Ladies with Tradies - WORKIN' THE TRADE, LIVIN' THE LIFE!

In this episode, Kate sits down with Mind Health Bender founder and tradie-turned-mental-health-coach, Nick Blair, for a brutally honest chat about the stuff most people avoid — booze, bags, and breaking bad habits.

They dive into how tradies and their partners can take small, realistic steps toward better mental health (without pretending they’ll never touch a drink again). This isn’t about guilt or going cold turkey — it’s about self-awareness, harm minimisation, and finding your own version of balance.

If you’ve ever said “I should probably cut back” but don’t know where to start, this episode is your sign to tune in.

Episode Show Notes:

Kate reconnects with long-time mate Nick Blair, founder of Mind Health Bender — a platform helping everyday Aussies rethink their relationship with drugs, alcohol, and mental health.

Nick opens up about his life as an electrician and footy coach, how he went from leading benders to leading conversations about mental health, and why “less can be better” is a more realistic approach than all-or-nothing sobriety.

Together, they unpack:

• How small habit tweaks (like Nick’s “calendar method”) can change everything
• Why traditional addiction advice misses so many people
• How identity and culture play a massive role in why we drink or use
• The truth about socially acceptable drinking (yes, even those “mum wine nights”)
• Why cutting back — not quitting — can still transform your mental health and relationships

Nick and Kate also get real about how “harm minimisation” can look inside trade families — and why it’s time to have more honest conversations without judgment.

Key Takeaways:

1. Cutting back counts. You don’t have to go sober to make progress — any reduction is a win.
2. Self-awareness is key. The real change starts when you ask, “Is this still fun, or is it getting too much?”
3. Habits run deep. Drinking and partying are often tied to identity — that’s why change takes compassion, not shame.
4. Balance looks different for everyone. What’s “too much” for one person might be fine for another — it’s about being honest with yourself.
5. Community matters. Talking about this stuff out loud (without judgment) can be the difference between stuck and steady.

About Nick Blair:

Nick Blair is the founder of Mind Health Bender, a mental health initiative helping everyday Aussies — especially tradies — build healthier relationships with drugs and alcohol.

After years working as an electrician, footy coach, and weekend warrior, Nick hit a turning point that reshaped how he viewed his own habits and mental health. Through his workshops, speaking gigs, and social content, Nick brings raw honesty, humour, and hope to the conversation about balance, mental health, and making change that actually sticks.

👉 Follow Nick:
Instagram: @‌mindhealthbender
Website: mindhealthbender.com.au

What if there was an extra $10K+ per month already sitting inside your tradie business and you just weren't capturing it? That's exactly what we're going to prove at this live, in-person workshop.

Bring your numbers. We'll find the money.  

Register here 👉 https://ghl.ladieswithtradies.com/horsham-2026-10khour

🎧 Ready to take your tradie business to the next level?

Are You Paying Your Staff Too Much? 
Find out in just 5 minutes whether your labour costs are eating into your profit and what your numbers could be telling you.
👉 https://ghl.ladieswithtradies.com/resources/are-you-paying-your-staff-too-much

💡 The Empowered Tradie Business Program (FREE)
Get clarity, structure, and direction in your business—without the overwhelm.
👉 https://ghl.ladieswithtradies.com/empowered-tradie-program

📞 Find ‘What To Fix First’
Not sure what’s holding your business back? Let’s figure it out together.
👉 https://links.ladieswithtradies.com/widget/bookings/30min_chatdirect

In this raw and inspiring episode, we sit down with Stacey and Jeff Connell from Connell’s Building and Renovation, alongside their coach Teresa Mullins, to share how they stepped off the hamster wheel and built a business (and life) they actually love. From clashing over “office vs tradie” roles, drowning in tiny jobs, and battling burnout, to raising their rates, letting go of the stress, and working as a real team, this story is proof that change pays off.

From a secret struggle with drinking to learning the power of breakeven numbers and boundaries, Jeff opens up with honesty that will hit home for many tradies. Stacey shares how letting go of control, hiring help, and trusting the process gave her back her spark. And Teresa shows how the right mix of mindset, money know-how, and accountability can change everything.

