Episodes

  • EP 50: Facing the Repetitive Grind: Staying Motivated in the Trades
    Sep 26 2024

    In this episode of the I Shower After Work Podcast, the hosts discuss the challenges of staying motivated in repetitive trade jobs. They share personal experiences, offer tips on maintaining enthusiasm, and highlight the importance of speaking up to avoid getting pigeonholed into mundane tasks. The conversation emphasizes the balance between personal fulfillment and job satisfaction, touching on finding joy and motivation in the routine. Whether new to the trade or a seasoned professional, this episode provides practical advice on navigating the daily grind and keeping your career trajectory exciting and engaging.


    00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

    00:22 Discussing the Need for Change

    00:45 Health and Fitness Goals

    02:29 The Importance of Breakfast

    03:53 Staying Motivated in Careers

    04:13 Challenges in the Trades

    08:39 Repetitive Tasks and Job Satisfaction

    15:55 Avoiding Career Pigeonholing

    26:32 The Role of Teaching Apprentices

    27:03 Dealing with Pigeonholing in the Workplace

    28:22 Standing Up for Yourself as an Apprentice

    29:46 Employee Retention and Job Satisfaction

    31:07 The Physical Repetition of Construction Work

    32:47 The Responsibility of Motivation

    34:58 The Importance of Leadership in Construction

    36:17 Adapting to a New Generation of Workers

    48:31 Finding Peace Outside of Work

    51:51 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview


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    53 mins
  • EP 49: On the Road Again: Pros and Cons of Working Away from Home
    Sep 19 2024

    Join us in this episode as we delve into the dynamic world of working on the road as a construction worker. Through personal stories and candid conversations, we examine the pros and cons of long-distance jobs, the impact on personal relationships, and the importance of balancing work with family life. Hear about the quirks of on-the-road life, from gas station food to different vehicle drivers, and get valuable advice for young and aspiring workers. Filled with humor and heartfelt moments, this episode offers thoughtful insights for both seasoned pros and newcomers.

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    00:00 Rolling Over: A Terrifying Experience

    00:20 Gas Station Food: Not Good for You

    00:35 Weather Episode Apology

    01:57 Welcome Back to the Job Trailer

    02:23 Minnesota State Fair Excitement

    05:17 Driving and Traveling for Work

    08:57 Construction Workers and Road Safety

    15:42 Commercial Vehicle Accidents

    23:12 Working in the Oil Fields

    28:09 Eating on the Job: Lunch Habits

    32:21 Relationship Struggles and Early Mornings

    32:58 Worksite Memories and Fast Food Habits

    33:50 Lunch Packing Tips and Peanut Butter Sandwiches

    35:11 Driving Etiquette and Company Vehicles

    37:40 The Reality of Working on the Road

    55:22 Pros and Cons of Working Away from Home

    01:05:55 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • Ep 48: Seasonal Pursuit: Adventures of the Hunting Season
    Sep 12 2024

    Join John and Jason for a special episode of the I Shower After Work podcast, where they reflect on their podcasting journey, share personal hunting stories, and delve into various hunting-related topics. They discuss the excitement of the hunting season, the ethics of hunting, and the differences between bow and rifle hunting. The conversation also covers public versus private lands, hunter safety, population control, moose scams, poaching statistics, and the controversy around spotlighting deer. With shoutouts to friends and listeners and encouragements to share your hunting experiences, this episode combines humor, camaraderie, and respect, making it a must-listen for both seasoned hunters and curious newbies. Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to stay updated with our latest content.

    00:00 Introduction and Casual Banter
    00:38 Reflecting on a Year of Podcasting
    01:22 Listener Appreciation and Shoutouts
    01:54 Upcoming Changes and Improvements
    05:06 Hunting Season Excitement
    06:05 The Culture of Hunting in Construction
    07:19 Personal Hunting Stories
    16:15 Public Land Hunting Dangers
    27:46 Hunter Safety and Regulations
    33:08 The Impact of Hunting Regulations
    33:55 Controversial Reintroduction of Mountain Lions
    36:28 Gender and Racial Demographics in Hunting
    39:46 Divisions Among Hunters
    42:09 Annual Spending on Hunting
    48:13 Hunting Stories and Experiences
    01:06:51 Concluding Thoughts and Listener Engagement

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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • EP 47: Apple vs. Android: Friendships Tested, Phones Compared
    Sep 5 2024

    In this episode of the I Shower After Work Podcast, John and Jason dive into a spirited debate about the age-old question: Apple or Android? With John firmly in the Android camp and Jason a staunch Apple user, they discuss their personal experiences, the pros and cons of each ecosystem, and the social implications of being in either group. They explore everything from device reliability and cost differences to software updates and usability in daily life, especially in their construction careers. This engaging conversation highlights why people can be so passionate about their tech choices and whether those preferences matter in the grand scheme. Tune in for a lively discussion and hear their thoughts on why people should respect each other's choices.

    00:00 Introduction and Friendly Banter
    00:56 Setting the Stage: Apple vs. Android Debate
    01:28 John's Android Advocacy
    02:40 Jason's Apple Defense
    03:31 Comparing Ecosystems and Connectivity
    09:02 Price and Market Share Discussion
    13:47 Personal Experiences and Final Thoughts
    22:59 Debating Work Phones: iPhone vs. Samsung
    24:32 The Social Context of Phone Choices
    25:35 Standardization and Technology Updates
    26:31 Camera Quality and User Experience
    27:56 Arguments for and Against Switching Ecosystems
    32:36 The Broader Implications of Tech Preferences
    41:05 Concluding Thoughts and Final Offers
    45:12 Outro and Podcast Information

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    46 mins
  • EP 46: (Bonus) Labor Day Special: The Origin, History, and Celebration
    Sep 2 2024

    Labor Day Special: The Origin, History, and Celebration

    Join us for a special Labor Day episode where we dive into the origins and history behind this significant holiday. John and Jason discuss what Labor Day truly means, its relevance to laborers, and how it is observed worldwide. From the early strikes and struggles of the late 1800s to modern-day celebrations and challenges, we explore the evolution of Labor Day. We also share our personal experiences and thoughts on how to make the most of this special day as working-class members. Don't miss this extra episode packed with insights, history, and humor. Cheers to the laborers keeping the world going!

