The Build Insite Podcast

Build Insite

Welcome to the Build Insite Podcast – back with Season 2 and a renewed mission to bring you raw, practical building insights from across Australia and beyond. Led by a passionate team of builders and industry professionals, we explore the latest in construction techniques, design innovation, and the tools shaping modern building. But this isn’t just a trade chat — it’s a space for real stories, sharp lessons, and conversations that go beyond the build. Beginning Season 2, we’re doubling down on what matters: Smarter, healthier homes Business strategies that support better living Technology and systems that future-proof your work The balance between building, business, and well-being From high-performance homes to behind-the-scenes of iconic builds, we’re spotlighting the people, ideas, and challenges driving the industry forward. Whether you’re just starting out or leading your crew, you’ll find something valuable here — every week. Let’s build better, together.

  1. MAR 29

    #55 What’s Really Happening in the Building Industry Right Now with Will Frogley - Part 2

    The industry’s moving fast, but are builders actually being given the space to keep up? In Part 2, Luke Callery sits down again with Will Frogley, CEO of Master Builders SA, to unpack what’s really happening across the construction landscape, from industry recognition and awards to labour shortages, rising costs, and regulatory pressure. This conversation goes deeper into the realities builders are facing today, while also highlighting the opportunities shaping the future of construction in Australia. From record-breaking growth to ongoing challenges around workforce and supply, Will shares practical insights that matter to builders on the ground. What you’ll learn: How the Building Excellence Awards recognise top builders and projects The real state of the construction industry right now Why labour shortages are still a major issue How NCC changes are impacting builders Where residential construction is heading Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 00:27 – Building Excellence Awards 03:47 – State of the Industry 07:44 – Trends in Construction 09:04 – NCC Changes & Regulations 15:44 – Future of Residential Building 18:19 – Advice for Builders 25:34 – Industry Challenges & Opportunities 27:37 – Closing 🎧 Listen to the Build Insite Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. 🌐 Explore more at: https://buildinsite.com.au/ 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @build.insite

    29 min

  2. MAR 22

    #55 Understanding Master Builders & Industry Support with Will Frogley - Part 1

    Sometimes the biggest opportunities in construction are not on site. They are in the systems, support, and people behind the scenes. In this episode, Luke Callery sits down with Will Frogley, CEO of Master Builders SA, to unpack what the organisation really does, and why more builders should be paying attention. Will shares his unconventional journey from media and politics into leading one of the most influential industry bodies in Australia. From there, the conversation dives into the real value Master Builders brings to the industry, from apprenticeships and training to mental health support and business resources. This is not just about memberships. It is about building better businesses, stronger teams, and a more sustainable industry. What you’ll learn: How Master Builders supports you from apprentice to business owner Why programs like RISE are changing mental health support in construction The real value behind group training and apprenticeships How industry bodies influence policy, standards, and your day-to-day work Why builders who leverage support systems grow faster and operate better Chapters: 00:00, Introduction 00:25, Meet Will Frogley, CEO, Master Builders SA 01:05, From media and politics to construction leadership 05:30, What a CEO of Master Builders actually does 08:00, Apprenticeships and industry impact 10:30, What Master Builders SA offers 11:40, RISE program and mental health support 13:00, Born to Build initiative explained 16:30, Apprenticeship model and how it works 19:20, Contracts, legal support, and member benefits 21:15, Wrap up Host: Luke Callery  Guest: Will Frogley from Master Builders SA 🎧 Listen to the Build Insite Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. 🌐 Explore more at: https://buildinsite.com.au/ 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @build.insite

