Skillcast
Are you struggling to find your passion and career? Have you considered you might find it on the job? Listen as Jon Kapel, author of Skill Stigma, interviews individuals in the skilled trades who did just that.
info_outline
How Skilled Trades Fueled My Career Journey
02/03/2026
How Skilled Trades Fueled My Career Journey
Join us in this inspiring episode as we chat with Steve Harbolt, a highly skilled mechanic turned stationary steam engineer. Hear how his journey from the automotive world to the world of steam shaped his perspective and deepened his technical expertise. Steve has built a fulfilling career that not only expanded his knowledge but also gave him the life he always envisioned for his family. If you're interested in diving deeper into how the skilled trades can change your life, check out my book Skill Stigma, where I explore the myths and the untold truths about the world of skilled labor. It’s time to redefine what success looks like and discover the power of a career in the trades: Listen to the Skillcast podcast 🎧 — Subscribe on your favorite platform: ▶️ ▶️ --- Follow Skill Stigma here: 🔘 Instagram: 🔘 Facebook: 🔘TikTok: 🌐Website: https://skillstigma.com --- 📚 Grab your copy of Skill Stigma here: 🔔 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories about careers in the trades and practical advice for building a fulfilling future! #SkilledTrades #ContractorLife #SkillStigma #Construction #Design #TradeJobs #BuildingPassion #FulfillingCareers #Tradesman #ConstructionLife #BookLaunch #jobsearch #jobseekers #employmentnews #careerwithoutcollege #careerpaths #careeradvice
/episode/index/show/d6cd1753-e04e-4174-b887-b4a5df0c5df9/id/39786395
info_outline
Unlock Creativity
01/06/2026
Unlock Creativity
Today we’re talking with contractor Bill Mullet, who shares his journey from uncertain beginnings to discovering his true calling in the world of building and design. While he never expected to find his passion in the trades, over the years, he’s learned that sometimes the most fulfilling careers can emerge in the most surprising places. Bill shows us how embracing the skilled trades has not only transformed his career, but also his life. Whether you're considering a career in construction, design, or simply looking for a meaningful way to contribute to the world around you, this video will show you why the trades are more than just a job. If you're interested in diving deeper into how the skilled trades can change your life, check out my book Skill Stigma, where I explore the myths and the untold truths about the world of skilled labor. It’s time to redefine what success looks like and discover the power of a career in the trades: https://skillstigma.com/product/skill-stigma-paperback-book/
/episode/index/show/d6cd1753-e04e-4174-b887-b4a5df0c5df9/id/34550995
info_outline
Do Trades Demand Intellect?
12/02/2025
Do Trades Demand Intellect?
Join us as we interview Matthew, a stationary steam engineer, as he shares his journey into the skilled trades, proving that intellect and craftsmanship go hand in hand. Hear how this career allows him to harness his unique strengths, blending his strengths and craftsmanship, while providing purpose and support for his family. Whether you're considering a career in construction, design, or simply looking for a meaningful way to contribute to the world around you, this video will show you why the trades are more than just a job. -- YouTube Timecodes: :55 His background in the trades 7:18 How he got into steam 13:45 His first days on the job as a steam engineer 15:48 How the trades connect to his family life 17:15 How he feels about his career path 21:20 His advice to other people considering this career 24:25 How being open to the skilled trades can benefit your life — Listen to the Skillcast podcast while you're on-the-go! 🎧 Available wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. New episodes drop every month. --- Follow me here: Instagram: /skillstigmaproject Facebook: /skillstigmaproject Website: www.skillstigma.com TikTok: /skillstigmaproject --- 📚 Grab your copy of Skill Stigma here: https://skillstigma.com/product/skill-stigma-paperback-book/ 🔔 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories about careers in the trades and practical advice for building a fulfilling future! #SkilledTrades #ContractorLife #SkillStigma #Construction #Design #TradeJobs #BuildingPassion #FulfillingCareers #Tradesman #ConstructionLife #BookLaunch
/episode/index/show/d6cd1753-e04e-4174-b887-b4a5df0c5df9/id/34551505
info_outline
Uncovering What Drives You
10/27/2025
Uncovering What Drives You
Meet Javier, an electrician with a unique journey that began in Guatemala. Javier’s path led him through university before meeting someone who helped him to discover his true calling in the world of electricity. Hear how his passion for the trade powers his life and career. Whether you're considering a career in construction, design, or simply looking for a meaningful way to contribute to the world around you, this video will show you why the trades are more than just a job. --- YouTube Timecodes: :55 Growing up in Guatemala 3:20 How he got into electrical 5:23 The need for skilled trades 6:55 How he decided to invest in the electrical industry 10:00 How to get into a skilled trade 11:18 How to set yourself apart 13:55 The obstacles he’s experienced and overcome 19:20 How the skilled trades benefited his personal life 24:33 The passion behind his career 27:25 What keeps him motivated 29:37 Javier’s hopes for the future 31:55 How to get into the electrical trade — Listen to the Skillcast podcast while you're on-the-go! 🎧 Available wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. New episodes drop monthly. --- Follow me here: Instagram: /skillstigmaproject Facebook: /skillstigmaproject Website: www.skillstigma.com TikTok: /skillstigmaproject --- 📚 Grab your copy of Skill Stigma here: https://skillstigma.com/product/skill-stigma-paperback-book/ 🔔 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories about careers in the trades and practical advice for building a fulfilling future! #SkilledTrades #ContractorLife #SkillStigma #Construction #Design #TradeJobs #BuildingPassion #FulfillingCareers #Tradesman #ConstructionLife #BookLaunch
/episode/index/show/d6cd1753-e04e-4174-b887-b4a5df0c5df9/id/34550275
info_outline
Are Skilled Workers Replaceable?