In this episode of Ladies with Tradies – Workin’ the Trade, Livin’ the Life, host Kate Muldoon chats with Stacey, Jeff, and Teresa about what it really takes to stop running in circles and start creating a business that feels lighter and more rewarding.

You’ll hear:

• How Stacey and Jeff went from working against each other to building as one team
• Why ditching small “maintenance” jobs and changing their business name was a game changer
• The surprising confidence boost that came from raising their rates by $50 an hour
• How breakeven numbers gave them clarity and control over cash flow
• Why hiring the right admin support created freedom for Stacey—and better results for clients
• Jeff’s brave journey of stepping back from heavy drinking and finding balance again
• The ripple effect of open, vulnerable leadership on staff and apprentices

Key Takeaway
Getting off the hamster wheel isn’t about grinding harder—it’s about working together, knowing your numbers, and trusting the process. With the right support and the courage to let go, you can create a business that pays and a life you’re proud of.

What if there was an extra $10K+ per month already sitting inside your tradie business and you just weren't capturing it? That's exactly what we're going to prove at this live, in-person workshop.

Bring your numbers. We'll find the money.  

Register here 👉 https://ghl.ladieswithtradies.com/horsham-2026-10khour

🎧 Ready to take your tradie business to the next level?

Are You Paying Your Staff Too Much? 
Find out in just 5 minutes whether your labour costs are eating into your profit and what your numbers could be telling you.
👉 https://ghl.ladieswithtradies.com/resources/are-you-paying-your-staff-too-much

💡 The Empowered Tradie Business Program (FREE)
Get clarity, structure, and direction in your business—without the overwhelm.
👉 https://ghl.ladieswithtradies.com/empowered-tradie-program

📞 Find ‘What To Fix First’
Not sure what’s holding your business back? Let’s figure it out together.
👉 https://links.ladieswithtradies.com/widget/bookings/30min_chatdirect

This week Kate is joined by her old friend Mel from The Little Sleeping Baby for a conversation that every parent with little ones needs to hear.

Kate first met Mel years ago in Bendigo, when they were both diving into personal development. Back then, Mel had dreams of working with kids, but instead of becoming a teacher she became a certified baby and toddler sleep consultant. And as you’ll hear, it all started with her own son’s sleepless nights and the strain it put on her family.

WHAT YOU’LL HEAR IN THIS EPISODE

• Mel’s journey from sleepless mum to certified sleep consultant
• The signs you might be tolerating more than you need to
• How sleep struggles affect the whole family, not just the child
• Why fear, guilt, and shame hold parents back from seeking help
• The power of personalised sleep plans and ongoing support
• How consistency (and a little tough love) can transform your nights

KEY TAKEAWAY ✨
Sometimes it’s just one or two tweaks that stand between you and a full night’s sleep. You don’t have to hit rock bottom before asking for help.

CONNECT WITH MEL
Website: thelittlesleepingbaby.com.au
Instagram: @‌thelittlesleepingbaby

READY FOR MORE?
If you’ve got a little one under five who’s not sleeping well, reach out to Mel and start your journey toward better nights. And if you’re a tradie business owner juggling work and young kids, you’ll love how this episode blends practical advice with heart.

What if there was an extra $10K+ per month already sitting inside your tradie business and you just weren't capturing it? That's exactly what we're going to prove at this live, in-person workshop.

Bring your numbers. We'll find the money.  

Register here 👉 https://ghl.ladieswithtradies.com/horsham-2026-10khour

🎧 Ready to take your tradie business to the next level?

Are You Paying Your Staff Too Much? 
Find out in just 5 minutes whether your labour costs are eating into your profit and what your numbers could be telling you.
👉 https://ghl.ladieswithtradies.com/resources/are-you-paying-your-staff-too-much

💡 The Empowered Tradie Business Program (FREE)
Get clarity, structure, and direction in your business—without the overwhelm.
👉 https://ghl.ladieswithtradies.com/empowered-tradie-program

📞 Find ‘What To Fix First’
Not sure what’s holding your business back? Let’s figure it out together.
👉 https://links.ladieswithtradies.com/widget/bookings/30min_chatdirect

Episode Summary

In this heartfelt and unfiltered episode, we sit down with Kyle and Megan from Spring Tide Construction and their coach Shani to unpack how they transformed their building business from total burnout to booming success. From working 20-hour days and fighting to keep their relationship afloat, to six-folding their revenue and building a life they’re proud of, this episode is packed with raw moments, real takeaways, and serious inspo for tradie couples chasing more.

