Shortage of Workers or Shortage of Skill?

Nobody's Coming to Save You - Men, Mental Health & What Actually Helps

In this episode of Trade Life Podcast, Mike and Ian get real about men's mental health during Men's Mental Health Awareness Month. They're not therapists - they're two guys from the trades who've been through it: stillbirth, near-bankruptcy, anxiety, and the slow work of learning to actually feel things. They share what helped, what didn't, and why talking to another man might be the most underrated thing you can do. If you're carrying something heavy right now, this one's for you. If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.

We Put 250k+ Into a Startup. Here's What Nobody Tells You

What does it actually take to build a startup from scratch? Mike and Ian are in the middle of it - and they're pulling back the curtain. In this episode, we get into the real story behind Projekt Network (a LinkedIn alternative built specifically for the skilled trades) and Point Load Media - two ventures born from frustration, late nights, and a whole lot of belief. We break down: * Why your idea is the least important part of a startup * The difference between a startup and a small business (and why it matters) * How to raise a seed round when you have no profit — just projections * Why the "side hustle" approach will kill your startup * The truth about wearing every hat when funds are limited * Why you should sell your vision, not your product * How to know if you're actually ready to go all in Projekt Network is an app with $250K+ invested and a $50 billion market in its sights. Point Load Media is a $150K small business built to fuel content for the brands they're building. Two very different vehicles. One shared vision. Whether you're a tradesperson thinking about your next move, an entrepreneur in the early grind, or just someone curious about what building something from nothing really looks like - this one's for you. We're not here to teach you how to succeed. We're living it in real time. Come along for the ride.

She's Not Just Going to Be There

Mike Holmes Jr. and Ian MacFayden aren't verified love experts but this week they get real about one of the most overlooked parts of the trade life: your marriage. In this episode, they break down what it actually takes to prioritize your relationship when you're grinding long hours, running a business, and raising kids. They know they aren't perfect, but they are trying, just like you. From knowing your wife's love language, to planning ahead for birthdays (set that two-month reminder!), to why giving her the gift of time beats any physical present, this one's a must-listen for every tradesman who wants to be a better husband. Subscribe for more Trade Life content every week. #TradeLife #TradeLifePodcast #MikeHolmesJr #Relationships #MarriageAdvice #Tradesmen

A Skills Canada 2026 Recap with Mike Holmes Jr. & Ian MacFayden

Mike Holmes Jr. and Ian MacFayden hit the floor at Skills Canada 2026 and they've got a lot to say. From jaw-dropping student competitors to the future of the trades, the two sit down to recap everything they saw, felt, and took away from one of Canada's biggest skilled trades events. If you believe in building the next generation of tradespeople, this one's for you.

Fence & Deck Competition: And the Winner Is…

Mike Holmes Jr. and Ian MacFadyen sit down to go through the photos submitted to the Fence & Deck Competition sponsored by Turkstra Lumbar on Projekt Network, and they don't hold back. The guys break down what's working, what's not, and what separates a good build from a great one before crowning 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners. Plus, find out who took home the People's Choice Award as voted by the Projekt Network community. If you submitted, entered, or just love a solid outdoor build, this one's for you.