as we uncover Darren's compelling narrative, unravelling the trials and triumphs amassed throughout his career. From navigating the highs and lows of the plastering trade to offering invaluable insights into his own life.

After following Darren on TikTok and talking to him It was clear that Darren had an interesting story to tell and we finally managed to sit down and have a chat.

Connect with Darren:

justhowimfeeling - TikTok

Rye Plastering services - Facebook

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#24 - Alex Rocha, SRV Group Ltd

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 01:19:29 GMT

Alex is a multi-skilled tradesman, based in Manchester and covering the whole of the UK. Perhaps best known for his presence on social media where he creates entertaining and educational content, with the goal of helping others.

Here he tells us his wild story of how he ended up being a multiskilled tradesman in the UK.

Connect with Alex:

TikTok - srv_group

Instagram - srvgroup.social

Support via Patreon would be very much appreciated, it will help me to fulfil a dream to make this podcast pay for itself and eventually to at least be part of my income. www.patreon.com/donttouchthecat - Thank you.

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@dttc_podcast

Instragram - https://www.instagram.com/dttc_podcast/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086801436290

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-t-touch-the-cat-b55269255/

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#23 - The History of Tiles, Part 1

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 22:45:15 GMT

Part 1 of my look at the history of tiles.

Tiles, in essence, encapsulate the story of humanity, weaving their presence into the fabric of every historical epoch.

Support via Patreon would be very much appreciated, it will help me to fulfil a dream to make this podcast pay or itself and eventually to at least be part of my income. www.patreon.com/donttouchthecat - Thank you.

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@dttc_podcast

Instragram - https://www.instagram.com/dttc_podcast/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086801436290

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-t-touch-the-cat-b55269255/

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#22 - Your business is The Odyssey, you are Odysseus

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 16:23:15 GMT

A metaphorical look at Homer's The Odyssey and how it can be used as inspiration for small business owners.

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@dttc_podcast

Instragram - https://www.instagram.com/dttc_podcast/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086801436290

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-t-touch-the-cat-b55269255/

During the podcast I mention that Odysseus kills the Cyclops. I know Odysseus didn't kill the Cyclops, I was kinda working from memory during the podcast, but yes he only blinded it as he needed it to move the boulder from the doorway. I may have been preoccupied with Ulysses who did kill his Cyclops, Odysseus was smarter than me. Will teach me to double-check my details next time.

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#21 - Antoni Morreale

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 10:45:32 GMT

Ant is a bathroom supplier and installer based in Essex, covering the surrounding areas. He is a tiler by trade with 17 years of experience in the industry.

Ant has built a reputation as a high-end bathroom installer and is in high demand all over the UK.

He is well known for his social media presence and has built a following by showcasing his work and helping others in the industry.

Connect with Ant

www.primobathrooms.co.uk

TikTok @primo_bathrooms

Instragram @primo_bathrooms

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#20 - Darcie Richards

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 14:03:10 GMT

Darcie is a bricklayer from Norfolk, part of a very small, but growing % of women working in the trade.

Here she tells her story of how she became a bricklayer, and how after one TikTok post for a bit of fun developed into Darcie becoming a full-time content creator.

Connect with Darcie:

TikTok - @rattle_kings

Instagram - @rattle_kings

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#19 - Reece Stewart

Tue, 30 May 2023 09:57:40 GMT

Reece is a carpenter based in Leicester, covering the whole UK.

His company has 15+ years of experience in making and fitting furniture in all areas of the home to an extremely high standard.

Over the years they have added more than just carpentry skills to their offering and can carry out most types of installs in any room in your home, known as "multi-skilled" but not in the sense that this phrase can be thought of as.

Skilled in multiple crafts and able to produce work at a very high standard in many fields.

Connect with Reece

Reece (@stewartskitchens) | TikTok

Stewarts Kitchens & Bathrooms (@stewartskitchens) | Instagram

Stewarts kitchens bedrooms & bathrooms | Facebook

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#18 - John Cooper

Mon, 22 May 2023 21:00:28 GMT

John is the co-owner of a company called New Home Quality Control, an independent professional snagging company that ensures that new homeowners get exactly what they pay for.

The company has grown to be the UK's #1 and most trusted inspection and snagging company.

