Devils Advocate: Trades Edition

Lisa McGrath and Michael Hamoen kick off the episode discussing the podcast's origin and listener feedback. They explore workplace dynamics, HR nightmares, and social media's impact. Topics include gender respect in trades, balancing confidence and authority, and professionalism in workplace relationships. They discuss gender dynamics, favoritism, and the costs of retaining problematic employees....

Join Lisa McGrath and co-host Michael as they delve into the world of women in construction, sharing TikTok reactions and experiences. They discuss the physical expectations and gender dynamics in trades, highlighting unique challenges women face. The episode covers the Prompt Payment and Construction Lien Act, predatory pricing, and the importance of valuing labor. Lisa and Michael stress setting...

Lisa McGrath dives into TikTok's influence on AI music before tackling a viral workplace question that sheds light on interactions and HR nightmares. The episode highlights harassment and inappropriate jokes in trades, focusing on women's challenges and the need for training on worksites. Lisa explores gender dynamics and performance-based pay in construction, while emphasizing women's leadership...

Lisa McGrath introduces guests Brandon Chase and Pam Davis, setting the stage for a poignant discussion. Brandon recounts his accident and the immediate aftermath, while Pam offers her perspective on the incident. They explore Brandon's recovery and the accountability of the driver involved. Brandon shares his courtroom experience and personal growth journey, highlighting the critical role of STAR...

Lisa McGrath opens the episode by introducing the focus on women's experiences in the construction industry, prompted by a social media question. She explores the challenges and harassment women face in the trades, with a particular emphasis on sexual harassment. Lisa shares insights on addressing and witnessing such incidents, stressing the importance of escalation and open discussions. As the ep...

Lisa McGrath opens the episode by outlining the upcoming topics, setting the stage for a discussion on personal philosophy amidst economic challenges. She shares insights on how her beliefs shape her approach to navigating financial difficulties. A sponsor segment follows, focusing on the return on investment in professional memberships. Lisa highlights upcoming events and offers tips on effective...

Lisa McGrath begins the episode by introducing the topic of women's experiences in the trades, focusing on issues like inadequate bathroom conditions and the importance of emotional stability. She delves into workplace violence, highlighting the case of Audi Hicks and broader safety concerns. Lisa discusses overcoming disrespect and emphasizes learning from colleagues in the trades. The conversati...

Lisa McGrath kicks off the episode with an introduction and a few apologies before diving into the world of hard hats, humor, and TikTok insights. She shares highlights from the ACR Committee and recent conferences, offering listeners a glimpse into industry events. Lisa addresses the challenges of public speaking, discussing strategies for improvement and the perks of free memberships. She emphas...

Lisa McGrath begins the episode discussing travel, safety, and recent scandals, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of conspiracy theories and how to distinguish fact from fiction. The conversation then shifts to gender dynamics in the trades, addressing the hard truths faced by women and the importance of empowering them in construction. Lisa also highlights the challenges men encounter in...

Lisa McGrath begins the episode by discussing the Chinese New Year, astrology, and her personal beliefs. She transitions into a conversation about morality, ethics, and the importance of raising children with good values. The discussion then shifts to society's issues with greed and gluttony. Lisa provides updates on Alberta's weather and real estate market, sharing her insights and personal anecd...

Lisa McGrath opens the episode by introducing an upcoming guest story before diving into addiction, substance abuse, and safety within the trades. She touches on current events, discussing Epstein, Trump, and related controversies. Lisa shares her views on the justice system, women's issues, and ethical dilemmas influenced by politics. The conversation shifts to U.S. policies and police brutality,...

Lisa McGrath opens the episode by reflecting on recent guests before delving into generational differences in work, parenting, and music. The discussion shifts to astrology, personal growth, and a critique of self-help culture. Lisa offers book recommendations and insights into entrepreneurial networking. The episode touches on recent events in US and Canadian politics, exploring healthcare challe...

