Make Trades Great Again

Hosted by Eric Aune, Andy Mickelson

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Episodes

388

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Whether you're a seasoned professional, a newcomer, or simply interested in the trades, the "Make Trades Great Again" podcast offers something for everyone. Our goal is to promote the value of skilled trades, provide essential resources, and build a strong community of passionate individuals. Industry Insights - Educational Content - Community Stories - Technology in Trades Tune in now and be part of the movement to make trades great again!

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 16, 2026Episode 38943 min

The Boys Are Back Together in Montana

Eric is flying out to work with Andy on the Mickelson P&H shop! This episode features a deep dive into radiant heating design, heat pump integration, and insulation strategies for shop construction. Hosts Eric and Andy share practical insights, calculations, and real-world examples to optimize energy efficiency and system performance.Key TopicsRadiant slab design and insulationLow water temperature operation and energy savingsHeat pump integration and buffer tanksBTU load calculations and insulation impactClimate considerations for radiant cooling and heating Chapters00:00 Introduction and Anticipation of Collaboration02:43 Exploring Air to Water Heat Pumps05:32 Designing Efficient Heating Systems08:35 Innovations in Radiant Heating and Cooling11:03 Understanding Dew Point and Humidity Effects13:59 Transitioning to Electric Heating Solutions20:30 Electricity Costs and Utility Management23:10 Heating System Design and Efficiency26:30 Understanding Water Temperature and Energy Consumption29:50 Heat Pump Technology and Energy Transfer34:29 Piping and Insulation Considerations39:19 Feedback and Future TopicsText the guys your ideas & feedback! Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbNewsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email

June 9, 2026Episode 38829 min

Eric Hates Combi-Boilers

Should we stop installing combi-boilers? Eric and Andy discuss the pros and cons of combi-boilers, the longevity of different heating systems, and practical advice for choosing the right water heating solutions for North American homes.Chapters00:00 The Combi-Boiler Debate05:20 Longevity and Efficiency of Heating Systems10:44 Indirect Water Heaters vs. Combi-Boilers15:49 The Importance of Proper Sizing20:53 The Future of Combi-BoilersText the guys your ideas & feedback! Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbNewsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email

June 2, 2026Episode 3871 hr 7 min

Who is Mark Wille

Hey MTGA fans, we're excited for you to meet a good friend of ours, olease give it a listen! Mark Wille shares his journey from childhood in construction to becoming a leader in building science and education. Discover his insights on trades, education, leadership, and his innovative children's book series that aims to inspire the next generation of builders.Key TopicsJourney from childhood in construction to industry leaderThe importance of trades and vocational educationInnovative approaches to inspiring youth in constructionBuilding science and energy efficiency advancementsLeadership, mentorship, and community impactText the guys your ideas & feedback! Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbNewsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email

May 26, 2026Episode 38641 min

Trouble with Trying New Equipment

We explore the challenges and lessons learned from installing new heat pump systems, including a detailed account of a failed project. We discuss equipment selection, troubleshooting, and the realities of integrating innovative technology into residential heating and hot water systems.Chapters00:00 Introduction to New Technologies in HVAC02:44 Challenges with New Equipment Installations05:21 Case Study: Air to Water Heat Pump Installation08:00 Understanding System Limitations and Performance10:44 The Importance of Proper Equipment Selection13:35 Learning from Past Experiences16:16 Customer Expectations and Communication18:58 Technical Challenges and Support Issues20:16 Navigating Equipment Challenges23:11 Customer Communication and Solutions26:14 Innovative Heating Solutions29:49 Quality of Equipment and Manufacturing33:19 Understanding Heat Pump PerformanceText the guys your ideas & feedback! Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbNewsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email

May 19, 2026Episode 38736 min

American Tradesperson Series w/ creator John Mesenbrink

Join us as we explore the impactful work of John Mesenbrink and his innovative series on rebuilding communities after wildfires, workforce development in the trades, and the future of construction technology. Discover how these stories highlight resilience, industry challenges, and opportunities for growth.Key Topics:Wildfire rebuilding process and community impactWorkforce development in the trades and education programsInnovations in construction materials and methodsInfrastructure challenges and solutions post-disasterFuture trends in construction technology and sustainabilityText the guys your ideas & feedback! Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbNewsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email

May 12, 2026Episode 38536 min

Giant Water Heaters Everywhere!

In this episode, Eric shares a detailed case study of a residential hot water system issue, exploring piping mistakes, system design flaws, and practical solutions for improving hot water performance in large homes.Key topics:Piping mistakes in residential water systemsProper sizing and piping of indirect water heatersTroubleshooting hot water shortages in large homesChapters00:00 Introduction and Weather Talk02:42 The Hot Water Dilemma05:30 Understanding the Boiler and Water Heater Setup08:29 Piping Issues and Their Implications11:18 The Design Flaw in Hot Water Systems14:11 The Importance of Proper Sizing and Control17:16 Conclusion and Recommendations18:23 Water Quality and Infrastructure Issues21:03 Tank Specifications and Concerns24:00 Hot Water Demand and System Design28:31 Sizing and Efficiency of Water Heating Systems32:24 Final Thoughts and Customer ConsiderationsText the guys your ideas & feedback! Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbNewsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email

May 5, 2026Episode 382337 min

Keep it Simple Stupid

In this episode, hosts Eric and Andy share insights on using AI for writing scope descriptions, the importance of simplicity in estimates, and practical tips for effective communication in trades. They also recount personal stories from a recent vacation and discuss the impact of technology on their work.Key Topics:Using AI to write scope descriptionsBalancing detail and simplicity in estimatesCommunicating scope of work effectivelyPersonal stories from vacation and workImpact of technology on trade professionsText the guys your ideas & feedback! Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbNewsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email

April 22, 2026Episode 38229 min

Going after the work you want - Listener Write-in

Thanks to Connor for writing in with his question: How do you attract the kind of clients and work you want to do? Do you say no to work or is it best to take anything and everything that comes along? Text the guys your ideas & feedback! Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbNewsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email

April 14, 2026Episode 38128 min

Who's Answering The Phone?

After a careful, long drawn-out (five minutes) process of consideration in selecting the exact perfect AI CSR system, intrepid business mogul Eric Aune has officially entered the AI universe lol. Eric & Andy talk about the new AI agent answering the phones for Aune Plumbing & Heating. What are you thoughts about AI answering systems for serivce businesses? Text the guys your ideas & feedback! Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbNewsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email

April 8, 2026Episode 38029 min

Are Service Body's Best for a Van Buildout?

Andy and Eric share insights on HVAC projects, tool upgrades, vehicle organization, and industry trends. They discuss practical tips for van setup, the pros and cons of service bodies, and share humorous stories from the field, offering valuable advice for tradespeople and enthusiasts alike.Text the guys your ideas & feedback! Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbNewsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email