The company is well known through its TikTok and YouTube accounts where they make very entertaining and informative videos.

www.newhomequalitycontrol.co.uk

New Home Quality Control (@newhomequalitycontrol) | TikTok

New Home Quality Control - YouTube

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#17 - Adam Hoyland

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 10:56:02 GMT

Adam is a plumbing and heating engineer in Barnsley, he has grown his business over a short period and has built a reputation as one of the best in most in-demand tradesmen in his area.

He is more widely known for his social media presence and new business, The TradeHub, a revolutionary app for tradespeople and customers.

Connect with Adam

Tiktoktradesman (@tiktoktradesman) | TikTok

TheTradeHub (@thetradehub.app) | Instagram

TheTradeHub - Plumbing, Paid Work From Home Positions for Tradesmen, Exclusive Discounts, Best Products for Tradesmen

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#16 - Sam Ferry

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 12:08:20 GMT

Sam is a plumber based in Warwickshire.

He covers his local area with his plumbing business but is more widely known for his social media presence as Professor Plumb on TikTok.

Sam makes really good videos focused on plumbing and has built quite a following, becoming a social media influencer.

Here he talks about how all that came about and how he lost his enthusiasm altogether for social media.

Connect with Sam:

TikTok - Professor plumb (@professorplumbofficial) | TikTok

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#15 - Martyn Cooper

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 17:56:38 GMT

Martyn is a mastic man who runs his own sealant application company out of Northamptonshire, covering the whole of the UK.

He is highly skilled in his work but is most well-known for his social media presence on TikTok and Instagram.

Martyn was a pro BMX rider for over a decade, something he is still involved in to this day.

Connect with Martyn:

TikTok @martyncoops

Instagram @martyncoops, @thecooperscrib

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#14 - Matthew Taylor

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 12:45:10 GMT

Matthew is a tiling specialist based in Leeds, with 22+ years of experience covering all types of tile and natural stone installations. He has built a reputation as one of the best and most in-demand tilers in Leeds and beyond.

Matthew also runs the social media pages of Tilers World Talk, showcasing best practice and educating tilers and the general public alike with correct standards, new products and methods in the tiling world.

You can follow these pages and also submit any work or new products/processes and use the worldwide reach of these social media accounts.

Tilers world Talk Page | Facebook

Tilers world talk page (@tilersworldtalkpage) • Instagram photos and videos

Tilers world (@tilersworld) | TikTok

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#13 - Paul Luff

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 12:05:44 GMT

Paul is the head of UK sales for Larsen Building products, looking after everything tile related for Larsen, a UK-based market-leading manufacturer of products for the construction industry.

Products That Perform - Larsen Building Products - Home

Paul is also the TTA (The Tile Association) Chairman, representing all aspects of the UK tile industry, from installers to retailers, to manufacturers. Promoting excellence throughout the industry, contributing to the formation of British Standards, and representing the whole industry at Government level.

Tiles Industry Experts | The Tile Association (TTA) UK

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#12 - Isa Celik

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 16:51:41 GMT

Isa is the owner of Opus Tile Restoration in York and is the UK's leading mosaic and stone restoration expert. He has worked on some of the UK's most prestigious buildings, from Victorian to Roman restorations, has supported national TV shows and produced reports for large projects.

Here he tells his story of how he ended up where he is today, and it is a great story.

Organisations mentioned by Isa:

www.menfulness.org

www.lighthouseclub.org

www.menunite.org

This episode was recorded before the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria on 6th Feb.

Isa would like to send a message to all that his thoughts are with everybody affected. He is understandably busy contacting his friends and family.

We echo Isa's message.

The British Red Cross has launched an emergency fundraising appeal in conjunction with the Turkish Red Crescent and Syrian Arab Red Crescent.

You can donate directly on their Facebook page or via their website redcross.org.uk

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#11 - Jordan Kane

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 15:21:36 GMT

Jordan is the Owner of Kane Concept Bathrooms in Glasgow, specialising in high-end bathrooms and has built a reputation as one of the very best in their field.

Jordan has used social media very well to grow his business and reputation and chats about how he has done that on the podcast.

