Visual Climber Podcast

Available November 13th 6PM EDT www.thearboristdoc.com What does it really take to create a documentary series about the history, people and innovations that have shaped our industry? In this episode, Philip and I sit down to talk about the journey behind The Arborist: Innovators & Influencers — a project that has taken us over three and a half years of filming, travelling, planning and bringing together stories from across the world of arboriculture. From the unforgettable moments and behind-the-scenes stories to the unexpected challenges, funny situations and everything that happened along the way, we open up about what it’s really been like to bring this project to life. But more importantly, we talk about WHY we made it, what we hope people take away from it, and why we believe these stories deserve to be told. This has been far more than just filming a documentary. It’s been a journey into our industry’s history, the people who have driven it forward, and the innovations that have changed the way we work in trees. Now, we’re getting ready to share it with you.  Available November 13th  www.thearboristdoc.com    Watch the full conversation on YouTube.   A Big thanks to our sponsors that help make this happen! Arbostar https://arbostar.com/special-discount?utm_source=referral&utm_campaign=simeon_balsam DISCOUNT CODE: FromSim Sorbus Internationl https://www.sorbus-intl.co.uk/ (All your arb gear needs) Arbortec Forsetwear https://arbortec.com/ (PPE and Arb Clothing)

 With the APF Exhibition just around the corner, there couldn’t be a better time to sit down with Ian Millward, the man who has been at the heart of the show for over 40 years as its exhibition secretary. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the APF show, and in this episode we dive into the incredible story behind what has become the largest arboricultural and forestry exhibition in the UK. From its early beginnings to the world class event it is today, Ian shares the history, the challenges, the milestones, and what it takes to organize an exhibition that brings together thousands from across the industry. Whether you’re attending this year’s show or simply want to learn the fascinating story behind one of the industry’s biggest events, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms A Big thanks to our sponsors that help make this happen! Arbostar https://arbostar.com/special-discount?utm_source=referral&utm_campaign=simeon_balsam DISCOUNT CODE: FromSim Sorbus Internationl https://www.sorbus-intl.co.uk/ (All your arb gear needs) Arbortec Forsetwear https://arbortec.com/ (PPE and Arb Clothing)  

 I sit down with Sean Thompson, former head splicer at Honey Brothers and now the owner of the reimagined Tree Worker. Recorded before Tree Worker officially launched, this conversation traces Sean’s journey into arboriculture. His internationally recognised rope splicing skills, and the dedication that built his reputation. Now at the helm of Tree Worker, Sean reflects on craftmanship, on learning a specialised skill, and on embracing new opportunities. It’s a warm, honest look at the arborist behind 'the tattooed arborist'. Listen now on the Visual Climber Podcast, available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.   A Big thanks to our sponsors that help make this happen! Arbostar https://arbostar.com/special-discount?utm_source=referral&utm_campaign=simeon_balsam DISCOUNT CODE: FromSim Sorbus Internationl https://www.sorbus-intl.co.uk/ (All your arb gear needs) Arbortec Forsetwear https://arbortec.com/ (PPE and Arb Clothing) Arbjobs https://arbjobs.com (no1 location for Careers and job opportunities ) 

Recorded at the first UK Arborist Crane School, this episode captures what could be a defining moment for the future of crane-assisted tree work in the UK. Hosted by Medi Arb Training in Warwickshire, the event brought together an exceptional team of industry leaders. Dan and the team at Medi Arb Training provided the venue and vision, while the Formazione3t trainers travelled from Italy to share the knowledge and experience gained from delivering crane schools across Europe. Alongside them, Ron Stanley billy Farrelly + Dave Juby  combined decades of practical expertise with a passion for raising standards and creating safer, more professional crane operations within arboriculture. This wasn’t just another training event. The school also welcomed representatives from the Arboricultural Association, who presented and discussed the forthcoming revisions to the TG4 guidance document. Although the updated guidance has not yet been officially released, attendees were given valuable insight into the changes ahead, ensuring the training delivered over the three days aligned with the latest thinking and best practice within the industry. As cranes become increasingly common on complex tree work operations across the UK, the need for structured education, clear guidance and industry-wide standards has never been greater. This episode explores how collaboration between training providers, industry experts, associations and contractors is helping to shape the future of crane work in arboriculture. Whether you’re an experienced crane operator, climber, arborist, business owner or simply passionate about advancing our industry, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.   Links to trainers / schools Ron Stanley 07951 032126 https://mediarb.co.uk/ https://www.formazione3t.it/   A Big thanks to our sponsors that help make this happen! Arbostar https://arbostar.com/special-discount?utm_source=referral&utm_campaign=simeon_balsam DISCOUNT CODE: FromSim Sorbus Internationl https://www.sorbus-intl.co.uk/ (All your arb gear needs) Arbortec Forsetwear https://arbortec.com/ (PPE and Arb Clothing) Arbjobs https://arbjobs.com (no1 location for Careers and job opportunities ) 

In this episode PART2 Lets get back to this , I sit down with Nick from ArbJobs.com, a pioneering job platform dedicated to arborists worldwide. Over the past 20 years, Nick has built this site from a small idea into a global hub for tree care professionals. We dive into his roots... tree climbing competitions, the challenges he faced along the way, and his vision for the future of arboriculture. If you’re an arborist, or just fascinated by the world of trees, this is a must-listen!   A Big thanks to our sponsors that help make this happen! Arbostar https://arbostar.com/special-discount?utm_source=referral&utm_campaign=simeon_balsam DISCOUNT CODE: FromSim Sorbus Internationl https://www.sorbus-intl.co.uk/ (All your arb gear needs) Arbortec Forsetwear https://arbortec.com/ (PPE and Arb Clothing) Arbjobs https://arbjobs.com (no1 location for Careers and job opportunities ) 