    22 min

  3. MAR 15

    #54 Storytelling, Content & Credibility in Construction with Michael Lack

    Every builder focuses on the build. But the way you tell the story behind it can make all the difference. In this episode of the Build Insite Podcast, Dean Backman sits down with Michael Lack from You Do You Productions — the videographer and storyteller who has become a key part of capturing the Build Insite journey. Michael shares his path from travelling through Vietnam documenting life with GoPros to building a creative business focused on helping builders communicate their work through content. What started as experimenting with video has turned into a powerful tool for showcasing projects, building trust with clients, and telling the real story behind construction. The conversation dives into why storytelling matters in the building industry, how content builds credibility long before a client makes contact, and why authenticity on camera can make a builder stand out in a crowded market. If you’ve ever wondered whether social media actually helps win projects — or how to start showing up on camera without overthinking it — this episode delivers practical insights from someone working behind the lens. What You’ll Learn in This Episode • Why every content touchpoint builds credibility, value, and trust • How storytelling can help builders connect with the right clients • Why authenticity matters more than perfectly polished content • How builders can break the ice with clients before the first meeting • The mindset required to build a creative business from scratch Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 01:30 – Michael’s journey into videography 05:20 – Why storytelling matters for builders 09:00 – Social media and building trust with clients 12:45 – The story behind the You Do You logo 16:00 – Behind the scenes of Build Insite 19:20 – Advice for creatives and business owners 25:30 – Tech, media, and the future of content 27:30 – Rapid-fire questions Host: Dean Backman  Guest: Michael Lack from You Do You Productions 🎧 Listen to the Build Insite Podcast on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. 🌐 Explore more at: https://buildinsite.com.au/ 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @build.insite

    30 min

  4. MAR 8

    #53 Insurance, Licensing & Staying in the Game with Luke Said – Part 2

    Getting your builder’s licence is one thing.  Staying in business long term? That’s a whole different challenge. In Part 2 of Episode #53, host Dean Backman continues the conversation with Luke Said from Impact Build diving deep into the realities of insurance, licensing, contracts, cash flow, and what it truly takes to run a sustainable building business in Victoria. This episode pulls back the curtain on the pressures builders face behind the scenes. From navigating DBU licensing and financial requirements to managing stage claims and payment structures, Luke shares honest insights into the parts of the industry that don’t often get talked about publicly. They explore: • Why the current insurance and licensing process feels overly complex • The dangers of taking on projects beyond your capacity • The importance of proper payment structures (Method A vs Method B) • Why understanding contracts is critical for survival • Cash flow mistakes that quietly sink building businesses • The pressure young builders face to “go big” too soon • Balancing business, fitness, family and friendships Beyond the business talk, this conversation gets personal, touching on health, mental clarity, mateship, and the reality of juggling ambition with relationships. A grounded, practical episode for builders at every stage of the journey. What You’ll Learn • Why upgrading your licence impacts more than just paperwork • How poor payment structures create hidden cash flow stress • Why contracts matter more than most builders realise • The risks of scaling too fast in today’s market • Why mentoring and coaching can fast-track your growth • How fitness and balance affect your performance as a business owner Chapters 00:00 – Welcome Back (Part 2) 00:19 – Licensing & Insurance Challenges 03:03 – Volume Builders vs Custom Builders 05:36 – Why Pre-Plaster & Waterproofing Inspections Matter 08:24 – Stage Claims & Cash Flow Pressure 11:27 – Learning Contracts Properly 14:01 – Project Delays & Financial Stress 16:16 – Advice for Young Builders 19:24 – Fitness, Balance & Mental Clarity 24:09 – Friendships & Business Pressure 27:01 – Advice for Builders 5–10 Years Behind 29:17 – Rapid Fire Questions Hosts: Dean Backman  Guest: Luke Said from Impact Build 🎧 Listen to the Build Insite Podcast on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. 🌐 Explore more at: https://buildinsite.com.au/ 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @build.insite

