The Builders' Bench

About The Builders' Bench

The Builders' Bench – Take a seat on the bench – where construction conversations happen is VRCA's official podcast – a powerful platform that gives voice to the people and policies shaping construction. Hosted by Craig Larkins, VRCA's Director of Advocacy, The Builders' Bench takes inspiration from the front bench in parliament – where ideas are debated, issues are challenged, and real change begins. Each episode brings together industry leaders, policymakers, and experts to cut through the noise and talk about what really matters — from workforce and permitting challenges to procurement, policy, and the future of nation building.

Publisher

Craig Larkins

Category

news · news

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

25 Mar 2025

Latest episode

26 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

44 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   26 Oct 2026

   EP44: More Than a Mo: Construction's Challenge for 2026

   Movember's Mitch Hermansen returns to The Builders' Bench with host Craig Larkins to talk about the 2026 campaign, getting your crew involved and making a "Growmitment" that counts. With VRCA members raising $85,728 through last year's VRCA Movember Challenge, the bar is set. We explore fresh fundraising ideas, where donations go and how to keep looking out for each other long after the moustaches come off. Fuelling impact with Movember Safety Mo-ments: https://movember.com/news/movember-safety-mo-ments

2. 

   7 Oct 2026

   EP43: Construction Update: The BC Election and Prompt Payment

   The provincial election has been called, and B.C.'s construction industry is watching closely. What does the election mean for contractors, projects and investment across the province? What happens to the Construction Prompt Payment Act during the campaign, and could a change in government affect its future? BCCA President Chris Atchison returns to The Builders' Bench to break down what is at stake for construction. We also discuss workforce capacity, the opportunity created by LNG Canada Phase 2 and why contractors should make their voices heard through BCCA's 2026 Construction Industry Survey.

3. 

   1 Oct 2026

   EP42: Show Me the ROI: Is Construction AI Actually Working?

   Construction companies are investing in AI, but is it delivering real value or just adding another expensive tool to the tech stack? In this episode of The Builders' Bench, host Craig Larkins sits down with Nimrat Pahwa to separate AI hype from measurable results. They explore where AI is saving time and money, why some investments fail, what contractors should measure and the questions leaders need to ask before signing the cheque. Because when the pitch is over, one question remains: Can you prove the ROI?

Who has been a guest on The Builders' Bench

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Craig Mitchell
• Mark Reid
• Sue Connors
• Adam
• City of Vancouver planning leaders

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 17 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

33

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0

Contact The Builders' Bench

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

Questions about The Builders' Bench