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

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.

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