Navigating Property Management Challenges with Chris HochHeimer
S2 E41 • Sep 3, 2025 • 53 minsIn this episode, Lisa McGrath and Chris HochHeimer explore Chris's journey in property management, emphasizing condo management growth and team dynamics. They discuss networking through CCI in Calgary and tackle challenges like board complaints, legal issues, and owner renovations. The conversation compares condo and rental management, focusing on board fines, insurance, and decision-making. Chris shares Aspire Peak Properties' unique approach and stresses professional communication. They also touch on misunderstood sayings, contractor practices, essential safety certifications, and conclude with networking and educational resources.
Personal Growth, Leadership, and Mental Health in the Trades with Jill Drader
S2 E40 • Aug 27, 2025 • 56 minsIn this episode, Lisa McGrath welcomes Jill Drader to discuss personal growth and the challenges of leadership. Jill shares her techniques for personal development, handling difficult personalities, and fostering a safe work environment. They delve into the impact of workplace culture and the pitfalls of inauthentic leadership, emphasizing the importance of intentional networking and positive feedback. The conversation touches on building a positive work environment, educational change, and addressing mental health in the trades. Jill also shares insights on balancing motherhood, coping with loneliness, and fostering realistic ambitions. The episode concludes with a discussion on lifelong learning, adaptability, and upcoming events.
Community Growth, Emotional Intelligence, and Uplifting Stories with Dennis
S2 E39 • Aug 20, 2025 • 56 minsIn this episode, Lisa McGrath chats with Dennis about his unique journey and the power of community support. They discuss Dennis' jacket pins, symbolizing community involvement and volunteerism. Dennis shares stories of kindness and empathy, drawing from his financial struggles and work at the Business Development Bank. They explore his transition to life in Canada, reflecting on his upbringing in Alberta and Nigeria. The conversation highlights community involvement, energy conservation, and opportunity seizing. Dennis shares lessons from his mother on positivity, parenting, and raising emotionally intelligent children. Sponsored by Maple Leaf Financial.
Workplace Boundaries, Relationships, and Mental Health in Trades
S2 E38 • Aug 13, 2025 • 30 minsIn this episode, Lisa McGrath delves into the complexities of relationships and boundaries in the workplace, touching on the concept of "work wives" and friendships between sexes. She explores how boundaries and respect shape workplace dynamics and addresses the sensitive topics of work affairs and infidelity. The role of HR policies in managing workplace relationships is discussed, along with final reflections on extramarital affairs. The conversation shifts to parental conflicts and their impact on children, mental health challenges in various trades, and the dangers associated with keeping secrets. The episode includes a sponsor segment from Dynamic AI Hub.
Referral Marketing, Networking, and Practical Skills in Trades
S2 E37 • Aug 6, 2025 • 43 minsIn this episode, Lisa McGrath and Derek Morgan explore referral marketing, emphasizing a referral mindset, networking, and the soft sales approach. They discuss AI integration in sales and the role of trust in referrals. Derek shares insights on industry-specific language and marketing communication. The conversation covers societal changes, business communication, and global HR perspectives. They also touch on cultural concerns, travel in Australia, and a new mobile app for tradies. The episode wraps up with discussions on practical and critical thinking, media's impact on parenting, and business scheduling and tax deductions.
Profit Sharing Insights and Leadership Challenges with Rob Gallagher
S2 E36 • Jul 30, 2025 • 53 minsIn this episode, Lisa McGrath and Rob Gallagher explore Rob's life in California, his experiences in Canada, and Lisa's construction background. They discuss implementing profit sharing, focusing on outcomes, transparency, and success conditions. Topics include payout methods, handling non-performing team members, and impacts on morale. They also cover leadership training, aligning leadership for profit sharing, and balancing quality work with fair pay. The episode features favorite and horror stories from the construction industry, a sponsor announcement, appreciation for Mexican workers, and a preview of upcoming episodes, along with Rob's contact info.
Resilience, Recovery, and Relationships: A Conversation with Adam Woodward
S2 E35 • Jul 24, 2025 • 59 minsIn this episode, Lisa McGrath is joined by Adam Woodward as they explore the intricacies of personal growth, recovery, and the impact of relationships. Adam shares his early life and family struggles, detailing his transition to adulthood and the challenges faced during college and his early career. They discuss his journey with alcoholism while working at Cowboys and his steps towards sobriety. The conversation highlights self-acceptance, personal growth, and the vital role of support systems in recovery. They delve into reframing negative experiences, the dynamics of relationships, and the influence of social media. The episode wraps up with insights into resilience across generations and a preview of what's next.