Whether you’re still pricing jobs at midnight or dreaming of systems that actually work, you’ll want to hear how this Broome-based duo changed everything—and why coaching was the turning point.

Episode Shownotes

In this episode of Ladies with Tradies – Workin’ the Trade, Livin’ the Life, we chat with Kyle and Megan Flett from Spring Tide Construction, joined by their business coach Shani.

You’ll hear:

• How they turned a one-man show into a thriving construction business
• Why they said yes to coaching (even when money was tight)
• The game-changing power of delegation, systems, and mindset
• What it really looks like to run a business and stay connected as a couple
• How they've created community impact and legacy in Broome, WA

Honest. Relatable. Packed with tools and truth bombs. If you’re a tradie couple doing it tough or ready to take things to the next level, this is your sign.

Key Takeaway

Sustainable success isn’t about working harder—it’s about building smarter. When you invest in the right support, trust the process, and back yourselves as a team, everything can change.

Links & Resources

• Connect with Ladies with Tradies: ladieswithtradies.com
• Learn about our programs: https://www.ladieswithtradies.com/products-and-services
• Spring Tide Construction (Kyle & Megan's biz): https://springtideconstruction.com.au/about/
• Join our private Facebook group for tradie couples: facebook.com/groups/ladieswithtradies

What if there was an extra $10K+ per month already sitting inside your tradie business and you just weren't capturing it? That's exactly what we're going to prove at this live, in-person workshop.

Bring your numbers. We'll find the money.  

Register here 👉 https://ghl.ladieswithtradies.com/horsham-2026-10khour

🎧 Ready to take your tradie business to the next level?

Are You Paying Your Staff Too Much? 
Find out in just 5 minutes whether your labour costs are eating into your profit and what your numbers could be telling you.
👉 https://ghl.ladieswithtradies.com/resources/are-you-paying-your-staff-too-much

💡 The Empowered Tradie Business Program (FREE)
Get clarity, structure, and direction in your business—without the overwhelm.
👉 https://ghl.ladieswithtradies.com/empowered-tradie-program

📞 Find ‘What To Fix First’
Not sure what’s holding your business back? Let’s figure it out together.
👉 https://links.ladieswithtradies.com/widget/bookings/30min_chatdirect

Russ Easther is the founder of Lead Partners Direct, a digital marketing veteran with over two decades of experience helping tradies ditch the guesswork and get real, qualified leads. Known for making the complex simple, Russ specialises in taking the risk out of marketing by offering tradie businesses exclusive, pre-qualified leads — without the fluff, gimmicks, or agency fees. With deep industry knowledge and a track record of helping businesses grow from $500k to $5M, Russ is the guy who makes your phone ring with the right kind of work.

In this episode, Kate chats with Russ from Lead Partners Direct — a no-BS lead generation expert who helps tradies get consistent, high-quality leads without paying hefty agency retainers. They unpack why word-of-mouth won’t get you to seven figures, how to pivot into more profitable work, and the exact numbers tradies should understand before investing in any kind of marketing.

What We Cover in This Episode:

• Why most tradies hesitate with digital marketing — and how Russ simplifies it
• How Lead Partners Direct removes the risk of lead generation
• Real client wins: $76k in 2 weeks, $50k in month one, and more
• The difference between good leads and “last chip on the beach” seagull fights
• Why relying only on word-of-mouth keeps your business capped at $500–600k
• How to decide if you're ready for marketing based on your business goals
• The two biggest factors that influence results: your trade and your location
• Why regional tradies might have more to gain from digital leads
• ROI numbers that actually make sense (and how to calculate yours)

Links and Resources mentioned:

• Lead Partners Direct to book a call: https://leadpartnersdirect.com.au/
• Email Russ: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/leadpartnersdirect
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/leadpartnersdirect
• Ladies with Tradies Trusted Advisor:  https://www.ladieswithtradies.com/trusted-advisors

What if there was an extra $10K+ per month already sitting inside your tradie business and you just weren't capturing it? That's exactly what we're going to prove at this live, in-person workshop.

