{"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":"Why Some People Succeed in the Trades — And Others Don’t","slug":"why-some-people-succeed-in-the-trades-and-others-don-t","published_at":"2026-02-04T01:15:00+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-lost-art-of-the-skilled-trades-6923648/why-some-people-succeed-in-the-trades-and-others-don-t","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/plumbing-isnt-plan-b-apprenticeships-ownership-and-the-work-people-take-for-granted-with-tony-bertolino","audio_url":"https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/67e7c9be-c88b-43da-88f7-a1e17ddf46da.mp3","summary":"Skilled trades careers offer another path. Tony Bertolino explains plumbing apprenticeships, on-the-job training, and why apprenticeships aren’t “less than” college. Host Andrew Brown sits down with fourth-generation plumber, contractor, apprenticeship instructor, and business owner Tony Bertolino to break down how trades careers actually develop, from plumbing apprenticeship programs and on-the-job training to the shift from technician to owner. Recorded during live apprenticeship competitions, Tony shares what sets top apprentices apart: mindset, self-discipline, and pride in doing the work well. The conversation explores why classroom learning has limits, how hands-on repetition builds real mastery, and why trades education works best when theory and field experience reinforce each other. Tony also addresses common misconceptions about plumbing, explaining its role in public health and why the work is often undervalued precisely because it’s done so well. For those considering entrepreneurship, he offers a reality check on ownership—covering responsibility, risk, mentorship, and the importance of community. Whether you’re exploring an apprenticeship, alternative education, or ownership in the trades, this episode offers grounded perspective from someone who’s lived every stage. IN THIS EPISODE (00:01) – Skilled Trades Careers Today: Pride in the work and why demand keeps rising (05:12) – Plumbing Apprenticeship Programs: What textbooks teach—and what they can’t (11:40) – On-the-Job Training in the Trades: Why hands-on repetition builds mastery (18:55) – Trades Entrepreneurship: Why ownership isn’t “overnight success” (26:30) – Mentorship, PHCC, and community: Why business owners shouldn’t operate alone (34:10) – Alternative Education Pathways: Why apprenticeships ar…","meta_description":"Skilled trades careers offer another path. Tony Bertolino explains plumbing apprenticeships, on-the-job training, and why apprenticeships aren’t “less tha…","key_points":[],"chapters":[],"topics":[],"duration_seconds":1934,"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/why-some-people-succeed-in-the-trades-and-others-don-t/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/why-some-people-succeed-in-the-trades-and-others-don-t.md","description":"Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource."}]}}