Navigating Trades, Technology, and Generational Dynamics
S2 E34 • Jul 18, 2025 • 51 minsIn this episode, Lisa McGrath and Michael The Podcast Guy introduce "Devils Advocate: Trades Edition," exploring their journey to independent podcasting and future plans. They discuss launching a new website, global expansion, and the role of psychic insights in business. The episode covers management dynamics, job changes in trades, and entrepreneurship. A guest shoutout for Kevin, technology nostalgia, and political impact on relationships are included. Communication evolution, generational perspectives, and parental influences are analyzed. They highlight a trades-focused app and training challenges, wrapping up with gratitude to listeners and a teaser for future episodes.
Roofing Insights, Trades Humor, and Balancing Work-Life Challenges
S2 E33 • Jul 9, 2025 • 71 minsIn this episode, Lisa McGrath and John Roberts dive into the roofing trade, contrasting flat and sloped roofs while tackling leak detection challenges. They touch on work-life balance, mental health, and community support, drawing from Lisa's podcasting experiences. The discussion covers team management, hiring, labor shortages, and transitioning from fieldwork to office roles. They explore roofing complexities, safety, and financial pressures, advocating for tradespeople starting businesses and podcasting. Humor's role in trades is highlighted with comedian recommendations and funny stories. Parenting, cultural discipline differences, and women's roles in trades are also discussed. Guest Lori shares her work with missing children, wrapping up with investiga
Exploring Positive Psychology and Self-Awareness with Alfredo Burdowski
S2 E32 • Jul 2, 2025 • 43 minsIn this episode, Lisa McGrath introduces Alfredo Burdowski, who shares his journey from rabbi to facing a public crisis and arrest. They discuss bipolar disorder, Alfredo's strengths through positive psychology, and his background in consultancy and coaching. The episode explores the VIA (Values in Action), comparing it with other psychological tests and highlighting its scientific backing. They introduce The Purpose Factor tool and discuss overcoming public scrutiny through self-awareness. Identifying strengths, the safety of text-based resources, and mental health themes in biographies are examined before wrapping up with a teaser for the next episode.
Exploring Martial Arts, Men's Mental Health, and Relationship Dynamics with Kyle Craik
S2 E31 • Jun 26, 2025 • 77 minsIn this episode, Lisa McGrath welcomes Kyle Craik to explore the intersection of podcasting, wellness coaching, and martial arts. They delve into how martial arts impart life lessons across ages and discuss sports injuries and pop culture's role in martial arts interest. The conversation highlights the "Good Grief" book launch and its unique stories, navigating identity, grief, and the significance of Men's Mental Health Month. They examine evolving men's roles, gender dynamics, and the importance of raising emotionally intelligent boys. Topics include traditional masculinity versus emotional intelligence, relationship challenges, therapy, and online dating. Kyle shares insights on his podcast, dojo, and the promotion of "Good Grief."
Engineering Stories, Cultural Insights, and Leadership with Humor
S2 E30 • Jun 25, 2025 • 63 minsLisa McGrath welcomes a guest to discuss their experience in race engineering and writing. They share personal stories from life in Europe and explore themes of forgiveness, caregiving, and grief, including a touching story about the guest's father's passing. The conversation covers cultural identity, family dynamics during COVID, self-advocacy, and cultural differences. They also discuss regional friendliness, language nuances, and the guest's current work and professional development. Insights on public speaking, educational outreach, communication, team building, leadership, and challenging stereotypes in engineering are shared, along with a discussion on Reiki. The episode wraps up with encouragement for social media engagement.
Men's Mental Health, Leadership, and Empathy in Trades
S2 E29 • Jun 18, 2025 • 39 minsIn this episode of "Devils Advocate: Trades Edition," Lisa McGrath delves into the importance of networking and figures like Adam Woodward. Focusing on men's mental health month, she tackles issues such as toxic masculinity, leadership, and societal influences on men's emotions. Lisa reflects on Father's Day, parenting, body image, and emotional development, emphasizing empathy, supporting friends, and problem-solving, especially in emergencies. Workplace challenges, overqualification, and safety in trades are discussed, underscoring mental health's vital role. The episode wraps up with insights on men's mental health and a sneak peek at future topics.