Bring your numbers. We'll find the money.  

Register here 👉 https://ghl.ladieswithtradies.com/horsham-2026-10khour

🎧 Ready to take your tradie business to the next level?

Are You Paying Your Staff Too Much? 
Find out in just 5 minutes whether your labour costs are eating into your profit and what your numbers could be telling you.
👉 https://ghl.ladieswithtradies.com/resources/are-you-paying-your-staff-too-much

💡 The Empowered Tradie Business Program (FREE)
Get clarity, structure, and direction in your business—without the overwhelm.
👉 https://ghl.ladieswithtradies.com/empowered-tradie-program

📞 Find ‘What To Fix First’
Not sure what’s holding your business back? Let’s figure it out together.
👉 https://links.ladieswithtradies.com/widget/bookings/30min_chatdirect

James and Bec Ware are the husband-and-wife duo behind Ware Builders, a thriving, family-owned business in Berrigan. With 14 years in the industry, they’ve built a reputation for quality craftsmanship across new homes, renovations, extensions, and commercial projects, including school maintenance and hospital work.

James’ journey into building started with an apprenticeship under his father, following in the footsteps of generations before him. But running a business the old-school way—70-80 hour weeks, constantly chasing money, and no real freedom—left them exhausted. In 2018, everything changed when they attended a Ladies with Tradies seminar and realised there was a smarter way to run their business.

Since then, they’ve doubled their rates, tightened their pricing strategy, and learned to say no to the wrong jobs—choosing quality projects over a never-ending workload. With Bec stepping into the business full-time, they’ve gained confidence, control, and the ability to enjoy more time with their family, footy, and fishing.

Now, Ware Builders is profitable, organized, and selective, taking on projects that align with their values and expertise. Their journey is proof that when you back yourself, charge what you're worth, and get the right support, business and life can look a whole lot better.

Links & Resources:

• Ready to realign your business with your life? Book a Free Call.
• Follow us on Instagram and Facebook

What if there was an extra $10K+ per month already sitting inside your tradie business and you just weren't capturing it? That's exactly what we're going to prove at this live, in-person workshop.

Bring your numbers. We'll find the money.  

Register here 👉 https://ghl.ladieswithtradies.com/horsham-2026-10khour

🎧 Ready to take your tradie business to the next level?

Are You Paying Your Staff Too Much? 
Find out in just 5 minutes whether your labour costs are eating into your profit and what your numbers could be telling you.
👉 https://ghl.ladieswithtradies.com/resources/are-you-paying-your-staff-too-much

💡 The Empowered Tradie Business Program (FREE)
Get clarity, structure, and direction in your business—without the overwhelm.
👉 https://ghl.ladieswithtradies.com/empowered-tradie-program

📞 Find ‘What To Fix First’
Not sure what’s holding your business back? Let’s figure it out together.
👉 https://links.ladieswithtradies.com/widget/bookings/30min_chatdirect

In this episode, we chat with Lex Stanley from Vastly Digital about how tradies can get the most bang for their buck when it comes to digital marketing. Lex shares her expertise on SEO, paid advertising, and the importance of understanding your numbers before jumping into marketing campaigns. She also breaks down why quick-fix marketing promises are often a trap and why small businesses should focus on conversion-driven strategies rather than just brand awareness. Plus, Lex spills the truth about Meta ads, digital footprints, and how businesses can audit their marketing efforts for free with Vastly Digital.

Topics Covered:
✅ The best digital marketing strategies for tradies and small businesses
✅ Why SEO takes time and when to choose Google or Meta ads
✅ The reality of paid marketing – when to invest and when to hold off
✅ The power of Meta ads in targeting potential customers
✅ Understanding your business numbers to make smarter marketing decisions
✅ How Vastly Digital keeps things ethical – no hard sales, just honest advice
✅ How to get a free marketing audit if you're unsure about your current agency

Key Takeaway

Marketing only works when your business is ready for it. Before throwing money at ads, know your numbers, have cash flow stability, and be patient with the process.