Connect with Jordan:

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#10 - Kyle Hedin

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 18:27:52 GMT

Kyle is the host of the successful podcast 'Floor Academy' which offers business advice to people working in the trade. He has guests that span many industries and the discussions and advice are broad enough that almost anybody could take something from them.

www.flooracademypod.com

Kyle is also the owner of Illustrious hardwoods in Arizona, specialising in hardwood, engineered, LVP, and laminate

www.illustrioushardwoods.com

The $24k shower we discussed Link here

The $24k shower installers explanation Link here

Kyle's business budgeting sheet that was discussed Link here

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#9 - Mike Riley

Tue, 17 Jan 2023 18:22:12 GMT

Mike is the owner of Virtue Bathrooms in Warrington, offering complete bathroom design, supply and installation in a very forward-thinking and innovative way. He showcases the business and the incredible work that he and his team carry out on TikTok and Instagram, where he has built quite a following and is an extremely interesting and entertaining follow, even if you're not into bathrooms.

www.virtue-reality.co.uk

TikTok - virtue_bathrooms

Instagram - virtue_bathrooms

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#8 - Adrian O'Clements

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 18:52:44 GMT

Adrian is the owner of A&L Tiling, in Caerphilly Wales. He has 6 years of tiling experience and has quickly developed his skills and business into one of the leading tile installers in the UK, winning the UK Tile fixer of the year at the 2022 TTA Awards. He also moderates the popular tiling forum "Tilers Community" on Facebook.

Connect:

Facebook: Don't touch the cat Podcast

Instagram: @dttc_podcast

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#7 - Scott Baggaley

Wed, 04 Jan 2023 20:10:18 GMT

Scott is a Marketing manager in Stoke on Trent who took on the challenge to build an extension on his new family home, completely by himself, with little to no experience. He has been using TikTok to document his progress and has built a lovely community of trades and DIY who offer help and advice, as well as ask for help and advice. Oh, and just as he moved into his new home, his wife found out that she was pregnant, so the project had a time limit.

You can watch all of Scott's videos on TikTok @scott_diy

And keep an eye on his YouTube channel with the same handle for future updates and longer form content.

Scott was also featured in the Daily Mail, Link here - https://www.dailymail.co.uk/property/article-11597869/Homeowner-saves-35-000-building-extension-own.html?ito=native_share_channel-home-preview

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#6 - Accepting change

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 04:00:02 GMT

No guest this week so I had a wee ramble about a subject that was on my mind.

Accepting change and supporting new products and ideas.

I cannot say whether things will get better if we change. What I can say is they must change if they are to get better.

Georg C. Lichtenberg

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#5 - Marc Why

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 04:00:00 GMT

Marc is a Dubai based stone and tile engineer with 20 years of experience, almost 10 of which have been in Dubai.

An enjoyable chat which gives an insight into working and living in Dubai, interesting to anybody who may be curious and will hopefully serve as an inspiration to others, not only wanting to work/live in Dubai but in general how life, and work, can change for the better if opportunities are taken.

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#4 - Danny Bowers

Wed, 09 Nov 2022 00:42:03 GMT

Danny is the Director of Tile Central UK, based in Stoke on Trent.

Tile Central is a growing family business that imports tiles into the UK, specialising in business-to-business supply.Using their worldwide network and experience to supply retail, trade, and other tile retailers throughout the UK and Ireland.

If you would like to follow or contact Danny or Tile Central:

Visit the showroom: Tile Central UK, Trentham Trade Park, Unit F1, Stanley Matthews Way, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 8GA

Call the office: 01782 226166

Danny (Call/WhatsApp): 07476 405320

Tile Central UK | Facebook

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#3 - Ross Cunningham

Wed, 02 Nov 2022 03:00:55 GMT

Ross is the owner of Rossco Tiling Specialists and Tiling academy. He carries out amazing work through his tiling business and has recently launched a forward-thinking tiling training academy in Glasgow.

If you would like to follow or contact Ross:

Website: www.rosscotiling.com , www.rosscotrainingacademy.co.uk

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ross-cunningham-a1231a14a

Instagram: @rossco_tiling_specialists , @rosscotrainingacademy

TikTok: @thetartantiler , @rossco_training_academy

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#2 - Sam Hoffman

Fri, 28 Oct 2022 09:10:50 GMT

Sam is the owner of Hoffman tiling and bathrooms in Kent.

He is also the admin of the popular trade-only Facebook group "Tilers Community", represents tilers at TTA meetings, is a mentor to many many people, and does a lot of work supporting others.

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#1 - Alan McCarthy

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 11:47:48 GMT

Alan is a multi-trade professional, who we thought specialised in tiling (listen to find out more) and has many years of experience.

He covers the whole of the UK and is based in the Northwest.

He is also present on the popular trade groups Tilers Community and Perflex Trade where is offers his advice and helps a lot of people, kind of under the radar, and doesn't ask for anything in return.

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