{"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":"You’re Not Who We Want Out Here: A Woman’s Reality in the Skilled Trades","slug":"you-re-not-who-we-want-out-here-a-woman-s-reality-in-the-skilled-trades","published_at":"2026-01-13T22:00:00+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-lost-art-of-the-skilled-trades-6923648/you-re-not-who-we-want-out-here-a-woman-s-reality-in-the-skilled-trades","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-military-to-plumber-inside-a-real-plumbing-apprenticeship-journey-with-valerie-butler","audio_url":"https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/b2ffc265-684b-4488-a290-e4ddcf14a7c4.mp3","summary":"The first thing a superintendent said to Valerie Butler on a jobsite was: ‘You’re not who we want out here.’” Host Andrew Brown sits down with Valerie Butler, a plumbing apprentice at P.I.P.E. Incorporated, to explore how to build a successful plumbing career path in today’s skilled trades industry. Valerie shares her journey from the Marine Corps to a hands-on plumbing apprenticeship, offering real insight into military to trades career transitions, job site realities, and the value of skilled trades mentorship. This episode takes an honest look at what it’s like being one of the first women in a company’s apprenticeship program, how plumbers actually get started without industry connections, and why the trades offer long-term opportunity without college debt. If you’re exploring women in the skilled trades, considering a plumbing apprenticeship, or looking for a proven plumbing career path, this conversation delivers practical guidance from someone living it. IN THIS EPISODE (00:01) – From Military to Trades Career: How Valerie transitioned from the Marine Corps into a plumbing apprenticeship (07:58) – Plumbing Apprenticeship 101: How to get hired, what first-year plumbers actually do (15:40) – Women in the Skilled Trades: Navigating job sites, skepticism, and earning respect (26:22) – Skilled Trades Mentorship: Why the right foreman changes everything (35:55) – Plumbing Career Path & Pay Progression: Apprentice wages vs journeyman income (47:30) – Advice for Gen Z & Career Changers: How to test trades careers without long-term risk Key Takeaways A plumbing apprenticeship provides paid education and long-term career security without student loan debt. Women in the skilled trades are reshaping construction culture through planning, leadership, and problem-solv…","meta_description":"The first thing a superintendent said to Valerie Butler on a jobsite was: ‘You’re not who we want out here.’” Host Andrew Brown sits down with Valerie But…","key_points":[],"chapters":[],"topics":[],"duration_seconds":1653,"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/you-re-not-who-we-want-out-here-a-woman-s-reality-in-the-skilled-trades/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/you-re-not-who-we-want-out-here-a-woman-s-reality-in-the-skilled-trades.md","description":"Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource."}]}}