The Smoko Podcast

• Brandy Kawulka: Owner of Tartan Contracting, Host of All Things Renovation Podcast and Journeyman Joiner

  Take a break, we're on Smoko! This week we're joined by Brandy Kalwuka, a powerhouse in the trades and a fierce advocate for women in the industry. Brandy shares her journey from studying joinery at BCIT to running her own successful renovation and contracting business: Tartan Contracting. We dive into the realities of working in the trades, the challenges women face, and the importance of transparency and education when dealing with clients.Brandy also opens up about her podcast, All Things Renovation, where she breaks down renovation basics, interviews industry experts, and now, in her latest season, spotlights women in trades to showcase the diverse career paths within the industry. From kitchens and bathrooms to big-picture industry shifts, Brandy is on a mission to educate, empower, and inspire.If you’ve ever thought about getting into trades, managing renovations, or simply love a good story about breaking barriers, this episode is for you.Brandy Kawulka:https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandy-kawulkaTartan Contracting:www.tartancontracting.comAll Things Renovation:www.allthingsrenovation.com The Smoko Podcast is sponsored by Peggy Workwear: workwear designed by women, for women. From the shop floor to the boardroom, Peggy Workwear creates workwear which fits and functions for your everyday. Whatever that may be! After all, we've been in your boots. www.peggyworkwear.ca

  --------  

  52:03
• Lacey Rose & Jess Kaknevicius Co-founders of Women in Wood

  Take a break, we’re on Smoko! This week we’re joined by Lacey Rose and Jess Kaknevicius the founders of Women in Wood, a community that champions representation, support, and advocacy for women in the forestry sector. Jess is the CEO of Forest Canada, a national leader in restoration, education, and community engagement. Lacey is a registered forester responsible for the long-term forest management of Renfrew County Forests.Lacey and Jess speak to their journey into the forestry sector, their experience, and current responsibilities. We dive into misconceptions of forestry and the role forest management plays in terms of climate change and sustainability. Lacey and Jess share how their passion for forestry and community building led them to create Women in Wood, a space where women can connect, share stories, and find support in a male-dominated industry. From humble beginnings with a small Facebook group to becoming a global network, Women in Wood has sparked a movement of inclusivity and empowerment.This episode dives deep into the importance of mentorship, representation, and the strength of community. Jess and Lacey talk candidly about their experiences working in the forest, the emotional journey of breaking barriers, and their vision for the future of forestry.  Lacey Rose:www.linkedin.com/in/lacey-rose/ Jess Kaknevicius:www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-kaknevicius-00431525/ Women in Wood:www.womeninwood.cawww.instagram.com/womeninwood/www.facebook.com/groups/342181032648888/ The Smoko Podcast is sponsored by Peggy Workwear: workwear designed by women, for women. From the shop floor to the boardroom, Peggy Workwear creates workwear which fits and functions for your everyday. Whatever that may be! After all, we've been in your boots. www.peggyworkwear.ca 

  --------  

  54:33
• Sophia Malbarosa (Pia Builds): Carpenter, Professor at Humber College, Set Designer & Multi-disciplinary Artist

  Take a break, we’re on Smoko! This week we sit down with Sophia Malbarosa known online as Pia Builds. Pia is a multidisciplinary artist turned carpenter, professor, and advocate for representation in the trades. Pia’s story begins with her first love: dance. After injuries sidelined her dream of becoming a professional ballerina, she sought new ways to channel her creativity, which led her to discover a passion for carpentry and set design. Pia shares how her time in the carpentry shop reawakened her creative spirit, as she realized that building with her hands held the same artistry and fulfillment as expressing herself through movement. From the first time she picked up a power tool to teaching carpentry at Humber College, Pia’s journey is a testament to the resilience and reinvention needed to thrive in male-dominated spaces. Pia discusses her experiences as a Filipina woman navigating the trades, from facing micro-aggressions in the workplace to finding power in her cultural heritage. She candidly reflects on how embracing her authentic self has not only empowered her but also inspired her students. As a professor, Pia focuses on creating safe, inclusive learning spaces where students feel supported, free to make mistakes, and encouraged to bring their full selves into the workshop. Pia also shares moving stories about her art installations, including a collaborative piece called Weaving Waves. This project blended textiles, steel, and video projections to explore themes of cultural identity, storytelling, and belonging. For Pia, creativity transcends medium—whether she’s in a carpentry shop, a theater, or teaching a class, her passion for storytelling and connection shines through. Whether you're passionate about art, trades, or education, Pia’s episode will inspire you to see the intersections between these worlds and encourage you to embrace the power of your unique story. Pia:www.instagram.com/piabuilds/www.linkedin.com/in/sophia-malbarosa/ The Smoko Podcast is sponsored by Peggy Workwear: workwear designed by women, for women. From the shop floor to the boardroom, Peggy Workwear creates workwear which fits and functions for your everyday. Whatever that may be! After all, we've been in your boots. www.peggyworkwear.ca

