Visual Climber Podcast

 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 ) 

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.
This is Part 1 of my conversation with tony on how he became the teacher trainer and friend in the tree that many of you know him as. 
 
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 ) 

This episode is one of three podcasts recorded at the Honey Brothers’ Three-Legged Cross HQ (formerly the Tree Kit HQ). I was joined by Master Splicer Lee, who shared his background and how he first entered the world of splicing.
Lee’s journey through the arboricultural industry—from hands-on practitioner to the commercial side—is an engaging and honest listen, filled with the bumps and challenges that shaped his career along the way. We’re truly grateful for everything he’s contributed to the industry.
 
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 ) 

This was an amazing opportunity to visit the new Experience Milwaukee Center and meet some of the incredible people behind the Milwaukee Power Tools team here in Europe. In this episode, I’m joined by Henry, Tom, and Chris. Each of them plays a different role within the industry, but all are deeply involved in education, development, and training within this sector.
We dive into their backgrounds, the evolution of the tools, and the direction Milwaukee is heading—especially when it comes to the future of their battery platforms. It’s an exciting time for innovation, and I’m looking forward to seeing how the next few years of development unfold.
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 ) 

As we sit and contemplate the situation we find ourselves in we dicuss the previous few days weve all experienced at TCIA st louis. Im joined by Michael Korzenski (Tree and Mike) Bryn Wilde and Kyle Ellis (TEAM SOLIDUR) as we pass the time were delayed in the airport we talk about PPE, how compliant the imdustry is and other topics as we bounce around conversation
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 ) 

Adam Perry is his name "Knot Tying is his Game" 
with over 1million followers and geuninly some serious knot tying skills and tricks it was time to venture down to visit the man being some of the most viral vids ive seen in arboriculture. Listen to a small deep dive into Adams past and how he entered our industry along with why his social media journey began.
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 ) 

Big thanks to Waldo Eherington for meeting me this evening. "Waldo has been involved in some of the world’s biggest adventure films and documentaries, featured on Netflix, Amazon, and Sky. Renowned for his unique ability to design and execute rope-based systems in any environment, he is held in the highest regard by leading production companies across the globe."
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 ) 

Big thanks to Kevin for hosting me at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Kevin oversees the care and future of the trees at one of the world’s most prestigious horticultural institutions. His latest research is truly fascinating—tackling the challenges of climate change from within Kew itself.
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 ) 

Welcome to Visual Climber Podcast — the podcast where we climb higher, breathe deeper, and explore the world of Arboriculture through conversation. I'm Simeon Balsam, a lifelong tree climbing enthusiast & climbing Arborist. I'm your host!
In this podcast, I’ll be Sharing briefly my story behind the channel, let's talk about motivational experiences and the drive for education within this industry!
My goal is to build a community rooted in respect for Arboriculture & inspired by the People and connections we make within this industry. 
Here is an introduction to me!
 
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 ill be introducing Robert Knott aka Noddy. This is Part 2 of a 2.5hr podcast where we travel back in time to how nod found himself in the world of Arb.
If your listening from outside the Uk or you are a younger audience Robert Knott was one of the first Arb shops with real technical knowledge Behind selling arb Equipment!
Along with being one of the 5 who were given pre-launch privilege of the original Tree motion harness he was involved with bring splicing to the Uk is involved in workshops around the world and his story’s along with what his given to this industry is something this generation all need to hear!
In my infant years when I was learning arboriculture I was surrounded by great people along with jess west, nod was a character I learnt allot from and I was a great privilege to have been amongst some of the greats.
 
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 ill be introducing Robert Knott aka Noddy. This is Part 1 of a 2.5hr podcast where we travel back in time to how nod found himself in the world of Arb.
If your listening from outside the Uk or you are a younger audience Robert Knott was one of the first Arb shops with real technical knowledge Behind selling arb Equipment!
Along with being one of the 5 who were given pre-launch privilege of the original Tree motion harness he was involved with bring splicing to the Uk is involved in workshops around the world and his story’s along with what his given to this industry is something this generation all need to hear!
In my infant years when I was learning arboriculture I was surrounded by great people along with jess west, nod was a character I learnt allot from and I was a great privilege to have been amongst some of the greats.
 
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 ) 
 
 

Dan Dass is the man behind the brand Reecoil and i was lucky enough to get a spare Hour with him on his latest trip to the uk. I travel to Hertfordshire to his family home to get the back story on Dan and how reecoil beame the brand it has today.
 
A Big thanks to our sponsors that help make this happen!
Arbostar https://arbostar.com/special-discount?utm_source=referral&utm_campaign=simeon_balsam (Arborist company running software, built by Arborists) 
refferal 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 ) 
 

Introducing Simon Richmond Technical Director at the Arboricultural Association Uk
Was the sudden Introduction of 2 Line working in the industry needed? What led the HSE to demand such a change? In this episode we delve down the historical timeline of how these events occurred. 
If your COMPLIANT -  On the road to compliancy or not willing to change this episode is for you! 
 
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 ) 
 

Todays conversation we find ourselves sitting opposite a man who has done so much for this industry, from working with Petzl to bring the zigzag to market to becoming World Champion i sit in the passenger seat as Jared tells some home truths along with his amazing 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 ) 
 

Introducing Nathan Stanley who was the manager at the green team, a south London based arborist company. This conversation takes us back into the planning and putting together what we’re calling the largest Arboricultural crane project utilized in UK arb history. 
Have a listen into Nathans back story, his time at the green team and how he accomplished one very technical job. He has now moved onto new pastures and along with new exciting opportunities ahead I look forward to catching up soon with another podcast on future exciting projects! 
 
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 ) 
 
 

A big Thankyou for having me for the evening!! Apart from filming for the Documentary were launching in 2026 we spent the best part of 2 hours reminiscing over past Wins, Passion, drive!
Both Joe and john are industry pillars withinside the Uk corridor of Arboriculture however both have had a huge impact and have been involved in training around the World!  Representing Both Teufelberger and Husqvana both brand giants within the industry Joe is a multiple World Tree Climbing Champion!
let's delve back in time and find out how these two met putting together the timeline that led them here today. Along with their individual backstories it was great to get to know these two better.
 
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 ) 
 

Introducing Aaron & Hansel in our wide-ranging conversion we talk about the future and direction of Arbortec.
With a new Arbortec HQ and plenty of future plans for the facility i look forward to how Arbortec utilize this stunning HQ to not only enhance there future but the future of young Arboriculturalists entering the Industry.
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 )