The Trade Talks

Roger Wakefield
  • 4.6 (28)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

With over 1.25 million subscribers, 42 year plumbing veteran Roger Wakefield discusses life in the skilled trades with blue collar industry veterans.

  1. DEC 13

    19yo Plumber vs. World

    Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every weekday from 10-11 AM as we dive into national news, review trade websites, and share tips on mindset growth to help you succeed. Don't miss this hour of insights, inspiration, and practical advice! In this episode of THE TRADE, Roger Wakefield sits down with Charles Goede, a third-year plumbing apprentice from Local 777 in Connecticut who is about to represent the United States in WorldSkills — in Shanghai, China. From discovering the trades in high school to working on massive projects like hospitals, laboratories, Yale University facilities, and even an indoor water park, Charles shares the journey that led him from a classroom shop rotation… all the way to the international plumbing arena. In this conversation:  🔧 How trade school set him up for success 🔧 Why plumbing "just clicked" 🔧 Getting real-world experience through work-based learning at 16 🔧 His first plumbing jobs — boilers, gas lines, hydronics & more 🔧 What it's like working for a major mechanical contractor 🔧 Preparing to compete against the best plumbers in the world 🔧 Learning basic Mandarin & Cantonese for Shanghai 🔧 What the union has meant for his apprenticeship Whether you're a tradesperson, an apprentice, a contractor, or someone thinking about a career in the skilled trades, this episode shows how far the trades can take you — even across the globe. 👷 Guest: Charles Goede — Apprentice, UA Local 777 (Connecticut), Team USA Competitor, WorldSkills Plumbing 🎙 Host: Roger Wakefield — The Trade 👍 If you believe in the trades, hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and share this episode! #TheTrade #RogerWakefield #Plumbing #Tradesmen #SkilledTrades #Apprenticeship #WorldSkills #UnionStrong #BlueCollarProud #Local777

    46 min

  2. DEC 11

    OSHA Just Cracked Down

    Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every weekday from 10-11 AM as we dive into national news, review trade websites, and share tips on mindset growth to help you succeed. Don't miss this hour of insights, inspiration, and practical advice! A big thank you to Leak-Pro for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks Live! Register for my FREE webinar! https://www.justmetroger.com LeakPro provides state-of-the-art leak detection solutions specifically designed for plumbers, helping professionals pinpoint hidden leaks with accuracy and efficiency. By utilizing advanced acoustic technology and digital sensors, LeakPro allows plumbers to reduce unnecessary damage, saving time and money on every job. LeakPro's tools are essential for detecting slab leaks, pipe leaks, and irrigation system failures without invasive measures. Whether working in residential or commercial plumbing, LeakPro offers cutting-edge solutions that enhance service quality. For more information, visit https://www.leak-pro.com or call 1-888-853-2577 Tradesmen built America. This is the "Blue Collar Channel"... Where you can listen to the top tradespeople around the world. Everything you need to learn about getting into the trades, becoming the best tradesman, starting your own business, and using networking and social media... To GROW in the trades!!!

    59 min

  3. DEC 10

    The $13M Contractor Vanishing Act

    Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every weekday from 10-11 AM as we dive into national news, review trade websites, and share tips on mindset growth to help you succeed. Don't miss this hour of insights, inspiration, and practical advice! A big thank you to Leak-Pro for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks Live! Register for my FREE webinar! https://www.justmetroger.com LeakPro provides state-of-the-art leak detection solutions specifically designed for plumbers, helping professionals pinpoint hidden leaks with accuracy and efficiency. By utilizing advanced acoustic technology and digital sensors, LeakPro allows plumbers to reduce unnecessary damage, saving time and money on every job. LeakPro's tools are essential for detecting slab leaks, pipe leaks, and irrigation system failures without invasive measures. Whether working in residential or commercial plumbing, LeakPro offers cutting-edge solutions that enhance service quality. For more information, visit https://www.leak-pro.com or call 1-888-853-2577 Tradesmen built America. This is the "Blue Collar Channel"... Where you can listen to the top tradespeople around the world. Everything you need to learn about getting into the trades, becoming the best tradesman, starting your own business, and using networking and social media... To GROW in the trades!!!

    59 min

  4. DEC 9

    The AI Gold Rush Is Making Tradespeople Rich

    Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every weekday from 10-11 AM as we dive into national news, review trade websites, and share tips on mindset growth to help you succeed. Don't miss this hour of insights, inspiration, and practical advice! A big thank you to Leak-Pro for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks Live! Register for my FREE webinar! https://www.justmetroger.com LeakPro provides state-of-the-art leak detection solutions specifically designed for plumbers, helping professionals pinpoint hidden leaks with accuracy and efficiency. By utilizing advanced acoustic technology and digital sensors, LeakPro allows plumbers to reduce unnecessary damage, saving time and money on every job. LeakPro's tools are essential for detecting slab leaks, pipe leaks, and irrigation system failures without invasive measures. Whether working in residential or commercial plumbing, LeakPro offers cutting-edge solutions that enhance service quality. For more information, visit https://www.leak-pro.com or call 1-888-853-2577 Tradesmen built America. This is the "Blue Collar Channel"... Where you can listen to the top tradespeople around the world. Everything you need to learn about getting into the trades, becoming the best tradesman, starting your own business, and using networking and social media... To GROW in the trades!!!

