Trade Life by Point Load Media

Shots Fired: Ranking the Trades We'd Start Over In

If you could start your trade over, what would you pick? Two carpenters debate the trade they'd choose for love vs. the one they'd choose for money - and hand out plenty of grief to electricians, roofers, and painters along the way. Carpentry wins their hearts, but the cash points somewhere else entirely. No trade is safe. 🎧 New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

Shortage of Workers or Shortage of Skill?

Shortage of workers or shortage of skill? On this episode of Trade Life Podcast, the guys pour a Carlsberg and dig into the skilled trades shortage from every angle: the stigma that's followed contractors for decades, the guidance counselors who steered kids away from the trades, the gap between 100 job applicants and zero qualified hires, and why post-secondary education shouldn't be the automatic next step after high school. Expect honest stories, a few tangents, and a clear message by the end: don't sleep on the trades, or you'll get slept. In this episode: * Why "shortage" might be the wrong word * The stigma problem and where it came from * Education pathways that fail tradespeople (and everyone else) * Why trades should be the default - and college the exception * Empowering the next generation to try a trade 👍 Like, subscribe, and share if this hit home. We're a small show growing fast - every follow helps. #SkilledTrades #TradeLife #Construction #CareerAdvice #Trades

Growing Up Holmes

What’s it really like growing up as the son of a TV icon? In this deeply personal episode of the Trade Life Podcast, Mike Holmes Jr. opens up about his childhood, family struggles, growing up around construction, and the realities behind the public image people thought they knew. From bankruptcy and divorce to working construction at 14 and eventually joining his dad on set, Mike shares the experiences that shaped his work ethic, mindset, and approach to fatherhood today. This isn’t just a story about TV or the trades, it’s about resilience, family, identity, and building a better future from difficult beginnings. Topics covered: * Growing up before fame * Financial struggles and family instability * Mike Holmes’ rise from contractor to TV personality * Childhood anxiety and overcoming adversity * Starting in the trades at 14 * The pressure of proving yourself * Fatherhood, work ethic, and breaking generational patterns 🎙️ Subscribe for more conversations from the trades, construction, entrepreneurship, and real life behind the scenes. #TradeLifePodcast #MikeHolmesJr #Construction #Trades #BlueCollar #Podcast #Tradespeople #MikeHolmes #BuildingTheTrades

The Entrepreneur's Mindset: Failure, Grit, and Knowing When to Quit

In this episode, we get real about what it actually takes to build something — from surviving six weeks without a paycheck to nearly going bankrupt with 30 carpenters on staff. We break down the entrepreneurial mindset: personal accountability, pushing through the hard times, knowing when to cut your losses, and why the fear of failure might actually be your biggest driver. Whether you're running a crew, starting your own business, or just trying to level up — this one's for you. 🔑 Topics covered: * Why "winning or learning" beats "winning or losing" * The real reason high achievers do uncomfortable things * How to know when to push through vs. when to walk away * Why your habits (fitness, health) predict your success in business * Choosing your hard now so life gets easier later

Work-Life Balance Doesn't Exist. Here's What Does

What if “work–life balance” isn’t real? In this raw and reflective episode, Ian and Mike open up about their struggles to juggle entrepreneurship, fatherhood, and fulfillment - and how tragedy, growth, and passion reshaped their mindset. 💬 Topics include: * The story of the fisherman and the myth of “balance” * How grief and burnout forced a reset * Why passion makes you more present with your family * The trap of guilt and social media expectations * Finding your personal “sparkle” - the thing that makes you, you