Load Bearing Opinions

CJ Curtis
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Careers

Load Bearing Opinions is where construction, the trades, and life all intersect. We swap stories from the field, talk training and careers, and give our take on the stuff that really matters. No fluff—just solid opinions built to last.

  1. 3d ago

    Season 1 Episode 20 Operation Time Machine

    The podcast hosts engage in a lively discussion about time travel and the exploration of different historical eras. They delve into the concept of operation time machine and the excitement of going off the rails. The conversation transitions into a journey to the caveman era, followed by an exploration of the Bronze Age and the height of the gladiators in Rome. The hosts express their curiosity about the inventions, structures, and events of these historical periods, highlighting the significance of each era in human history. The conversation delves into various historical time periods, including Ancient Rome, the American Frontier, the Wild West Era, and the Roaring Twenties. Each period is explored in detail, highlighting the cultural, economic, and social aspects of the time. The hosts express their fascination with the unique characteristics of each era and discuss the impact of historical events on society. The conversation delves into nostalgia for the past, discussing the use of paddles in schools, the impact of the industrial age, the significance of the Vietnam War, and the role of music in rebellion during the 1970s. Takeaways Excitement of time travel and historical explorationCuriosity about ancient inventions and events Fascination with historical time periodsExploration of cultural and social aspectsImpact of historical events on society Nostalgia for the pastImpact of the Vietnam War Chapters 00:00 Off the Rails: Operation Time Machine10:08 Journey to the Caveman Era22:03 Exploring the Bronze Age27:06 The Height of the Gladiators28:49 Exploring Ancient Rome36:30 The American Frontier39:16 The Wild West Era47:14 The Roaring Twenties54:29 Nostalgia for the Past55:25 The Industrial Age01:07:07 The Impact of Vietnam War01:09:11 Music and Rebellion in the 1970s

  2. Sep 1

    Season 1 Episode 19

    The podcast conversation covers various aspects of career decisions, including the timing to leave a job, company culture, loyalty, career development, impressionability, and petty reasons to quit. The hosts share personal experiences and insights related to these topics, providing valuable perspectives on navigating career choices and workplace challenges. The conversation covers workplace red flags, job satisfaction, challenges, safety, ethical concerns, respect for management, and an off-the-rails episode on time travel. Takeaways Career decisions have consequencesCompany culture impacts job satisfaction and loyalty Identifying workplace red flagsImportance of passion and job satisfactionRecognizing the need for challenges and learning opportunitiesPrioritizing safety and ethical concernsMaintaining respect for managementExploring the concept of time travel in an off-the-rails episode Chapters 00:00 Setting the Stage01:26 When is it Time to Leave a Job?03:00 Company Culture and Decision Making17:38 Loyalty and Career Development22:48 Impressionability and Career Decisions31:00 Petty Reasons to Quit32:13 Workplace Red Flags35:46 Passion and Job Satisfaction38:32 Challenges and Learning Opportunities38:40 Safety and Ethical Concerns42:15 Respect for Management57:50 Off the Rails: Time Machine Episode

  3. Aug 26

    Season 1 Episode 18

    The conversation covers the topics of remembering Dolly Parton, identifying and dealing with difficult people at work, the contagious nature of negative attitudes, and the distinction between holding someone accountable and being an a*****e. The conversation delves into the topics of accountability at work, pride in one's work, self-reflection, and improvement. It also explores the idea of when it's time to leave a job. The speakers discuss the impact of accountability, the importance of taking pride in one's work, the value of self-reflection and improvement, and the considerations involved in deciding when to leave a job. Takeaways Dealing with difficult people in the workplaceLearning from challenging experiences Accountability at workPride in workSelf-reflection and improvement Chapters 00:00 Remembering Dolly Parton02:56 Identifying Assholes at Work11:04 Dealing with Assholes24:01 Assholes and Contagious Attitudes27:58 Holding Accountable vs. Being an Asshole28:52 Accountability and Work Ethic35:09 Pride in Work38:01 Self-Reflection and Improvement53:41 Leaving a Job

  4. Aug 16

    Season 1 Episode 17

    The conversation explores the impact of the people we surround ourselves with, both in personal and professional settings. It delves into the influence of environment on mindset and behavior, the importance of challenging and supportive relationships, and the role of leadership in fostering a positive work culture. The conversation delves into the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences and the impact of personal relationships on growth and development. It also explores the need for self-reflection and the role of intentionality in choosing one's circle of influence. Takeaways Influence of EnvironmentChallenging RelationshipsLeadership and Work Culture Positive influences are crucial for personal growthSelf-reflection and intentionality are key in choosing one's circle of influence Chapters 00:00 The Power of Environment08:05 Influence of Relationships17:10 Leadership and Work Culture25:39 The Impact of Disagreements and Personal Growth26:16 Cutting Off Negative Influences27:29 Apologizing and Moving On28:40 The Role of Personal Relationships31:11 Self-Reflection and Intentionality33:02 The Importance of Personal Influence34:07 Challenging and Encouraging Others36:43 Reflection and Change38:06 Influencing and Being Influenced43:46 The Only Easy Day Was Yesterday45:25 Open Casting Call and Giveaway

