In Forged in Idaho, Brad Covington, owner of Forged Construction, sits down with the people who build the world around us. From job site stories to hard-earned lessons, Brad talks with employees, tradespeople, and industry experts about the real lives behind the blue-collar grind. Recorded in the rugged heart of Idaho’s panhandle, this podcast offers an honest look at the challenges, successes, and craftsmanship that define construction life in Moscow, Idaho, and beyond. No fluff—just raw conversations about work that matters.
Episode 16 - Building Nuclear Reactors with Isaiah Taylor of Valar Atomics
This episode features Valar Atomics' Founder and CEO Isaiah Taylor. Isaiah is a self taught engineer with unique ties to American nuclear power through his great-grandfather who was part of the Manhattan Project. He and his team have recently built their first reactor, WARD ONE named after his great-grandfather - Ward Schaap. Their plan is to build small and learn fast as they seek to answer the great need for more and cheaper energy. Brad and Isaiah talk about everything from Valar's plans to why Christians should be in charge of building things to why your business should be like a video game. It's a great conversation that should leave you with a desire to build stuff. Enjoy.
9 Jul 2025
Episode 15 - Focused on Christ with Jeff Ostlind
In this episode of Forged in Idaho Brad sits in a crawl space with Jeff Ostlind to discuss the glory of work as followers of Christ.
9 Jul 2025
Episode 14 - Project Manager Jonathan True
Brad talks with Forged Project Manager Jonathan (Nate) True about how he began his career in construction, college vs. the trades, what he wishes people understood about the home building process, and more.
13 May 2025
Episode 13 - Saving Time with Freedom Tires
This episode Brad talks with Freedom Tires Mobile Sales & Service owner-operators Ryan and Kenny. They hit all sorts of topics applying to blue collar business including partnership, challenges, and systems.
13 May 2025
Episode 12 - Building Up the Blue Collar Body with Life Network CEO Caleb Applegate
Brad speaks with CEO and Co-founder of Life Network, Caleb Applegate. Life Network is a free platform full of resources for the everday individual to learn about and improve their own health. Brad and Caleb discuss simple yet effective ways tradesmen can improve their health and how Life Network can help.
28 Apr 2025
Episode 11 - God, Business, and Family with Mechanic Jonathan Erber of Erber Auto
This episode features a local autoshop owner, Jonthan Erber of Erber Auto. Brad and Jonathan discuss failure, what success actually looks like, God, family, entrepreneurship and more.
31 Mar 2025
Episode 10 - Moscow Building Supply
As a local construction company we have built a great relationship with our local hardware store, Moscow Building Supply. Now that Home Depot is poised to open a store here in town we decided to speak with Moscow Building Supply's owner Tyler Garrett and salesman, Cris Quezada about what they offer contractors and DIYers that the big box store doesn't.
12 Mar 2025
Episode 9 - Sam Kane, Carpenter
This episode Brad goes on site to speak with Colorado native, Sam Kane. They talk about having a team mindset when it comes to the independent trades, how banter is a part of blue collar life, the trades as sacrificial work, and more.
24 Feb 2025
Episode 8 - Simon Cummings
This episode Brad meets up with a younger member of the crew, Simon Cummings. Simon has been growing in his knowledge of the crafts, applying his problems solving skills to the process of building homes.
29 Jan 2025
Episode 7 - YouTube Strategist, Matt Heisig
This episode, Brad sits down with YouTube strategist Matt Heisig and Forged's own content creator, Matt Bane to discuss the need for blue collar workers to take advantage of social media, how to approach YouTube specifically, and why we should give our most valuable knowledge away for free. Thanks for listening.
5 Jan 2025
Episode 6 - Project Manager Marshall Gallagher
Brad sits down with Project Manager Marshall Gallager to discuss some of the key tenets of starting a home building project, what Marshall enjoys about his work, and what tradesmen should do if they want to become a project manager in the future.
4 Jan 2025
Episode 5 - Painter, Chris Owsley
This episode Brad talks with painter extraordinaire, Chris Owsley. They talk about Chris' uncommon love for painting, his family roots in the craft, the relationship tradesmen on a worksite, and more. Thanks for listeing!
16 Dec 2024
Episode 4 - Foreman, David Pemberton
Forged Construction foreman David Pemberton shares his Marine Corps background and trade expertise, offering guidance to young tradesmen and insights on working for Forged Construction.
11 Dec 2024
Episode 3 - Foreman, Jay Newbold
With over 20 years of construction experience foreman Jay Newbold knows a thing or two about the life of a tradesman. Brad and Jay talk about some key topics of the construction life including specializing in a trade verses being a jack of all, working lone-wolf vs working with a team, the break down of the blue collar body, and the value of entering a career in the trades vs pursuing a college degree. Thanks for listening!
11 Dec 2024
Episode 2 - Foreman, Kyle Rauch
In this episode we talk with Kyle about his work as a Foreman in our Carpentry Division. His skills include a background in Forestry, and we discuss his decision to join us as a finish carpenter. This has developed him into a meticulous craftsman for doing our siding work. His love of the outdoors, cheerful attitude, and unflappable temperament are a joy to have in our crew.
11 Dec 2024
Episode 1 - Lead Excavator Nik Galloway
In this episode, we speak with Nik Galloway, the lead excavator at Forged Excavation. As one of the best in the business, Nik brings a wealth of experience from all corners of the trades, but his heart and expertise are in excavation. Known for his down-to-earth approach and quiet confidence, Nik is a core asset to our team, and his unique insights keep every project grounded and moving forward. Join us as we dive into his journey, the lessons he’s learned in the field, and what makes excavation so essential to the success of every build.
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