This week on Onward Shifts Podcast, Vishal welcomes Alan Bates, a seasoned construction director and devoted father, for one of the most vulnerable, courageous and eye-opening conversations to date. Alan’s story is not just about physical illness. It’s about identity, purpose and survival in the face of life-altering trauma.

From a humble start working on building sites in his teens to leading multi-million-euro projects across Europe, Alan had carved out a successful, fast-paced life but everything changed when he developed Dural Arteriovenous Fistula Syndrome a rare spinal condition that struck without warning and left him with permanent disabilities, chronic pain and the need for catheters and mobility aids.

What followed was more than a health crisis it was a complete breakdown of the life he knew. In this episode, Alan opens up about the mental toll of disability, the isolation, the rage, the shame and the suicidal thoughts he battled daily but he also shares how therapy, community and the power of vulnerability became lifelines and how his role as a father became the anchor that kept him here.

Alan talks candidly about breaking masculine norms, the stigma of invisible illness, toxic workplace dynamics and why more men need to speak up before they reach their breaking point. Now writing a book titled If It Can Happen to Me, he’s on a mission to raise awareness, spark honest conversations and offer hope to anyone who’s ever felt like giving up.

This episode is raw, moving and deeply human a story of loss, resilience and the fight to rebuild a life of meaning when everything falls apart.

💬 Trigger warning: This episode contains discussions around mental health struggles, suicidal ideation and medical trauma. Please listen with care.

Find out more about Onward Shift and the mental health support we offer here- https://onwardshift.com

In this powerful episode of The Onward Shift Podcast, host Vishal Narbheram sits down with therapist Will Hamilton to unpack the emotional, messy, and transformative journey from boyhood to manhood.

From teenage confusion to fatherhood fears, from midlife panic to relationship breakdowns, this is a no-fluff, real-deep dive into what men actually go through but rarely talk about.

They explore the mental load men carry silently:
💬 The pressure to “man up”
💬 The anxiety of becoming a dad
💬 The social silence around men's mental health
💬 The impact of social media and unrealistic expectations
💬 Divorce, midlife crisis and rebuilding identity

If you’re in construction, business or just feeling overwhelmed by the quiet pressure to “have it all figured out,” this one’s for you. This is the episode every man needs to hear and every partner needs to understand.

Because being a man isn’t about pretending you’re fine it’s about figuring out how to actually be okay.

Book a 1 to 1 session with Will here- https://onwardshift.com/counsellors/pick-your-counsellor/will-hamilton-person-centred-counsellor/

Find out more about Onward Shift and the support we offer here- ⁠https://onwardshift.com x

Money struggles are real, especially in the construction industry. Delayed payments, unpredictable income, living paycheque to paycheque and feeling like you're always one van breakdown away from chaos… sound familiar?

In this straight-talking episode of The Onward Shift Podcast, host Vishal Narbheram is joined by Rachel Harte, co-founder of Money First Aid, to tackle one of the last great taboos: talking about money.

With over 15 years in financial services, Rachel knows the pressure people face and she’s on a mission to make financial education accessible for everyone, especially those working in tough, shift-based industries like construction, retail and hospitality.

Together, they unpack:

• Why budgeting isn't about restriction, it's about freedom
• How to start saving when you feel like you’ve got nothing to spare
• The hard truths about credit cards, Klarna and ‘buy now, pay later’ traps
• Why so many tradespeople are stuck in debt and how to break the cycle
• What you really need to know about pensions, savings and compound interest

• 
  

This is real talk. No fluff. No judgment.

Just solid, actionable advice from people who get it. If you’ve ever felt embarrassed about money, stuck in financial stress or unsure where to even begin this episode is your wake-up call.

Books:

Rich dad poor dad - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rich-Dad-Poor-Teach-Middle/dp/1612680194

How to own the world- https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Own-World-life-changing-bestseller/dp/1473695309

Websites:

Boring money- https://www.boringmoney.co.uk/

Money helper- https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en

Find out more about Onward Shift and the support we offer here- https://onwardshift.com

In a world where tough conversations are often avoided, Onward Shift brings them to the forefront. Hosted by Vishal Narbheram, this podcast is dedicated to shedding light on critical social issues, challenging the norms and inspiring change through raw, unfiltered discussions.

In this powerful episode, Vishal sits down with James from JT MOTIV, a passionate advocate for mental health and addiction recovery to take on the controversial topic of zero tolerance policies in workplaces. Should employees battling addiction be immediately dismissed or is there a better way to offer support and rehabilitation?

Through personal experiences and hard hitting insights, they explore the impact of workplace culture, the importance of second chances and how companies can shift from punishment to meaningful intervention.But the conversation doesn’t stop there. Vishal and James also tackle the ever growing influence of social media and how it fuels addiction, manipulates our attention and even alters our mental health. They discuss the addictive nature of constant notifications, the pressure of online validation and the fine line between using social platforms for good versus falling into the trap of endless scrolling. Can we break free from the cycle or has social media become the new silent addiction?