    00:00 Introduction and Labor Day Surprise

    00:34 Casual Chat and Whiskey Toast

    00:45 Discussing the Meaning of Labor Day

    01:05 Technical Issues and Podcast Challenges

    01:15 History and Significance of Labor Day

    01:58 Personal Stories and Power Outage

    03:39 Labor Day's Dark History

    11:00 Celebrating Labor Day Traditions

    13:39 Labor Day as a Federal Holiday

    15:06 Modern Labor Day Observations

    20:49 Understanding Overtime and Holiday Pay

    21:16 The Origins of Labor Day and Workers' Rights

    21:51 International Workers' Day and Global Work Hours

    23:05 Debating the 40-Hour WorkWeek

    24:53 Whiskey Break: Exploring World Whiskeys

    31:10 Gas Prices and Holiday Exploitation

    34:13 Economic Concerns and the Labor Industry

    40:48 Political Rant and Labor Day Wishes

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    42 mins
  • EP 45: Green Construction: Beyond Buzzwords to Reality
    Aug 29 2024

    In this episode of the I Shower After Work Podcast, hosts John and Jason delve into the subject of green construction. They discuss the impact of green building practices on the environment and the construction industry, exploring new building materials like bamboo, transparent wood, and mycelium composites. They also touch upon the growing trend of 3D-printed homes and the challenges and benefits it brings to the industry. The discussion also covers regulatory standards, sustainability certifications, and the economic implications of adopting greener building practices. Tune in for an insightful conversation on the future of eco-friendly construction.

    00:00 Introduction and Casual Banter

    00:44 Green Construction: An Overview

    02:04 The Rise of Green Building Initiatives

    10:31 Innovative Green Building Materials

    10:58 Bamboo and Transparent Wood

    13:22 Sheep's Wool and Aerogel Insulation

    16:00 Mushroom-Based Materials and Moss Concrete

    20:39 Introduction to Richlite: A Plywood Alternative

    21:37 3D Printing in Construction: Revolutionizing the Industry

    23:54 3D Printed Countertops: The Future of Kitchen Design

    27:26 Green Construction: Balancing Innovation and Job Security

    32:34 The Controversy of Net Zero Emissions in Construction

    33:38 The Impact of Green Initiatives on the Construction Industry

    41:52 Closing Thoughts and Listener Engagement

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    44 mins
  • EP 44: From Plan to Punch: Handling Prioritization in Construction
    Aug 22 2024
    Welcome back to another episode of the I Shower After Work podcast with your hosts, John and Jason! Today, we dive deep into the often overlooked but crucial aspect of construction: prioritization. We cover everything From initial site planning to coordinating with other trades and balancing work-life while managing projects. Join us as we share personal anecdotes, industry insights, and practical advice on maintaining a seamless workflow, both on the job site and at home. Whether you're a seasoned tradesman or a DIY enthusiast, this episode is packed with valuable tips to ensure your projects run smoothly. Don't miss out! 00:00 Introduction and Unfiltered Conversations 01:34 Welcome to the Podcast 02:06 Rant on Recovery and Delays 02:46 Political Views and Public Service Announcement 05:20 The Importance of Prioritization in Construction 08:34 Planning and Prioritizing Projects 11:10 Challenges and Realities of Construction Work 13:59 Learning from Experience and Asking Questions 28:44 Unexpected Challenges in Familiar Projects 29:02 The Importance of Leadership and Company Culture 29:29 Starting a Career in Trades as an Adult 30:11 Homeowner Mistakes and DIY Disasters 34:18 The Art of Sheetrock and Professional Help 36:44 The Internet: A Double-Edged Sword for DIY 42:01 Prioritizing Tasks and Delegating Effectively 45:24 Balancing Work and Personal Life 51:33 Final Thoughts and Advice

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    56 mins
  • EP 43: Measuring Up: The Metric and Imperial Showdown
    Aug 15 2024

    Join John and Jason in this week's episode of the 'I Shower After Work' podcast as they dive into the age-old debate: Metric vs. Imperial system. From construction to cooking, they discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each system, sharing personal anecdotes and historical insights. Tune in for a heated yet humorous conversation that might just make you reconsider how you measure your world.

    00:00 Introduction and Casual Banter
    00:20 Weekly Updates and Weather Talk
    01:04 The Metric vs. Imperial Debate Begins
    01:31 Historical Background of Measurement Systems
    02:04 Arguments for the Imperial System
    04:03 Arguments for the Metric System
    14:50 Hybrid Systems and Practical Use
    17:22 Debating Temperature Scales
    17:35 Scientific Perspective on Temperature
    17:41 Fahrenheit vs Celsius: A Heated Discussion
    18:33 Conversion Errors and Historical Anecdotes
    20:17 Mars Climate Orbiter Mishap
    22:19 Other Notable Conversion Errors
    25:07 Everyday Metric vs Imperial Usage
    32:06 The Case for Metric System Superiority
    35:27 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell

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    37 mins