Links & Resources:

• Connect with Vastly Digital: https://www.vastly.com.au
• Ready to realign your business with your life? Book a Free Call.
• Follow us on Instagram and Facebook

What if there was an extra $10K+ per month already sitting inside your tradie business and you just weren't capturing it? That's exactly what we're going to prove at this live, in-person workshop.

Bring your numbers. We'll find the money.  

Register here 👉 https://ghl.ladieswithtradies.com/horsham-2026-10khour

🎧 Ready to take your tradie business to the next level?

Are You Paying Your Staff Too Much? 
Find out in just 5 minutes whether your labour costs are eating into your profit and what your numbers could be telling you.
👉 https://ghl.ladieswithtradies.com/resources/are-you-paying-your-staff-too-much

💡 The Empowered Tradie Business Program (FREE)
Get clarity, structure, and direction in your business—without the overwhelm.
👉 https://ghl.ladieswithtradies.com/empowered-tradie-program

📞 Find ‘What To Fix First’
Not sure what’s holding your business back? Let’s figure it out together.
👉 https://links.ladieswithtradies.com/widget/bookings/30min_chatdirect

Cory and Siobhan Gathercole are the powerhouse duo behind Evolve Projects, a thriving construction business built on resilience, adaptability, and a no-nonsense approach to growth.

Cory’s journey began in carpentry, inspired by his uncle, and saw him complete his apprenticeship by 20 before spending a decade racing speedway in the UK. Returning to Australia, he worked in residential construction until an unexpected redundancy during COVID-19 pushed him to finally take the leap and start his own business.

What started as a tough time turned into a golden opportunity. In the early days, Evolve Projects struggled with cash flow, taking on small, unprofitable handyman jobs and only booking work a few weeks in advance. But after realizing that working harder wasn’t the answer, Cory and Siobhan sought expert coaching through Ladies with Tradies, which completely transformed their approach to pricing, job selection, and financial management.

Now, they’ve shifted from a low-cost, high-volume model to a high-quality, selective business—attracting ideal clients, increasing profitability, and securing projects 12 months in advance, focusing on large-scale renovations and extensions.

Their story proves that seeking help, charging what you’re worth, and making bold business decisions can be the difference between just surviving and truly thriving.

✨ Key Takeaway

Underpricing keeps you busy, but not profitable. Siobhan learned that charging what you're worth, even if it means losing some clients, leads to better jobs, less stress, and more money in your pocket.

Links & Resources:

• Ready to realign your business with your life? Book a Free Call.
• Follow us on Instagram and Facebook

What if there was an extra $10K+ per month already sitting inside your tradie business and you just weren't capturing it? That's exactly what we're going to prove at this live, in-person workshop.

Bring your numbers. We'll find the money.  

Register here 👉 https://ghl.ladieswithtradies.com/horsham-2026-10khour

🎧 Ready to take your tradie business to the next level?

Are You Paying Your Staff Too Much? 
Find out in just 5 minutes whether your labour costs are eating into your profit and what your numbers could be telling you.
👉 https://ghl.ladieswithtradies.com/resources/are-you-paying-your-staff-too-much

💡 The Empowered Tradie Business Program (FREE)
Get clarity, structure, and direction in your business—without the overwhelm.
👉 https://ghl.ladieswithtradies.com/empowered-tradie-program

📞 Find ‘What To Fix First’
Not sure what’s holding your business back? Let’s figure it out together.
👉 https://links.ladieswithtradies.com/widget/bookings/30min_chatdirect

Get ready for a game-changing episode because today, I’m introducing you to someone who’s about to shake up the way you think about your business finances—Lyndon Russell!

Lyndon is an Amazon bestselling author, a finance guru, and now, the newest trusted advisor here at Ladies With Tradies. He’s spent 15+ years working with small businesses (including heaps of tradies), and let’s be real—he gets it. He knows how bloody hard you work and how frustrating it is when the numbers aren’t stacking up the way they should.