Exploring Leadership, Relationships, and Growth with Irina Jiltsova
S2 E28 • Jun 11, 2025 • 58 minsIn this episode of "Good Grief," Lisa McGrath welcomes Irina Jiltsova to discuss her journey through marriage and growth. They explore the impacts of infidelity, leadership, company culture, and women's evolving roles. Key topics include HR challenges, workplace ethics, and the importance of communication beyond financial incentives. They emphasize continuous education and understanding human psychology in business. Parenting insights cover raising teenagers, respect, and boundaries. The episode also highlights upcoming book projects and the value of employee input in shaping culture, concluding with reflections on personal development and gratitude to guests.
Politics, Leadership, and Societal Reflections in Trades
S2 E27 • Jun 4, 2025 • 25 minsLisa McGrath opens the episode with a reflection on the show's milestones before engaging in a discussion on politics and housing with Olivia Chow. Production updates and the impact of government on everyday life are also touched upon. A sponsor segment introduces Sparkling Ice Starburst Strawberry. The conversation shifts to workplace safety and experiences from a recent podcast summit. Wellness, societal roles, and the dynamics of relationships in political leadership are examined. Lisa shares personal reflections on influencers and the nature of influence, followed by a debate on intimidation and embracing diverse opinions. The episode wraps up with a preview of future episodes.
Exploring Trades, Mental Health, and Consulting Insights
S2 E26 • May 28, 2025 • 20 minsLisa McGrath discusses the intersection of trades, mental health, and safety, drawing from personal experiences in consulting across Canada. The episode delves into the nuances of consulting, particularly in website development for diverse sectors. Lisa shares insights on addressing mental health within the trades, emphasizing the importance of safety and well-being. The discussion includes a preview of upcoming guests, offering listeners a glimpse into future episodes. The episode concludes with reflections on the topics covered and closing notes.
Navigating Trades, Gender Roles, and Industry Insights with Nicole Doiron
S2 E25 • May 21, 2025 • 96 minsLisa McGrath welcomes Nicole Doiron to explore the podcast's evolution and dive into a Redox conversation. They discuss HVAC systems, politics, and the challenges women face in male-dominated industries. Nicole shares insights from her experience in the moving industry and compares Albertan perceptions with other provinces. They touch on migration trends, construction ethics, and client support. The conversation shifts to narcissistic abuse, emotional regulation, and communication strategies. They also explore AI predictions, electric vehicles, and gender roles in vehicle maintenance, concluding with reflections on feminism, work-life balance, and memorable Stampede experiences.
Workplace Insights, Personality Development, and Mentorship with Sonia Perron
S2 E24 • May 13, 2025 • 58 minsLisa McGrath welcomes Sonia Perron to discuss her innovative business model focusing on mental health and the mind's three parts. They explore decision-making, the Myers-Briggs framework, and how workshops boost productivity. Sonia shares insights on emotional intelligence, personality assessments, team collaboration, and managing entitlement. The episode also covers accelerated onboarding, job fit, and reducing turnover. They highlight cognitive assessments in personal relationships and philanthropy in neurodevelopmental disorders. Sonia's impactful workshops and therapeutic approaches are summarized. The episode concludes with Sonia's contact information and closing remarks.
Mentorship, Resilience, and Life Lessons: A Conversation with Sue Meyer
S2 E23 • May 7, 2025 • 86 minsLisa McGrath welcomes Sue Meyer to explore the trades, focusing on professional relationships and Sue's career journey. They discuss mentorship, overcoming challenges, and clairvoyant abilities, sharing insights on support systems and spiritual perspectives. The conversation addresses relationship stigmas in the trades, wisdom through a parable, modern parenting, and educational challenges. They cover diverse student issues, parenting dynamics, and energy healing. Reflections on age differences, adversity, and gratitude wrap up the episode.
Alberta Politics, Trade Dynamics, and Industry Insights with Lisa McGrath
S2 E22 • May 4, 2025 • 25 minsLisa McGrath begins the episode by sharing her perspectives on Alberta politics, focusing on Danielle Smith's influence. She explores gender dynamics within trades and politics, examining the implications of Bill 54 on the trades industry. Lisa shares her experiences from Edmonton, including insights from a condo expo and the challenges faced by condo boards regarding Occupational Health and Safety. She acknowledges industry professionals and highlights key moments from recent events. Lisa teases upcoming guests and emphasizes the podcast's commitment to diversity. The episode wraps up with closing thoughts and a preview of future episodes.