Joel Bardall and Todd Von Joel take a look at all the latest topics from the world of Painting and Decorating including product launches, top tips, and special guests. The boys will also be joined by some of the biggest names from across the industry giving their view on the latest news and developments.
Joel Bardall and Todd Von Joel talk to fellow Decorators about what to do if you get second feelings about a job - either in the quoting phases or once you've taken it on. Joel also shares a recent postive from a job and there's some great stories from guests too. Guests: Jason Savage (Novitas Decorators) & Wesley Knight (WKPD)
Joel Bardall and Todd Von Joel are joined by two Decorators who have been invited on to help Todd with a tricky upcoming exterior project. Guests: Bryan Dennett & Steve Timbrell.
Joel Bardall and Todd Von Joel talk to fellow Painters & Decorators about how far you take the finish and dealing with those "while you're here" requests. Is it people pleasing or are you just a perfectionist? Guests: Stuart McClean, Joanne Hay & James Reeve.
Joel Bardall and Todd Von Joel talk about their use of ladders on exterior and interior projects. There's also some chat about trial and error with ladder set ups and past mishaps as well.
Todd Von Joel and Joel Bardall talk about going above and beyond for little reaction or the times where you work longer than you quoted for. Could you build that time into the quote and feel confident in explaining why? What about handling those 'while you're here' requests?
Joel Bardall and Todd Von Joel look into the approach to getting what we need for the work. They talk about shopping around, whether we get stuff ourselves or leave it to the client, shopping online vs at the merchants, a chat about trade prices and also what happens when you reccomend something that then starts failing on you. Guests: Jon Graham (JG Decorator) & Alex Woodward.
Joel and Todd talk to Ashley Woodcock (A Woodcock Decorators) & Andy Hamilton (AR Decor) about the worst places they've ever worked. There's stories about unhinged customers, awful working conditions and more.
Todd Von Joel and Joel Bardall talk about the common and hidden hazards faced by decorators. They talk about breathing in bad stuff, working in grotty houses, working from height and other hazards faced and how to navigate them.
Joel Bardall and Todd Von Joel find out about the approach to taking on the trade in the US as well as some of the innovation and exciting products coming to the UK from America. Colin Bidwell from Paint Shack joins first to talk through some new products making there way to the UK. Painter, Ben Hildre from Minnesota joins the boys to talk about his 25 years experience working in the trade in America and shares the incredible story behind the invention he created.
In this episode, Joel Bardall and Todd Von Joel chat with decorators who are using their skills to make a real difference through community projects. They catch up with Jen The Decorator about her experience working on DIY SOS - how she got involved, what the experience was like, and why giving back mattered to her. They also hear from decorator Karis Fear about her work with Band of Builders. Karis discusses the projects she’s been part of, and the personal experiences that inspired her to get involved, including her daughter Amelia’s journey with dyskinetic cerebral palsy and the challenges of accessing life-changing therapy and support. Later in the episode, Joel and Todd also share their own thoughts on community projects in the trade, what can stop people from getting involved, and why these positive stories deserve far more attention.
Joel Bardall and Todd Von Joel are joined by travelling mural artist Kathleen Dieux to explore how she uses VR technology to design and deliver large-scale artwork around the world. They discuss her creative process, pricing, materials and standout experiences from working internationally, before Joel and TVJ debate whether they’d ever use VR in their own work and the appeal of travelling abroad for jobs.
In this episode, Joel Bardall and Todd Von Joel discuss tools, materials and anything new they have been looking into. From improvements with existing tools, to VR - this episode explores what works, and what doesn’t. Ultimately, Joel and Todd question: have we hit a bit of a dead end when it comes to innovation?
Joel Bardall and Todd Von Joel invite Chris Ordinaire and Peter Clark to join them and share three game changing/career defining changes they made to their business. Joel and Todd share an example or two of their own and Joel talks about two very different clients he's been working for.
Joel Bardall and Todd Von Joel talk to Dan and Sarah from 'The Ugly Duckling Kitchens' talk about their story and journey with the business over the past 13 years. Dan talks about how he developed his skills after leaving the Armed Forces and trying a variety of different jobs. Sarah talks about the business growth and how they targeted the market with their niche. Dan talks about his approach to completing the work with tools and finishes and Sarah explains the quoting phase and where it will go from here.
Joel Bardall and Todd Von Joel check in with some fellow Decorators so that they can compare notes on what demand is like currently. Sian Francis gives a perspective from Hampshire and talks about what she's still in demand for and what type of enquiries have dropped off for her business. Ashley Woodcock talks about having to step outside of his comfort zone and take on work that he wouldn't usually do. Joel and Todd share their own thoughts and experiences and more.
Todd Von Joel and Joel Bardall talk to Marc Silver from Murwalls about some of their amazing community based projects that's seen them re-shape the underpasses and town centres like Harlow and Stevenage. Marc talks about audio descriptive murals and the incredible story about how that came about. He talks about how they completed and updated murals for the Lionesses after they beat Spain in the Euros last summer and talks about the Diogo Jota 20 mural. There's also discussion about use of augmented reality and what next for Murwalls.
Joel Bardall has had a tricky time with a customer that has no trust in tradespeople after being knocked in the past. Joel and Todd talk about the frustration that this can cause when you're being honest or have to explain a setback or unexpected issue that's cropped up on a job. Psychotherapist, Enda Murphy (Author of Five Steps To Happiness) joins the boys to explain how you can build trust with customers and also handle confrontation and difficult conversations with customers.
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.
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Observed July 31, 2026.
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