09/29/2025
Are Skilled Workers Replaceable?
Join us in this inspiring episode as we chat with Ben, a former military professional turned boiler operation manager. Hear how his journey from serving his country to mastering plant operations led him to discover a newfound passion and purpose. Learn why Ben now refers to his job as the 'heartbeat of the plant' and get inspired by his story of resilience, growth, and career transformation. --- YouTube Timecodes: 1:38 Ben’s background 3:27 His decision to go to college 4:20 The jump to the skilled trades and how that affected him 5:27 Reasons for making the jump to the skilled trades 6:12 What he finds fulfilling about his current role 9:08 Challenges of the skilled trades 11:54 How his skills have evolved 14:19 How Ben feels about his career path 15:19 How do you get passionate about the trades? 16:44 How his job has benefited his personal life 18:58 Advice to someone interested in joining the trades 20:23 Continuing education 21:52 Where to start your journey 23:58 Ben’s quality of life in the trades 24:35 Why should someone be a boiler operator? — Listen to the Skillcast podcast while you're on-the-go! 🎧 Available wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. New episodes drop every month. --- Follow me here: Instagram: /skillstigmaproject Facebook: /skillstigmaproject Website: www.skillstigma.com TikTok: /skillstigmaproject --- 📚 Grab your copy of Skill Stigma here: https://skillstigma.com/product/skill-stigma-paperback-book/ 🔔 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories about careers in the trades and practical advice for building a fulfilling future! #SkilledTrades #ContractorLife #SkillStigma #Construction #Design #TradeJobs #BuildingPassion #FulfillingCareers #Tradesman #ConstructionLife #BookLaunch
/episode/index/show/d6cd1753-e04e-4174-b887-b4a5df0c5df9/id/38227455
info_outline
Uncovering Your Passion with Mike Wiant
09/15/2025
Uncovering Your Passion with Mike Wiant
Join us in this exciting episode as we sit down with Mike Wiant, regional manager for Shelby American and passionate advocate for the skilled trades. Hear how Mike got his start in the industry and the pivotal moments that shaped his path to leadership. Mike tells us why he believes the future of the trades is brighter than ever—and why there's so much more to know, explore, and be proud of in these essential fields. --- Timecodes: 00:59:00 Mike’s background and how he ties industry into education 03:20:03 His struggle in the traditional educational path and how he made it through 06:55:00 How failing out of college was the best thing that could have happened to him 08:23:10 His journey from Ohio to Santa Barbara to his gap year in Argentina 15:48:01 From Real Estate to Shelby American 18:28:09 Getting kids excited about the skilled trades 24:11:05 Learning about other skilled trades 28:04:13 Who’s behind kids, encouraging the trades? 30:43:08 Having the wrong impression about skilled workers 39:29:07 Office jobs vs in the field jobs 41:18:20 Encouraging kids and their dreams — Listen to the Skillcast podcast while you're on-the-go! 🎧 Available wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. New episodes drop every month. --- Follow me here: Instagram: /skillstigmaproject Facebook: /skillstigmaproject Website: www.skillstigma.com TikTok: /skillstigmaproject --- 📚 Grab your copy of Skill Stigma here: https://skillstigma.com/product/skill-stigma-paperback-book/ 🔔 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories about careers in the trades and practical advice for building a fulfilling future! #SkilledTrades #ContractorLife #SkillStigma #Construction #Design #TradeJobs #BuildingPassion #FulfillingCareers #Tradesman #ConstructionLife #BookLaunch
/episode/index/show/d6cd1753-e04e-4174-b887-b4a5df0c5df9/id/38170805