Lisa McGrath chats with Leah Ellis about her entrepreneurial journey, starting from her early ventures through the challenges of COVID-19. Leah shares her daughter's entrepreneurial spirit, leading to the launch of her business, children's business fairs, and founding a nonprofit. They discuss the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, focusing on financial education for young entrepreneurs....

Lisa McGrath welcomes Nick Kolomayja to discuss children's relationships, career transitions, and the axe throwing community. They delve into customer interactions, business boundaries, marketing strategies, and venue selection, emphasizing location importance. Safety and technique in axe throwing are compared to other target sports. Nick's journey from welding to entrepreneurship highlights skill...

Lisa McGrath welcomes guest Amber Gaige, who shares her journey from trades to marketing and insights into her company. The episode humorously explores podcasting mishaps before diving into marketing challenges, client satisfaction, and the importance of online reviews. Amber discusses personal experiences with marketing firms and client pain points, offering strategies for differentiation and cus...

Lisa McGrath opens Season Three by discussing her involvement with the ACMA Board, setting the stage for a series of insightful topics. She examines the crucial role of property managers and the importance of giving back to the community. Lisa shares her experiences juggling multiple roles and engaging in community discussions. She candidly addresses challenges in website management and offers a c...

Lisa McGrath begins the season two finale with reflections on New Year's Eve, setting the tone for the episode. She explores the influence of the Chinese zodiac on life and shares hopes for 2026, providing a cultural perspective. Lisa then shifts to a critical analysis of Alberta's healthcare crisis, examining the political response and implications for the future. As the episode draws to a close,...

Lisa McGrath kicks off the episode by reflecting on holiday traditions, both personal and widespread. She explores the dynamics of blended family holiday experiences, contrasting religious and secular Christmas traditions. The discussion takes a lighthearted turn with a look at Santa Claus and holiday humor. Lisa then delves into a debate on company Christmas bonuses, weighing different perspectiv...

Lisa McGrath begins by addressing corrections and observations related to Remembrance Day. She delves into mental health, focusing on its connection to men's holidays. Introducing Cato, she explores the role of AI in podcasting and the impact of social media and podcast tools. Lisa discusses the importance of proofreading AI-generated content and her role at ACMA. She emphasizes supporting propert...

Lisa McGrath opens with a discussion on Alberta's weather and driving styles across provinces. She transitions to the holiday season, covering Christmas parties, snow safety, and condo maintenance. Observing the National Day for rememberance and Action on Violence Against Women, Lisa stresses its significance. She highlights the importance of supporting local businesses and the nuances of handling...

Lisa McGrath delves into current events and the impact of AI on entrepreneurship. She examines entrepreneurial challenges, business strategy, and the complexities of business separations and exploitation. The episode discusses the hero complex in business, client dynamics, and the significance of currency and energy. Lisa shares insights on learning from failure and bad deals, reflecting on entrep...

In this episode, Lisa McGrath shares her morning routine and reacts to recent events in Minnesota, spotlighting Amber Czech's story and the role of HR in trade industries. She explores male-dominated work environments, safety issues, and compares justice and legal systems through personal reflections. Lisa discusses men as allies, societal expectations on women in trades, and the importance of sup...

Lisa McGrath chats with Caleb Christopher about his company, Creative TC, and the art of delegation. They discuss handling criticism, real estate market insights, business pivots, and website development. Caleb emphasizes transparency, overcoming poor partnerships, and capital raise strategies. They also cover setting boundaries, core values, mobile tech evolution, real estate finance, lifestyle d...

Lisa McGrath begins the episode by celebrating a milestone, setting a positive tone. She introduces guest Caleb Christopher, engaging in a discussion about the pros and cons of prerecorded versus live episode formats. The conversation takes an interesting turn as Lisa and Caleb explore their differing views on various topics. A political recall discussion centers around Angela Pitt, followed by a...

Lisa McGrath kicks off the episode with an engaging introduction, inviting audience participation. She provides sharp political commentary and critiques leadership, setting the stage for a deeper conversation. The episode then shifts to the challenges women face in trades, highlighting obstacles and opportunities. Lisa shares personal reflections, injecting humor and offering shout outs to listene...