In this special episode, Nic invites you for a stroll down memory lane, sharing how the TIB podcast began, the unexpected moments that shaped it, and the evolution from early guest chats to Real Tradie Stories, F#ck It Friday, and the daily TradieRonaCast episodes. It’s a warm and honest look at the journey and the community that has grown around it, wrapped up with a little nostalgia and a reason to stick around right to the end.

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When December starts piling on the pressure, most tradies slip straight into survival mode. Nic digs into why the lead-up to Christmas feels so chaotic for so many business owners and offers simple, real-world shifts you can make right now to steady your cashflow, set clearer boundaries, get your crew aligned, and protect your energy heading into shutdown. The goal is to help you finish the year feeling more in control and far less overwhelmed.

REGISTER HERE for the free workshop to turn chaos into control before Christmas.

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What does it really mean to be a man today? Nic sits down with John Broadbent, author of Man Unplugged, to unpack the pressures, confusion, and disconnection many men face. From business collapse to personal rebuilding, John shares his own story and the lessons learned through men’s groups, rites of passage, and connection. This is an honest chat about self-worth, leadership, and legacy—and why understanding “men’s business” might just change the way you show up at work, at home, and in life.

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Real change starts when you stop performing and start unbecoming. Nic sits down with Dr. Ash Moreland, neuroscientist and founder of the Re-MIND Institute, to unpack the hidden programming that keeps tradies stuck half on the tools and half in business. They explore identity, purpose, and the cost of hustle on marriages, kids, and mental health, then map a simple path forward: awareness, education, transformation. You’ll hear how to spot imposter syndrome, let go of control so you can delegate, and replace numb-out habits with healthy boundaries.

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Think running a race team is hectic? Try rebuilding a 10,000-horsepower engine between rounds while managing a plumbing crew back at work. In this episode, Nic chats with Adam Wright from Snap-On Tools and drag racer and business owner Phil Read. Together, they reveal how Snap-On’s national initiatives and Phil’s multi-generation racing legacy collide in the fast lane. From balancing business and burnout to supporting a greater cause, they share the story behind Snap-On’s partnership with the McGrath Foundation, and how pink tools, pit-side fundraising, and teamwork are helping fund vital cancer care nurses across Australia.

You can donate by buying pink Snap-On tools and merch from your local van or visiting the Snap-on Tools Fundraising page.

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Think you need to grind 80-hour weeks to keep your business afloat? Nic chats with builder Brendan Wyllie from Str8Edge Construction about his leap from apprentice to business owner, and the mindset shift that took him off the tools and into true leadership. He shares honest lessons on tricky clients, the power of documenting everything, and why consistent quoting keeps work flowing. You’ll hear how coaching, systems, and trusting his “mini-me” tradie helped him build a reliable team, steady cash flow, and more time for family (and a few triathlon sessions).

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Rock bottom moments and honest conversations aren’t just character building, they are game changers. Nic is joined by her son Blake, whose journey from freezer warehouses to million-dollar eCommerce sales and back again shaped the lessons behind his current venture, Wispix AI. They chat about what happens when ego gets in the way, why community matters, and how tradies can use AI to streamline admin, automate calls, and boost profits. From turning site voice notes into job reports to building consistency in quoting, Blake shows how practical AI can be. You’ll hear how a “generalist plus AI specialist” combo protects profit and frees up family time.

Learn more about Wispix AI & connect with Blake here.

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Rats in the office? That’s one thing. But running your trade business with the wrong structure? That could cost you everything. Nic is joined by Dan and Tim from the Two Drunk Accountants to talk about something every trade business owner needs to get right: your business structure. Whether you're a sole trader just starting out or you're eyeing off a company setup, they break down the pros, cons, and hidden traps you need to know. They also share their now-infamous “Ratgate” office saga, which turns out to be a perfect reminder of what happens when you ignore the warning signs.

You can also catch Dan & Tim in their podcast: Two Drunk Accountants Podcast

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What if the thing holding your business back isn’t your team, but how you’re leading them? Mick Scotney, ex-sparky now CEO & Founder of Awakened Business, shares what it really takes to build a team that runs without you doing all the thinking. He unpacks how to step out of the daily grind and into true leadership, from letting go of control to building systems that support growth. Mick scaled his business from two to over eighty staff by focusing on people, culture and structure, creating a team that could thrive without him in every detail.

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From chemistry labs to high-vis on-site, Reece’s path into the trades was anything but typical. Now running one of Australia’s most unique trade businesses, Wardrobe Refractories, he’s navigating emergency breakdowns, tight compliance, and the challenge of building trust with casual crews. With a clear focus on shifting from self-employed to true business owner, Reece shares how systems, structure, and mindset are helping him lead with more clarity and control.

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