    1 hr

  5. DEC 8

    Smart Lighting Is Coming to Highways Nationwide

    Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every weekday from 10-11 AM as we dive into national news, review trade websites, and share tips on mindset growth to help you succeed. Don't miss this hour of insights, inspiration, and practical advice! A big thank you to Leak-Pro for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks Live! Register for my FREE webinar! https://www.justmetroger.com LeakPro provides state-of-the-art leak detection solutions specifically designed for plumbers, helping professionals pinpoint hidden leaks with accuracy and efficiency. By utilizing advanced acoustic technology and digital sensors, LeakPro allows plumbers to reduce unnecessary damage, saving time and money on every job. LeakPro's tools are essential for detecting slab leaks, pipe leaks, and irrigation system failures without invasive measures. Whether working in residential or commercial plumbing, LeakPro offers cutting-edge solutions that enhance service quality. For more information, visit https://www.leak-pro.com or call 1-888-853-2577 Tradesmen built America. This is the "Blue Collar Channel"... Where you can listen to the top tradespeople around the world. Everything you need to learn about getting into the trades, becoming the best tradesman, starting your own business, and using networking and social media... To GROW in the trades!!!

    1h 1m

  6. DEC 4

    8.2 Million Workers on the Job and It's Still Not Enough!

    Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every weekday from 10-11 AM as we dive into national news, review trade websites, and share tips on mindset growth to help you succeed. Don't miss this hour of insights, inspiration, and practical advice! A big thank you to Leak-Pro for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks Live! Register for my FREE webinar! https://www.justmetroger.com LeakPro provides state-of-the-art leak detection solutions specifically designed for plumbers, helping professionals pinpoint hidden leaks with accuracy and efficiency. By utilizing advanced acoustic technology and digital sensors, LeakPro allows plumbers to reduce unnecessary damage, saving time and money on every job. LeakPro's tools are essential for detecting slab leaks, pipe leaks, and irrigation system failures without invasive measures. Whether working in residential or commercial plumbing, LeakPro offers cutting-edge solutions that enhance service quality. For more information, visit https://www.leak-pro.com or call 1-888-853-2577 Tradesmen built America. This is the "Blue Collar Channel"... Where you can listen to the top tradespeople around the world. Everything you need to learn about getting into the trades, becoming the best tradesman, starting your own business, and using networking and social media... To GROW in the trades!!!

    59 min

  7. DEC 3

    San Diego Facility Collapse Exposes Low-Bid Construction Risks

    Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every weekday from 10-11 AM as we dive into national news, review trade websites, and share tips on mindset growth to help you succeed. Don't miss this hour of insights, inspiration, and practical advice! A big thank you to Leak-Pro for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks Live! Register for my FREE webinar! https://www.justmetroger.com LeakPro provides state-of-the-art leak detection solutions specifically designed for plumbers, helping professionals pinpoint hidden leaks with accuracy and efficiency. By utilizing advanced acoustic technology and digital sensors, LeakPro allows plumbers to reduce unnecessary damage, saving time and money on every job. LeakPro's tools are essential for detecting slab leaks, pipe leaks, and irrigation system failures without invasive measures. Whether working in residential or commercial plumbing, LeakPro offers cutting-edge solutions that enhance service quality. For more information, visit https://www.leak-pro.com or call 1-888-853-2577 Tradesmen built America. This is the "Blue Collar Channel"... Where you can listen to the top tradespeople around the world. Everything you need to learn about getting into the trades, becoming the best tradesman, starting your own business, and using networking and social media... To GROW in the trades!!!

    1 hr

  8. DEC 2

    $23M Robot Funding and the Hidden Danger of Hiring Too Fast

    Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every weekday from 10-11 AM as we dive into national news, review trade websites, and share tips on mindset growth to help you succeed. Don't miss this hour of insights, inspiration, and practical advice! A big thank you to Leak-Pro for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks Live! Register for my FREE webinar! https://www.justmetroger.com LeakPro provides state-of-the-art leak detection solutions specifically designed for plumbers, helping professionals pinpoint hidden leaks with accuracy and efficiency. By utilizing advanced acoustic technology and digital sensors, LeakPro allows plumbers to reduce unnecessary damage, saving time and money on every job. LeakPro's tools are essential for detecting slab leaks, pipe leaks, and irrigation system failures without invasive measures. Whether working in residential or commercial plumbing, LeakPro offers cutting-edge solutions that enhance service quality. For more information, visit https://www.leak-pro.com or call 1-888-853-2577 Tradesmen built America. This is the "Blue Collar Channel"... Where you can listen to the top tradespeople around the world. Everything you need to learn about getting into the trades, becoming the best tradesman, starting your own business, and using networking and social media... To GROW in the trades!!!

    1h 1m
See All (99)

4.6
out of 5
28 Ratings

About

With over 1.25 million subscribers, 42 year plumbing veteran Roger Wakefield discusses life in the skilled trades with blue collar industry veterans.

Information

  • Creator
    Roger Wakefield
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    99
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    The Trade Talks

You Might Also Like