    32 min

  5. MAR 1

    #53 Why Builders Must Think Like Business Owners with Luke Said – Part 1

    When you surround yourself with the right people, you quickly realise how much there is still to learn. In Part 1 of this conversation, host Dean Backman sit down with Luke Said from Impact Build to unpack the journey from green apprentice to performance-focused builder in the Macedon Ranges. Luke shares how an unexpected start in carpentry — sparked through a local footy club connection — set the foundation for an 18-year career in building. From being “as green as it gets” to now leading a team committed to higher standards, this episode explores what really shapes a builder: work ethic, mentorship, and the willingness to think differently. They dive into: • The power of mentoring and coaching in business • Why builders must see themselves as business owners first • The evolution of building standards in cold climates • How performance building changes the way teams think on site • The responsibility builders have to educate their clients This is an honest conversation about growth — personally, professionally, and as an industry. What You’ll Learn • Why surrounding yourself with the right mentors accelerates growth • How early work ethic shapes long-term success • Why thinking like a business owner changes everything • The difference between minimum standard and performance building • How upskilling your team builds long-term competitive advantage Chapters 00:00 – The Power of Mentorship 00:18 – Introducing Luke Said (Impact Build) 01:35 – How Luke Got Into Carpentry 06:18 – Mentors, Family & Hard Decisions 09:20 – Builder vs Business Owner Mindset 11:43 – Starting Impact as a Carpentry Business 14:25 – Learning Through Trial & Error 16:07 – Building in a Cold Climate 19:28 – Competing on Quality vs Price 22:07 – Educating Clients on Performance Builds 25:06 – Wrap Up Hosts: Dean Backman  Guest: Luke Said from Impact Build 🎧 Listen to the Build Insite Podcast on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. 🌐 Explore more at: https://buildinsite.com.au/ 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @build.insite

    26 min

  6. FEB 22

    #52 Planning, Profit, and Saying No: Lessons From a New Builder with Jesse Raeburn - Part 2

    The theory’s one thing. Making it work on site? That’s where it gets interesting. In Part 2 of our chat with Jesse Raeburn (FRP Group), we dig into what it really looks like building a new company from the ground up — keeping the team lean, staying selective with projects, and using your own build as the ultimate “showroom” to win the right clients. Jesse breaks down why FRP isn’t chasing volume, how they’re pushing best-practice building (not minimum standard), and the mindset shifts that come with family, business growth, and long nights doing admin after the kids are asleep. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why doing fewer projects can create better outcomes (and better margins) • How a builder’s own home build can become the best sales tool • What “best practice” looks like on real jobs (wraps, sealing, ventilation, detailing) • Why planning ahead is a non-negotiable skill when you’re starting out • How transparency with pricing and margin builds trust (and wins more work) Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to the Build Insite Podcast 00:08 – Part 2 recap and where we left off 00:18 – Team setup and why FRP is staying lean 01:12 – Winning the first client build (and why trust mattered most) 03:16 – Using your own project as a showroom for future clients 04:33 – Building best practice, not minimum standard 05:59 – Lessons for new builders: planning and scheduling properly 07:16 – Sponsor shoutout: Bowens 08:00 – Saying no to the wrong jobs (and why it’s powerful) 10:00 – Family, work hours, and being fully present on weekends 12:45 – Sponsor shoutout: Circa 13:30 – Pricing transparency: showing your spreadsheet and earning trust 16:49 – Rapid fire: tools, disasters, styles, and what’s next 20:12 – Where to follow Jesse + wrap up 21:19 – Podcast disclaimer 🎧 Listen to the Build Insite Podcast on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. 🌐 Explore more at: https://buildinsite.com.au/ 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @build.insite