It's my pleasure to share this month's podcast with you. Paul has been an influential figure in the arboricultural industry, helping shape the careers of many of the arborists we know today. He is also a great friend to many of the guests who have appeared on this podcast over the years. This episode came about following a specific request: some of these gentlemen need to tell their stories before they are lost. Paul has a wealth of knowledge, experience, and history to share, and I'm delighted to help preserve and celebrate his story.   A Big thanks to our sponsors that help make this happen! Arbostar https://arbostar.com/special-discount?utm_source=referral&utm_campaign=simeon_balsam DISCOUNT CODE: FromSim Sorbus Internationl https://www.sorbus-intl.co.uk/ (All your arb gear needs) Arbortec Forsetwear https://arbortec.com/ (PPE and Arb Clothing) Arbjobs https://arbjobs.com (no1 location for Careers and job opportunities ) 

In this episode PART1 , I sit down with Nick from ArbJobs.com, a pioneering job platform dedicated to arborists worldwide. Over the past 20 years, Nick has built this site from a small idea into a global hub for tree care professionals. We dive into his roots... tree climbing competitions, the challenges he faced along the way, and his vision for the future of arboriculture. If you’re an arborist, or just fascinated by the world of trees, this is a must-listen!   A Big thanks to our sponsors that help make this happen! Arbostar https://arbostar.com/special-discount?utm_source=referral&utm_campaign=simeon_balsam DISCOUNT CODE: FromSim Sorbus Internationl https://www.sorbus-intl.co.uk/ (All your arb gear needs) Arbortec Forsetwear https://arbortec.com/ (PPE and Arb Clothing) Arbjobs https://arbjobs.com (no1 location for Careers and job opportunities ) 

Part 2: In this episode we sit down with Tony Darbyshire, the co-founder of Sawpod Ltd, a UK-based arboriculture training and equipment company born from decades of tree care experience and a passion for sharing knowledge. Tony started his journey into arboriculture back in the late 1980s, training formally at the renowned Merrist Wood College and later branching out into teaching and professional instruction. In 2005 he and his partner Di Darbyshire established Sawpod Ltd — a business “designed by arborists, for arborists” — offering high-quality chainsaw, tree-climbing and aerial rescue courses that go far beyond basic certification to prepare trainees thoroughly for real-world work in forests, woodlands and urban settings.     A Big thanks to our sponsors that help make this happen! Arbostar https://arbostar.com/special-discount?utm_source=referral&utm_campaign=simeon_balsam DISCOUNT CODE: FromSim Sorbus Internationl https://www.sorbus-intl.co.uk/ (All your arb gear needs) Arbortec Forsetwear https://arbortec.com/ (PPE and Arb Clothing) Arbjobs https://arbjobs.com (no1 location for Careers and job opportunities ) 

On this week’s episode of the Visual Climber podcast, I take you on a day trip to Aztec, where we dive deep behind the scenes with Nathan and Adam from Forst. We’re capturing content for the massive chipper giveaway, but more than that, we unpack Aztec’s incredible forestry and arb setup—it’s next level. Join us for this exclusive behind-the-scenes chat on how Aztec built their reputation and scaled their success—don’t miss it!   Arbostar https://arbostar.com/referral/41b6583af2?fbclid=PAZnRzaAQFbEtleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA81NjcwNjczNDMzNTI0MjcAAaefJnKGQTXavLD9Z0P_iI1NEedV_CPenaa2Qyo7D5npNaiuU2xPn-9-fEScTw_aem_n-iLQvDepZB71ngc3v3BOw DISCOUNT CODE: FromSim Sorbus Internationl https://www.sorbus-intl.co.uk/ (All your arb gear needs) Arbortec Forsetwear https://arbortec.com/ (PPE and Arb Clothing) Arbjobs https://arbjobs.com (no1 location for Careers and job opportunities ) 

Were invited to FORST HQ in the UK to carry out a film shoot for a new Givaway, this isnt any givaway!!! this is probably the largest givaway in Uk ARB History. Yes if you are listeneing to this around the time of launch then yes FORST are giving Away a chipper!! Listen to our podcast where we go back over forsts history and how they became a leading brand in the Chipper world along with the steps needed to be in for a chnce to WIN A CHIPPER!! Head FORST SOCIAL MEDIA pages for links   Arbostar https://arbostar.com/referral/41b6583af2?fbclid=PAZnRzaAQFbEtleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA81NjcwNjczNDMzNTI0MjcAAaefJnKGQTXavLD9Z0P_iI1NEedV_CPenaa2Qyo7D5npNaiuU2xPn-9-fEScTw_aem_n-iLQvDepZB71ngc3v3BOw DISCOUNT CODE: FromSim Sorbus Internationl https://www.sorbus-intl.co.uk/ (All your arb gear needs) Arbortec Forsetwear https://arbortec.com/ (PPE and Arb Clothing) Arbjobs https://arbjobs.com (no1 location for Careers and job opportunities )