  5. Aug 11

    Season 1 Episode 16

    The conversation covers advice to an 18-year-old self, work ethic, learning opportunities, reputation, adaptability, financial responsibility, life lessons, self-care, and rapid fire questions about career, mistakes, and surprises. The hosts share personal experiences and insights, emphasizing the importance of learning, financial responsibility, and self-care. Takeaways Work ethic and learning opportunities are crucial for personal and professional growth.Financial responsibility and investment are key for long-term financial security. Chapters 00:00 Advice to 18-Year-Old Self02:00 Work Ethic and Learning Opportunities06:23 Reputation and Adaptability12:44 Financial Responsibility and Investment25:35 Life Lessons and Self-Care30:41 Rapid Fire Questions

  6. Aug 3

    Season 1 Episode 15

    The podcast begins with an introduction and discussion about being on the road in Atlanta. Aiden Otero's background and the topic of earning respect in the trades are then explored. The conversation delves into the definition of respect, the importance of consistency, and the role of trust and responsibility in earning respect. The conversation delves into the topic of earning respect in the trades, highlighting the importance of consistency, preparation, trustworthiness, and openness to feedback. It also explores the distinction between respect and popularity, emphasizing the need to avoid chasing popularity at the expense of respect. The episode concludes with an open casting call for tradespeople to share their stories and advice. Takeaways Consistency is key to earning respect in the trades.Trust and responsibility play a crucial role in building respect over time. Earning respect takes time and consistency.Respect and popularity are not synonymous. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast01:02 On the Road in Atlanta02:32 Aiden Otero's Background07:04 Defining Respect in the Trades14:34 Earning Respect through Consistency20:56 The Importance of Trust and Responsibility21:49 Earning Respect in the Trades25:09 Respect vs. Popularity37:04 Open Casting Call for Tradespeople

  7. Jul 27

    Season 1 Episode 14

    Side Work... Worth It or Not? Almost every tradesperson has thought about picking up side work. Some do it for extra cash. Some do it to sharpen their skills. Others just enjoy building something that's their own. But is it really worth it? In this episode of Load Bearing Opinions, Ryan and CJ dive into the realities of side work—the good, the bad, and the lessons they learned the hard way. We cover: 💰 How to price your first jobs without losing money📋 Why Time & Materials can save you from costly mistakes⚠️ Permits, liability, insurance, and protecting yourself🛠️ Using AI to help visualize projects for clients👷 Should apprentices be doing side work?👨‍👩‍👧 Working for friends and family... and whether you should charge them🔨 Why your reputation is worth more than any paycheck🤣 Plus, a few stories that prove construction guys probably shouldn't be trusted with lassos.Whether you're thinking about taking on your first weekend project or you've been running side jobs for years, this episode is packed with practical advice, a few laughs, and plenty of opinions. 🎥 Watch the full episode and join the conversation: http://www.youtube.com/@LoadBearingOpinionsPodcast 💬 Question for the comments: What's the biggest lesson you've learned from doing side work? #LoadBearingOpinions #Construction #SkilledTrades #SideWork #Carpentry #ConstructionLife #BlueCollar #Tradespeople #Leadership #Apprenticeship

  8. Jul 12

    Season 1 Episode 13

    The conversation emphasizes the importance of continuous learning in the trades and explores alternative education methods available to tradespeople. It delves into the significance of ongoing education and the various ways in which individuals can continue to learn and grow within their trade. Additionally, it highlights the value of alternative education methods such as online resources, social media platforms, and podcasts. The conversation covers the value of continuous learning, the impact of boredom and complacency on skill development, and the importance of consistency in learning. It also includes an announcement of the hundred subscriber giveaway and a discussion on side work and skill development. Takeaways Continuous learning in the trades is essentialAlternative education methods are valuable Continuous learning is essential for personal and professional growthConsistency in learning and skill development is key Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Continuous Learning03:20 Alternative Education Methods25:27 The Value of Podcasts and Learning26:09 Recommendations for Leadership and Business Books28:11 The Impact of Boredom and Complacency on Learning34:14 The Importance of Consistency in Learning36:08 The Consequences of Stagnation and the Need for Continuous Learning39:52 Announcement of the Hundred Subscriber Giveaway42:32 Discussion on Side Work and Skill Development

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5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Load Bearing Opinions is where construction, the trades, and life all intersect. We swap stories from the field, talk training and careers, and give our take on the stuff that really matters. No fluff—just solid opinions built to last.

Information

  • Creator
    CJ Curtis
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 CJ Curtis
  • Show Website
    Load Bearing Opinions