In this episode, Lyndon and I get stuck into the biggest financial mistakes tradie business owners make—and how to fix them. We talk about:

• Why your business is making money but you’re still broke
• The right way to manage cash flow
• Why knowing your numbers is non-negotiable if you actually want to take home more cash
• How picking the right accountant (and not just the one you’ve had forever) can save your business thousands

And because Lyndon’s a legend, he’s giving away free copies of his book, Know Your Numbers—a no-BS finance guide for tradies who want to make (and keep) more money. Grab yours now at Next Level Accountants' website and use promo code KYN2025—just cover $9.95 for postage and handling.

If you’ve ever felt lost when it comes to business finances, this is the episode you need to hear. Let’s get into it! 🎧

Links & Resources:

• Get your FREE copy of Know Your Numbers here and use the promo code KYN2025
• Ready to realign your business with your life? Book a Free Call.
• Follow us on Instagram and Facebook

What if there was an extra $10K+ per month already sitting inside your tradie business and you just weren't capturing it? That's exactly what we're going to prove at this live, in-person workshop.

Bring your numbers. We'll find the money.  

Register here 👉 https://ghl.ladieswithtradies.com/horsham-2026-10khour

🎧 Ready to take your tradie business to the next level?

Are You Paying Your Staff Too Much? 
Find out in just 5 minutes whether your labour costs are eating into your profit and what your numbers could be telling you.
👉 https://ghl.ladieswithtradies.com/resources/are-you-paying-your-staff-too-much

💡 The Empowered Tradie Business Program (FREE)
Get clarity, structure, and direction in your business—without the overwhelm.
👉 https://ghl.ladieswithtradies.com/empowered-tradie-program

📞 Find ‘What To Fix First’
Not sure what’s holding your business back? Let’s figure it out together.
👉 https://links.ladieswithtradies.com/widget/bookings/30min_chatdirect

Get ready to be blown away in this episode by the very humble, but very successful Cindy & Ash Portwine from Portwine Joinery!

These guys built their business from nothing, Ash started in his backyard under a tarp 20 years ago then when Cindy came along they worked hard to grow, build an impeccable reputation, and have gone from strength to strength.

This episode is a true showcase of what never giving up looks like. They have literally considered closing the doors on multiple occasions, but their sheer resilience and determination has always reigned supreme in the end. From surviving the floods in 2022, to difficulties with cashflow, raising a young family and advocating for a different way of life - these guys have been through it all.

They really teach us why it is so important to never give up.

Now - they are diversifying and have bought a second business - Augustus Gelateria which they are in the midst of completing the build for and opening in Echuca, Victoria, as we launch this podcast.

We could not be more proud of them and how they honour their own needs, and just keep digging in no matter what life throws at them.

Find them here: Portwine Joinery | Functional Kitchen Designs surrounding Echuca | Bamawm VIC, Australia

Timestamps:

00:00 - Port Wine Joinery's Business Journey
04:55 - Embracing Technology and Valuing Expertise
12:37 - Cindy's Mindset Shift and Expansion
16:42 - Personal Growth Amidst Challenges
24:48 - Cindy's Flood Experience and Resilience
36:53 - Family Memories and Gelato Ventures
42:29 - Balancing Work and Personal Life
47:18 - Creating Memories and Pursuing Passions

Links & Resources:

• Ready to realign your business with your life? Book a Free Call.
• Follow us on Instagram and Facebook

What if there was an extra $10K+ per month already sitting inside your tradie business and you just weren't capturing it? That's exactly what we're going to prove at this live, in-person workshop.

Bring your numbers. We'll find the money.  

Register here 👉 https://ghl.ladieswithtradies.com/horsham-2026-10khour

🎧 Ready to take your tradie business to the next level?

Are You Paying Your Staff Too Much? 
Find out in just 5 minutes whether your labour costs are eating into your profit and what your numbers could be telling you.
👉 https://ghl.ladieswithtradies.com/resources/are-you-paying-your-staff-too-much

💡 The Empowered Tradie Business Program (FREE)
Get clarity, structure, and direction in your business—without the overwhelm.
👉 https://ghl.ladieswithtradies.com/empowered-tradie-program

📞 Find ‘What To Fix First’
Not sure what’s holding your business back? Let’s figure it out together.
👉 https://links.ladieswithtradies.com/widget/bookings/30min_chatdirect