{"podcast":{"title":"The Lost Art Of the Skilled Trades","slug":"the-lost-art-of-the-skilled-trades-6923648","podcast_index_feed_id":6923648,"rss_url":"https://feeds.captivate.fm/the-lost-art-of-skilled-trades/","website_url":"https://www.andrewbrown.net","image_url":"https://artwork.captivate.fm/646c90b5-c725-4a9f-b15c-452ed30769ee/Cover-TLAOST-3.jpg","author":"Andrew Brown","episode_count":98,"summary":"Welcome to The Lost Art of the Skilled Trades, the ultimate podcast dedicated to celebrating and exploring the world of skilled trades. Hosted by Andrew Brown, a passionate advocate for the trades industry, this podcast is your go-to source for knowledge, inspiration, and practical advice. Andrew brings a unique perspective shaped by years of hands-on experience, entrepreneurial success, and a deep commitment to elevating the trades. Dive into the fascinating and ever-evolving world of skilled trades, where creativity, problem-solving, and dedication come together to build the world around us. From carpentry and HVAC systems to electricians, plumbers, millwrights, and beyond, every episode uncovers the grit, determination, and artistry that define the people behind these essential professions. Andrew’s journey began with a life-changing moment on September 11, 2001, when he worked alongside tradespeople, first responders, and community helpers at Ground Zero. This experience inspired him to dedicate his life to advocating for the unsung heroes of the trades. Through his company, Andrew has helped provide tools, equipment, and resources to industry professionals worldwide. Now, thr…","last_synced_at":"2026-07-01T10:20:44.576717+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-lost-art-of-the-skilled-trades-6923648"},"episode":{"title":"Sarah Stork Started Welding at 32… Now She Builds Steel Sculptures","slug":"sarah-stork-started-welding-at-32-now-she-builds-steel-sculptures","published_at":"2026-03-17T22:00:00+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-lost-art-of-the-skilled-trades-6923648/sarah-stork-started-welding-at-32-now-she-builds-steel-sculptures","show_page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-lost-art-of-the-skilled-trades-6923648","url":"https://the-lost-art-of-skilled-trades.captivate.fm/episode/from-farm-to-forge-sarah-stork-on-art-grit-and-making-it-in-the-welding-world","audio_url":"https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/c498277c-6592-4d16-91e2-49aac7ab1f7e.mp3","summary":"Welder and metal artist Sarah Stork went from farm chores to SkillsUSA national champion — and built a thriving sculpture business on her own terms. When the guys on her SkillsUSA team laughed her off on the spot, Sarah didn't sulk — she found a new event, taught herself welded sculpture from scratch, and placed second in the country on her first attempt. The year after that, she won gold. That's not beginner's luck. That's what happens when someone with the right instincts finally finds the right trade. Sarah Stork is a Georgetown, Texas-based welder, metal artist, and owner of her own sculpture studio. She holds an associate degree in welding technology from Austin Community College and certificates in plate, pipe, and structural fabrication. She's competed at the highest levels of SkillsUSA, built a wait-listed commission business, and has become one of the most recognized welded sculpture artists in the skilled trades community. This episode is for anyone who's ever been told they don't belong in the trades — and for anyone trying to turn a welding skill into a business. Sarah breaks down how she got started, what it really takes to build a welding career from scratch, and why the metal industry will always have a place for people willing to put in the work. IN THIS EPISODE (00:00) – Welcome & Sarah's Origin Story: Why a Texas farm wife enrolled in welding school in 2012 — and how a plan to build a simple fence launched a career in metal sculpture. (05:30) – Getting Laughed Off — Then Winning Gold: How being rejected from a team fabrication event led Sarah to discover welded sculpture, compete at SkillsUSA nationals, and win first place in 2016. (15:00) – From College Shop to Home Studio: The path from lab technician at Austin Community College to walking off a…","meta_description":"Welder and metal artist Sarah Stork went from farm chores to SkillsUSA national champion — and built a thriving sculpture business on her own terms. When…","key_points":[],"chapters":[],"topics":[],"duration_seconds":2301,"processing_state":"not_requested","actions":[{"name":"request_transcript","method":"POST","url":"https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-lost-art-of-the-skilled-trades-6923648/episodes/sarah-stork-started-welding-at-32-now-she-builds-steel-sculptures/transcription-requests","description":"Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode."},{"name":"read_markdown","method":"GET","url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-lost-art-of-the-skilled-trades-6923648/sarah-stork-started-welding-at-32-now-she-builds-steel-sculptures.md","description":"Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource."}]}}