Whether you're an employer, an employee or someone struggling with mental health, addiction or digital overload, this episode is a must listen. Onward Shift isn’t just a podcast, it’s a movement for real talk, real awareness and real change.

🎧 Listen now to the Full Story!

Find out more about Onward Shift and the support we offer here- ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://onwardshift.com ⁠

In this compelling episode on Onward Shifts Podcast, Vishal Narbheram the host sits down with Rob Porter, a crane engineer whose career has been shaped by hard work, perseverance and overcoming some of life's toughest challenges.

From his humble beginnings in East London to a life-changing accident on the job, Rob’s journey through the construction industry is nothing short of extraordinary.

Starting out as an apprentice in the plant industry, Rob quickly found himself working his way up, learning everything from diesel fitting to crane maintenance. His passion for fixing things and solving problems led him to a career in engineering, where he spent years mastering his craft. However, his life took a dramatic turn when a near fatal accident on a power station crane left him with severe injuries and a long road to recovery.

Rob shares his gripping experience of the accident, the physical and mental toll it took on him and the remarkable determination that pushed him to recover and rebuild his life.

Throughout this episode, Rob also reflects on the importance of work-life balance in the construction industry, offering invaluable advice to younger generations about the risks of chasing money at the expense of personal wellbeing. His story is a powerful reminder of the importance of safety on the job and the resilience needed to bounce back from adversity.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the trade, especially for young people entering the construction industry. Rob's experiences provide both a cautionary tale and a source of inspiration, showing that with hard work, perseverance and the support of those around you, it's possible to overcome even the toughest challenges.

Find out more about Onward Shift and the support we offer here- ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://onwardshift.com ⁠

In this powerful episode of Onward Shift, host Vishal Narbheram sits down with Debra Stanway, wife of Mark Stanway, to uncover the often-overlooked impact of workplace accidents on families. Following Mark’s devastating fall, Debra found herself juggling not just his physical recovery but the emotional and psychological turmoil that followed.

Debra opens up about the shocking lack of medical care, the emotional weight of watching her husband lose his sense of identity and the ripple effect on their children. She shares the raw and personal struggles of supporting a loved one through PTSD, memory loss and chronic pain—all while holding her family together.

This episode is a moving testament to resilience, love and the power of unwavering support. Debra’s story is heartbreaking yet inspiring, reminding us that workplace safety isn’t just about individuals—it’s about the lives that depend on them.

🎧 Listen now to hear Debra’s journey of heartbreak, strength and the lessons every family should know.

Learn more about the app Mark Stanway created here- ⁠⁠https://shako.org.uk⁠⁠

Find out more about Onward Shift and the support we offer here- ⁠https://onwardshift.com ⁠

A Conversation with Mark Stanway

In this gripping episode of Onward Shift, host Vishal Narbheram sits down with Mark Stanway, a freelance site manager and keynote speaker, to discuss the harrowing workplace accident that changed his life forever.

Mark shares the details of his near-fatal fall from a scaffold in 2015, the shocking aftermath and the devastating ripple effects it had on his mental health and family. From workplace negligence and cover-ups to his battle with pain, isolation and PTSD, Mark’s story is a stark reminder of the real-life consequences of poor safety practices.

This powerful conversation sheds light on the importance of workplace safety, the emotional toll of life-altering injuries, and the silent struggles workers and their families face after an accident. Mark’s resilience and advocacy for better safety standards make this an unmissable episode.

Tune in for a raw and eye-opening discussion that will change the way you think about construction site safety.

🎧 Listen now and join the conversation on workplace safety, accountability, and recovery.

Learn more about the app Mark Stanway created here https://shako.org.uk

Find out more about Onward Shift and the support we offer here- https://onwardshift.com

Welcome to Onward Shift, the podcast that explores powerful stories of transformation, resilience and growth in the face of life’s greatest challenges. Join us as we shine a light on journeys of overcoming adversity and discovering new paths forward.

In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome James Ford, founder of JT Motiv and an inspiring voice in the world of personal empowerment and addiction recovery. James draws from his own experiences and years of working with individuals battling addiction to share candid insights about the struggles people face with gambling, drugs and alcohol. His unique perspective on resilience and recovery offers practical guidance and hope for those seeking a way out of the darkness.

Get ready for an enlightening conversation filled with honesty, motivation and actionable wisdom. Whether you or someone you know has been touched by addiction or you’re looking for a story of perseverance to fuel your own journey, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.

Make sure to listen and follow us for more compelling discussions and learn more about James Ford and JT Motiv below!

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/jt_motiv?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==⁠

Tiktok- ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@jt_motiv?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=

You can learn more about Alcoholics Anonymous here- ⁠https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk⁠

You can book in a meeting with Alcoholics Anonymous here- ⁠https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/find-a-meeting/⁠

You can learn more about what Onward Shift is doing here- ⁠https://onwardshift.com