  --------  

  54:59
• Polly Britten: 2023 Churchill Fellow & Women in Trades Advocate

  Take a break, we’re on Smoko! This week we sit down with 2023 Churchill Fellow Polly Britten, a woman in trades advocate. Polly speaks to her involvement in the NextGen Tradies - Try a Trade Program, as well as her transformative research on gender equity in skilled trades education.Polly’s study, aimed to highlight how we can create a more inclusive and empowering future for young people in non-traditional careers. Her study highlights key areas for growth, including the need for earlier exposure to trades careers, better representation of women and non-binary professionals in leadership roles, and a shift in outdated perceptions surrounding skilled trades.She offers clear, actionable solutions. From integrating trades education into school curriculums at an earlier age to encouraging mentorship programs and community partnerships, her recommendations are both practical and inspiring. She paints an optimistic picture of an industry ready to embrace change, with data-driven strategies that can make a lasting difference.Polly reminds us that while change takes effort, it’s achievable—and it starts with small, intentional steps from educators, policymakers, and industry leaders alike. Polly Britten:www.linkedin.com/in/polly-britten-79160570/ Polly’s Study:www.churchilltrust.com.au/fellow/polly-britten-vic-2023/NextGen Tradies Program www.highlandsllen.org Organizations Mentioned in the Podcast:Apprenticeship Support Australiaapprenticeshipsupport.com.au@apprenticeshipsupportaustralia Women's Health Grampianswhg.org.au@womenshealthgrampians BCIT (British Columbia Institute of Technology)bcit.ca@britishcolumbiaiit Girls’ Day (Germany)girls-day.de@girlsday_de  Build A Dream (Canada)webuildadream.com@webuildadreamJill Of All Trades (Canada)jillofalltrades.college@jillofalltradesBoss Ladies (Denmark)boss-ladies.dk@bossladiesdkThe Smoko Podcast is sponsored by Peggy Workwear: workwear designed by women, for women. From the shop floor to the boardroom, Peggy Workwear creates workwear which fits and functions for your everyday. Whatever that may be! After all, we've been in your boots. www.peggyworkwear.ca

  --------  

  50:33
• Aria Joughin: Founder of Make With Hardware & Learning Center

  Take a break, we’re on Smoko! We’re honoured to sit down with Aria Joughin, the founder of Make With, a queer-owned learning center dedicated to equipping individuals—especially women, queer, trans, and BIPOC folks—with essential hands-on skills in home maintenance, repair, emergency preparedness, and self-sufficiency.  Aria shares the story behind the creation of Make With, born from a moment of reflection amid the chaos of climate instability, economic uncertainty, and a world grappling with rapid change. Aria dives into their mission of creating an inclusive and supportive space where anyone can learn practical skills, build confidence, and adapt to our ever-shifting reality. With a focus on collective resilience, Aria explains how teaching pragmatic, problem-solving abilities isn't just about fixing things—it's about instilling a sense of capability, independence, and empowerment that spills over into every aspect of life.Throughout the conversation, Aria reflects on the importance of adaptability, the power of vulnerability in leadership, and how community-building begins with honest conversations and mutual support. She shares insights into the barriers marginalized communities face when it comes to accessing these skills and how Make With is breaking down those barriers one workshop at a time. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about sustainability, community resilience, and creating inclusive spaces where learning and growth go hand in hand. Tune in to hear how Aria is not only teaching people to use tools but also empowering them to build stronger, more connected communities—one skill at a time. Aria Joughin:www.linkedin.com/in/aria-joughin-46a38b33/ Make With:www.makewithpdx.comwww.instagram.com/makewithpdx Workshops:www.makewithpdx.com/workshops Women/Queer/BIPOC Service Provider Directory: www.directory.makewithpdx.com/directory  The Smoko Podcast is sponsored by Peggy Workwear: workwear designed by women, for women. From the shop floor to the boardroom, Peggy Workwear creates workwear which fits and functions for your everyday. Whatever that may be! After all, we've been in your boots. www.peggyworkwear.ca

  --------  

  42:13

More Science podcasts

Trending Science podcasts

About The Smoko Podcast