    22 min

  7. FEB 15

    #52 Chasing Passion Over Paychecks with Jesse Raeburn – Part 1

    There’s no such thing as work-life balance when you’re building something great. But if you love what you do, does it even feel like work? In this episode of the Build Insite Podcast, we sit down with Jesse Raeburn, former tradie, real estate agent, The Block contestant, and now co-founder of FRP Group. Jesse’s journey isn’t linear. From tiling commercial high-rises in Queensland to hustling listings in Melbourne, from selling houses on The Block to competing on it, and now launching his own building company, this conversation is about backing yourself, burning the safety net, and chasing what lights you up. We unpack: • Why Jesse believes “balance” is overrated when you’re building a dream • The grind of starting over in a new city with zero contacts • How a trade background became his unfair advantage in real estate • What really happens behind the scenes on The Block • The mindset shift from employee to entrepreneur This isn’t just a chat about building houses. It’s about building yourself. What You’ll Learn • Why loving what you do eliminates the idea of “work-life balance” • How to leverage your trade skills beyond the tools • The power of handwritten letters and old-school hustle • Why removing financial pressure helps you negotiate with confidence • What resilience actually looks like when doors keep closing Chapters 00:00 – “There’s No Such Thing as Work-Life Balance” 00:30 – From Tiler to Real Estate Agent 02:10 – Starting a Business at 22 04:50 – The Melbourne Real Estate Hustle 07:30 – Breaking Into The Block 10:30 – The Reality of TV vs Real Life 14:00 – Launching FRP Group 18:00 – Backing Yourself Without a Safety Net Jesse’s energy is contagious. His journey proves that if you’re willing to go all in, sell the car, downsize the lifestyle, knock on 100 doors, you can create opportunities most people wait around for. If you’re a tradie thinking bigger, or a business owner questioning the grind, this one’s for you. Hosts: Dean Backman & Luke Callery  Guest: Jesse Raeburn from FRP Group 🎧 Listen to the Build Insite Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. 🌐 Explore more at https://buildinsite.com.au/ 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @build.insite

    35 min

  8. FEB 8

    #51 Building Systems, Stress & the Future of Construction with Dale Cheesman – Part 2

    The work doesn’t slow down, the pressure just changes. In Part 2, we wrap up our conversation with Dale Cheesman and dive deeper into what it really takes to run a complex, multi-arm building business without burning out. Dale opens up about managing stress across high-end residential, events, and joinery, and why investing in people, systems, and health matters more than watching the bank balance. From apprenticeship culture and leadership transparency to AI, admin efficiency, and coffee machines on site, this episode is packed with practical lessons builders can actually use. We also explore the future of construction, rising costs, smarter pricing, the role of AI in admin and pre-construction, and how builders can stay competitive without losing their values. It’s an honest, grounded conversation about evolution, balance, and building businesses that last. What you’ll learn in this episode: • How the right people and systems reduce pressure long-term • Why health, mindset, and culture matter just as much as profit • What’s changed with apprentices — and how builders should adapt • How AI is already helping builders with pricing, admin, and decision-making • The real challenges facing builders as projects scale and costs rise Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome back to Part 2 00:24 – Managing pressure across residential, events & joinery 01:53 – Systems, staff & not chasing the dollar 03:30 – Apprentices then vs now 05:03 – Scaling up & finding the next project 06:37 – Leadership visibility & team transparency 08:36 – Coffee machines, culture & site morale 11:12 – Building costs, pricing gaps & client expectations 14:18 – AI in construction: admin, pricing & decision-making 19:04 – Project management software & systems 21:19 – Health, balance & avoiding burnout 25:01 – What’s next for The Melbourne Builder 26:25 – Rapid fire questions & final advice Hosts: Dean Backman & Luke Callery  Guest: Dale Cheesman from The Melbourn Builder 🎧 Listen to the Build Insite Podcast on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. 🌐 Explore more at: https://buildinsite.com.au/ 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @build.insite

    30 min
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About

Welcome to the Build Insite Podcast – back with Season 2 and a renewed mission to bring you raw, practical building insights from across Australia and beyond. Led by a passionate team of builders and industry professionals, we explore the latest in construction techniques, design innovation, and the tools shaping modern building. But this isn’t just a trade chat — it’s a space for real stories, sharp lessons, and conversations that go beyond the build. Beginning Season 2, we’re doubling down on what matters: Smarter, healthier homes Business strategies that support better living Technology and systems that future-proof your work The balance between building, business, and well-being From high-performance homes to behind-the-scenes of iconic builds, we’re spotlighting the people, ideas, and challenges driving the industry forward. Whether you’re just starting out or leading your crew, you’ll find something valuable here — every week. Let’s build better, together.

Information

  • Creator
    Build Insite
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    91
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Build Insite Podcast

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