Some days in the shop call you to level up, not just in your craft but in the person you’re becoming. This episode walks with you through the practical wins that help you get there.

Brandon and Jon break down how to set paddles on a vertical shaft mixer so your fiber reinforced mixes behave the way you need for concrete countertops and sinks. You’ll hear different approaches to mounting a floating mantle or fireplace surround, is a vibrating table necessary to make concrete countertops, and why a torsion box casting table can tighten up your workflow. We also cover the simple steps that prevent curling, and which Kodiak Pro polishing pads to pair with a Dewalt sander for a clean, efficient finish.

Then the conversation shifts to something that sharpens more than your craft. Justin Burd’s Concrete Athlete Design Competition challenges you to create a meaningful piece using no more than 50 pounds of Maker Mix or RADmix, paired with thirty days of workouts and daily discipline. It’s a reminder that stronger concrete and stronger character both come from showing up with intention.

By the end, you’re equipped with better methods, clearer thinking, and the confidence that comes from choosing the right tools and the right habits. Kodiak Pro stands ready to help you make work you’re proud of and a life that feels just as solid.


#MakerMindset #CreativeGrowth #ConcreteCraft #SelfDevelopment #ArtisanLife #BuildSomethingBetter #GFRCCommunity #ConcretePodcast #KodiakPro

This week’s Thanksgiving episode offers a calm place to settle in and reconnect with the work you love. You step into the story as the maker who wants richer color, cleaner surfaces, and more control over every pour. The challenge is simple. You want your pieces to look the way you imagine them, but small mistakes and unclear methods can get in the way.

In this conversation, you get clear, straightforward guidance you can use right away. You will hear how proper curing brings out deeper tones, which silicone caulks protect your forms, how the right additives unlock stronger color, and what casting techniques help keep air pockets from stealing the beauty of your finish.

You will also hear how choosing the right materials supports your talent. Kodiak Pro products are built to help you work with confidence, keep your process steady, and bring more ease to the long hours of making.

If you are traveling for the holiday or settling in at home, this episode gives you a warm companion. Take a breath, enjoy the ride, and let these simple insights help you create work that feels honest and alive.


#ConcretePodcast #ConcreteArtisans #MakersMindset #ConcreteCountertops #CreativeCraftsmanship #concretedesign #ConcreteCraft #ArtisanSkills #GrowthMindsetTools #GFRC

You can walk into Menards, grab a few bags of “concrete countertop mix,” and think you’re saving money. But are you? This week on The Concrete Podcast, Brandon and Jon break down the real cost of DIY concrete countertops - from what those hardware store mixes truly cost per square foot, to how they stack up against professional-grade materials like Kodiak Pro’s Maker Mix.

They unpack why DIY-grade concrete often leads to cracking, discoloration, and sealer failure, and why pro mixes actually save money in the long run. It’s an honest look at dollars, cents, and craftsmanship - because when you’re building something meant to last, the hardware store option usually costs you the most.

If you’ve ever wondered what separates a weekend project from a professional result, this episode will show you the numbers, the science, and the truth behind every bag of mix.

#TheConcretePodcast #DIYConcreteCountertops #ConcreteCountertops #KodiakPro #MakerMix #ConcreteMixComparison #Craftsmanship #ConcreteSealer #ConcreteProjects #MakerMindset

Most of us got into this trade for freedom - to build with our hands, chase an idea, and create something that’ll outlast us. But somewhere along the way, that freedom can slip through our fingers, traded for long nights, wasted hours, and frustration over mix issues that steal our flow.

In this week’s episode of The Concrete Podcast, Brandon and Jon sit down after hosting another powerful Ramm-Crete Workshop to talk about what really matters - time, balance, and the pursuit of mastery. They unpack a recent tech call that revealed how fiber type and loading directly shape flowability and surface quality (and how a small change can solve problems most of us face in our own shops).

You’ll also hear about Kodiak Pro’s Yeti Holiday Giveaway, upcoming Concrete Design School workshops for early 2026, and an honest take on how working smarter - not longer - creates more space for life beyond the shop.

If you’re chasing better surfaces, smoother systems, and a more intentional rhythm between work and living - this one’s for you.


#TheConcretePodcast #ConcreteDesign #KodiakPro #ArtisanMindset #MakerLife #ConcreteCountertops #GFRC #GrowthMindset #CreativeFreedom #rammedearth

Most makers want their work to look authentic, but too often GFRC ends up looking like plastic instead of stone. That disconnect leaves artisans frustrated and searching for answers. In this episode of The Concrete Podcast, we unpack why that happens, how to avoid it, and what it takes to get your concrete to look and feel the way it should.

We’ll also walk through the bigger question every DIYer and pro faces - how do you choose the right mix for countertops, sinks, furniture, and tile? Not all mixes are created equal, and the wrong one can cost you time, money, and the quality of your work. By the end, you’ll understand what to look for, what to stay away from, and how to make confident choices that elevate your craft.

If you’ve been struggling with “plasticky” finishes or just wondering what makes a truly great concrete mix, this conversation will give you the clarity you need. Because when your materials rise to the level of your vision, you stop fighting against concrete and start creating with it.

