In this episode of The Good Builder Podcast, we sit down with renowned communication coach Rik Rushton at the Level Up Experience to talk about one of the biggest blind spots in building — communication.Rik shares practical advice on how better conversations lead to better builds — and why in today’s market, builders need to see themselves as being in the trust business, not just the construction business.We cover:

• Why jobs often derail due to mismatched expectations — not workmanship
• Simple strategies to build trust through proactive communication
• How the best builders are getting ahead by mastering this skill

If you want fewer client headaches and more referrals — this is a must-listen.🎧 Tune in now and take your client relationships to the next level.

In this episode of The Good Builder Podcast, we sit down with renowned communication coach Rik Rushton at the Level Up Experience to talk about one of the biggest blind spots in building — communication.

Rik shares practical advice on how better conversations lead to better builds — and why in today’s market, builders need to see themselves as being in the trust business, not just the construction business.

We cover:

• Why jobs often derail due to mismatched expectations — not workmanship
• Simple strategies to build trust through proactive communication
• How the best builders are getting ahead by mastering this skill

If you want fewer client headaches and more referrals — this is a must-listen.

🎧 Tune in now and take your client relationships to the next level.

From the Tools to the Top: Real Talk with Kenny ‘The Big Kransky’ from MyCladders

In this episode, Az sits down with Kenny from MyCladders—aka The Big Kransky—to cut through the noise and talk about what really matters when running a construction business.

From client consent and cash flow to navigating the QBCC and stepping into ownership, this conversation is packed with practical gold. Kenny opens up about the shift from subcontractor to business owner, the importance of being smart with your payroll, and why building strong relationships (not just strong homes) is the key to long-term success.

They also get into real estate as a stepping stone, managing your margins, and how to avoid the trap of looking successful while going broke.

If you’re a builder trying to stay ahead of the game, this one’s worth your time.

From cabinetry to code, few have walked the decades of building with as much craftsmanship, insight, and humility as Craig Stuart. Affectionately known as “The Godfather,” Craig joins us live from the Level Up Experience to unpack 40+ years of real-world lessons, leadership in the Master Builders Association, and why educating both clients and carpenters is non-negotiable in today’s industry.

We explore:

• His dual apprenticeships and early start in the trade
• The evolution from tradesman to business owner (and the hard lessons in between)
• Preconstruction processes that protect both builder and client
• Healthy home building, material performance, and why the little details matter
• Why if you’re only building to code… you’re building the bare minimum

This one’s packed with practical wisdom, humour, and a masterclass in setting standards—so much so, it’s sparked a new benchmark for quality: “Is it Craig Good?”

If you’re a builder, mentor, or young gun trying to do things right—this episode is for you.

In this episode, we sit down with one of the most switched-on young builders we’ve come across — Jayden Martello, founder of JMar Building Co.

At just 28, Jayden is setting a new benchmark in the industry — not just for the quality of his work, but for his leadership, honesty, and drive to do things the right way. From his early obsession with construction after watching his family home get extended, to launching his own building company, Jayden shares the highs, the mistakes, and the moments of growth that have shaped him.

We talk about:

• The job that changed everything for him
• Learning to lead trades and build trust with clients
• The value of systems and processes (and why he finally ditched pen and paper quoting)
• Why asking questions is a builder’s superpower
• Doing the hard inner work to grow — both as a business and a person

Jayden’s story is one every young builder should hear — and a reminder that humility, curiosity, and consistency are what truly make a good builder.

Building Shirts. Saving Lives with Ed Ross of TradeMutt and TIACS

Ed Ross didn’t set out to create a mental health movement—he just wanted to start a conversation on-site.

In this episode of The Good Builder Podcast, we sit down with Ed to unpack the journey from a simple idea—funky work shirts—to a full-blown industry-wide movement tackling mental health in construction.

We talk about the founding of TradeMutt, the early days of TIACS, and how two tradies from a building site became leading voices for suicide prevention and early intervention.

From peer-led support to new training programs, Ed shares what’s next—and how better understanding yourself can help you become a better mate, partner, and team member.

This episode is more than a story. It’s a reminder that real change starts with a conversation.

Keeping the Hammer Swinging Longer – with Carpentry Australia

In this episode of The Good Builder Podcast, we sit down with Nathan Quinn and Hannah Keirl from Carpentry Australia to explore what it really means to build a sustainable career in the trades.

From supporting apprentices on their first day to mentoring industry veterans, this conversation is packed with real stories, big challenges, and practical leadership.

We dive into the importance of creating safe, inclusive job sites, why community matters more than ever, and how a single phone call can change someone’s entire career.

If you’re a builder, employer, or tradie trying to do better by your crew—this one’s for you.

She’s a powerhouse of a CEO, a role model on and off-site, and a force for change across the construction industry.

In this follow-up episode, The Good Builder sits back down with Kim Allen, CEO & founder of CRA Construction and the face behind Mrs to CEO – to talk about what’s happened since we last caught up. We dive into her growing impact in schools through the Plastering Comes to Schools program, the upcoming release of her new book, and how she’s mentoring the next wave of women in construction.

This isn’t just about plastering or business. It’s about representation, resilience, and rewriting the script for what leadership looks like in our industry.

Take a listen!

Structurally Sound or Momentarily Stable? A Deep Dive into Leadership, Team & Culture with Dan Urquhart

Now live on The Good Builder.

Most business owners don’t start a team so they can do more work… but somehow, that’s exactly where they end up.

In this episode, we sit down with Dan Urquhart—leadership coach, speaker, and founder of 1000 Feet Deep—to unpack the difference between businesses that thrive and those that merely survive.

We explore:

• What leadership team and culture development really means
• Why culture isn’t the “fluffy” stuff—it’s the real work
• How to tell if your business is structurally sound or just momentarily stable
• The practical steps leaders can take to avoid burnout and build resilient, high-capacity teams
• The tough but essential truth: If you’re not shaping your culture, something else is.

With trademark honesty and insight, Dan challenges the way we think about team building and offers a roadmap for leaders who want more than surface-level success. If you’re a builder, business owner or just someone carrying too much of the load—you’ll feel seen, encouraged, and equipped.

The Good Builder Podcast: From Footy to Frameology — Matt Grieve on Building, Origin, and Earning Trust

In this special State of Origin week episode, we sit down with former NRL star and now Frameology director Matt Grieve.

We chat about more than just footy — diving into what makes a good builder, how to build trust with clients and suppliers, and why staying adaptable in the age of AI is key. Matt brings his trademark honesty, some Origin banter, and insights from the field (and the footy field) that every builder will relate to.

Whether you’re on-site or in the ute, this one’s worth a listen