#ConcretePodcast #MakerMindset #concretecountertops #GFRCConcrete #CraftAndGrowth #ArtisanJourney #SelfDevelopmentForMakers #concretefurniture #KodiakPro

Every maker knows the sinking feeling of getting a call about a chip in a concrete piece you poured your heart into. This week on The Concrete Podcast, we focus on how to bring damaged countertops and sinks back to life - and why a solid repair is about more than just patching concrete. It’s about protecting your reputation, honoring your craft, and proving to clients that you stand behind your work.

We’ll share step-by-step insights for repairing the piece. You’ll also hear how Kodiak Pro’s silica-free mixes and non-toxic sealers give artisans a dependable way to achieve flawless, lasting results that build trust with every job.

#ConcretePodcast #ConcreteRepair #FixConcrete #CraftsmanshipMatters #MakersMindset #kodiakpro #CountertopRepair #ArtisanLife #CreativeGrowth #gfrc

Most makers carry a quiet frustration - they want their work to be lighter, stronger, and more refined, but the materials and methods they’ve been handed keep them stuck in the old way of doing things. This week we pull back the curtain on GFRC, a material that changes the game for concrete countertops, sinks, and furniture.

You’ll hear how GFRC stands apart from traditional mixes, why it matters for strength and beauty, and how it frees you from the weight and limitations of standard pours. We’ll talk mixing, spraying, fiber, and the myths that keep many craftspeople from unlocking its full potential.

At the heart of it, this isn’t just about concrete - it’s about your story as a maker. When you learn to harness the right materials, you save time, reduce stress, and create pieces that set you apart. That’s what every artisan wants: the freedom to create without compromise.

And here’s the thing - tools like Kodiak Pro products exist to put that freedom in your hands. They’re engineered by makers, for makers. The result? Less time fixing problems, more time building the kind of work that carries your name forward.


#ConcreteCountertops #MakersMindset #GrowthThroughCraft #ConcreteArtisans #KodiakPro #GFRCConcrete #CraftsmanshipMatters #concretedesign #gfrc

On this episode of The Concrete Podcast, Brandon and Jon are joined by Joe Bates of SC Fabrication in Napa, California - an artisan whose work speaks louder than words and whose values run just as deep as his craftsmanship.

Together, they unpack the five biggest countertop trends of 2025, where concrete not only holds its ground but leads the charge in form, function, and feeling. If you’re a concrete artisan, architect, or designer trying to understand where the industry is heading - and how to position yourself in it - this episode is your roadmap.

But this isn’t just about countertops. It’s about legacy. About why we started casting in the first place. Joe shares how time with family helps him stay grounded, how stepping away can actually sharpen your edge, and why the best makers never stop refining their mix - both in life and in work.

If you're building something with your hands and your heart, this one’s for you.

Tune in to learn:

* The top five countertop trends you’ll see everywhere in 2025

* Why concrete continues to outperform other surface materials

* How to align your craft with what architects and designers are asking for

* What stepping back can teach you about stepping up

And if you're ready to cast cleaner, stronger, silica-free pieces with less hassle and more health? This is your nudge to take a closer look at Kodiak Pro - the only concrete system built for makers, by makers.

#ConcreteDesign #MakersPodcast #KodiakPro #ConcreteCountertops #CreativeEntrepreneur #ArtisanMindset #CraftsmanshipMatters #DesignTrends2025 #BuildWhatLasts

Most people think success is about strategy. But more often than not, it’s about character.

In this heartfelt episode of The Concrete Podcast, Brandon and Jon sit down for a raw, real conversation about the moments that test your integrity - and define your legacy. When a client comes to you after working with another maker, it’s easy to chase the win. But doing right by others, even when it costs you, is how you build a career that lasts.

They’ll unpack lessons from the early days - what they got wrong, what they made right, and how those pivotal choices shaped who they are today. You’ll hear stories that sting, moments that taught, and why showing up with honesty will always outlast the short-term hustle.

If you're a builder, artisan, or craftsman looking to grow a business and sleep well at night, this one's for you. And if you're tired of half-baked mixes and fly-by-night brands, they’ll share why tools like Kodiak Pro are made by makers who live what they sell.

Because in this game, character is the concrete.

#CraftWithCharacter

#ConcretePodcast

#MakersMindset

#KodiakPro

#DoTheRightThing

#BuildToLast

#StoryDrivenBusiness

#SelfDevelopmentPodcast

#EthicalEntrepreneurship

#GrowthThroughIntegrity

Most of us got into this line of work because we love making things with our hands. The process, the freedom, the satisfaction of seeing something real take shape. But there’s a quiet question that keeps tapping us on the shoulder - what’s it all for if we’re not present to enjoy the life we’re building?

In this episode of The Concrete Podcast, we pull over and take a hard look at the map. It’s not about changing direction. It’s about making sure the road we’re on still leads somewhere we want to go.

You’ll hear a story that may sound like your own - chasing deadlines, pushing orders, grinding late into the night - all while the moments that matter start slipping through your fingers. We’ll talk about how the tools you use, the systems you trust, and the materials you rely on can either steal your time or give it back.

If you’re a maker, artisan, or craftsman, this one’s for you. Because the goal isn’t just to work hard - it’s to work smart so you can live well.

Let’s get into it.


#ConcretePodcast #MakersMindset #CraftsmanCulture #ArtisanJourney #KodiakPro #BuildWithPurpose #SelfDevelopmentPodcast #TimeFreedom #DesignYourLife