Best Matthew Carland And Hamish White Podcasts (2025)

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The Queen of Passive House 55:14

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2h ago55:14

55:14

"You're wearing a tin foil hat if you think Passive House will work in Australia." That’s probably what Clare Perry would have heard back in 2011 when she co-founded the Australian Passive Haus Association. Fast forward to today, and while Passive House hasn't yet become mainstream, the landscape has shifted dramatically. Industry appetite has grow…

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Treated Pine vs Standard Pine - Beer and Building Science 1:23:34

3d ago1:23:34

1:23:34

Welcome to beer and building science chats, where we touch on some very complicated topics in the Australian construction sector. We look to bring the smartest people into these conversations to help educate everyone around healthy and durable buildings. In this engaging episode, our panel of experts dives deep into the debate between treated and s…

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The tradie that makes you laugh 1:00:56

6d ago1:00:56

1:00:56

”I'm just an average carpenter and builder a lost in a world of red tape”. Joel Griffs from Heidi Build isn't exaggerating. The modern builder's reality involves navigating compliance mazes, managing cash flow crises, and maintaining a social media presence all while trying to actually construct buildings. We sat down with Joel to understand how t…

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Construction and Building Trends 43:02

13d ago43:02

43:02

Becoming a father changes everything - including how you run a construction business. Matt just welcomed his first child, while Hamish became a dad for the third time, adding a daughter to his two boys. These life changes forced a complete reassessment of priorities, work schedules, and business operations. But fatherhood isn't the only transformat…

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Australias most known architect 56:15

23d ago56:15

56:15

"The architect designed something we can't actually build." It wouldn’t be outlandish to believe that most builders have said this at least once, usually while staring at plans that look beautiful but ignore practical realities. We sat down with Amelia Lee from Undercover Architect to understand why architects and builders struggle to collaborate e…

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The art of accurate estimates 58:16

30d ago58:16

58:16

"We love the design, but it's $200,000 over budget." Most builders have delivered this devastating news to clients who've invested months into plans they can't afford. Construction costs have surged 40.8% since 2020, fundamentally changing what's achievable within typical budgets. We sat down with Haydn Simmons from Price A Plan to understand how a…

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Australias Top Construction Lawyer 1:06:41

1M ago1:06:41

1:06:41

"The rules have changed again." Every Victorian builder has felt this frustration as legislation continues evolving. The latest changes to Victoria's building regulations are particularly significant, affecting everything from insurance requirements to dispute resolution processes. We sat down with Daniel Oldham, Principal Lawyer at Oldham Construc…

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Construction loans and money chats 1:00:01

1M ago1:00:01

1:00:01

"The bank said no." Every builder has heard this from clients whose dreams hit financial reality. But what if we told you there are dozens of lenders beyond the big four banks, many offering better rates and specialised products for construction projects? We sat down with Sarah Zhou from Beyond Financial, who is Matt’s mortgage broker, to understan…

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The future of concrete 31:47

2M ago31:47

31:47

Concrete is responsible for 8% of global carbon emissions. That's a staggering number when you consider how much concrete surrounds us every day. So when Daniel from Curvecrete told us his technology could reduce concrete emissions by 70%, we had to understand how. What we learned might change how you think about one of construction's most fundamen…

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Breaking the Stigma: Mental Health & Safety in Construction | RUOK Day Special 41:50

2M ago41:50

41:50

"I'm fine." How many times have you heard that response when you knew it wasn't true? We've all been there - sensing something's off with a mate, colleague, or family member, but hesitating to dig deeper. What if we’re making things awkward? What if we don't know what to say? RUOK Day exists to break through exactly this hesitation and give you the…

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Building code and building surveyor chats 59:19

2M ago59:19

59:19

"Why is my building surveyor being so difficult?" Almost every builder has asked this question at some point, usually when facing another compliance issue or documentation request. But what if we've been looking at this relationship all wrong? We sat down with Dave from Permit Approvals Plus to understand why building surveyors might actually be bu…

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The future of training and education in the building industry 37:50

2M ago37:50

37:50

"We're training apprentices the same way we did 30 years ago." That stark observation from Trent McCarthy, Director of Clean Economy at Melbourne Polytechnic, captures a fundamental problem in Australian construction. While technology transforms how we build, our training methods remain stuck in the past. We sat down with Trent to understand why th…

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My body just failed on me 39:06

3M ago39:06

39:06

One back injury changed everything for Jake. After years perfecting his carpentry skills, a seemingly minor workplace injury ended his on-site career. What happened next challenges everything we think we know about career transitions in the trades. We sat down with Jake from Notorious Tools to understand how he rebuilt his professional life when hi…

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The crazy old guy pushing building boundaries 53:16

3M ago53:16

53:16

"You're the crazy guy who wants double glazing in everything." That's what Justin heard throughout his early career when he pushed for high-performance building standards that seemed unnecessary to most. Twenty years later, those "crazy" ideas have become industry benchmarks. We sat down with Justin to understand his journey from a 12-year-old work…

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Proving the three little pigs wrong 34:40

3M ago34:40

34:40

"Straw? You want to build with straw?" That's the reaction Derek Layfield from Durra Panel gets when he tells people his building material of choice. But before you dismiss this as another three little pigs scenario, consider this: Durra Panels have been protecting major Australian airports and surviving bushfire tests since the 1950s. We sat down …

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From consultant to interior designer 43:15

3M ago43:15

43:15

Twelve years in consulting, senior management track, solid income and Shivani walked away from it all. Why would someone leave a successful corporate career to start over in interior design? We sat down with Shivani, founder of Madison Interiors to understand her transition from consultant to founder of a sought-after interior design business. For …

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Are SIPS the answer to building better homes 46:08

4M ago46:08

46:08

"SIPS will never work in Australia" - that's what many builders said about Structural Insulated Panels just a few years ago. Today, we're exploring why companies like Fenster & Panel are proving them wrong. We sit down with Dave to understand why SIPS are gaining traction in Australian construction. These engineered panels combine structural streng…

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Budget vs Brief: What It Really Costs to Build 25:36

4M ago25:36

25:36

"We love the design, but can you make it cheaper?" Every builder has heard this request, and it highlights one of the biggest challenges facing our industry today. The gap between what clients want and what they can afford is widening, leaving architects, builders, and clients frustrated. We need to talk about why this is happening and what we can …

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The Godfather of Passive House 32:45

4M ago32:45

32:45

In this episode, we sit down with Harley Truong, the godfather of Passive Houses in Australia, to explore his incredible journey from public servant to sustainability pioneer. Twelve years ago, Harley was working at the Department of Defence in Canberra when he decided he'd had enough of Australia's zero-star energy efficiency housing and drafty ho…

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Building Answers: Ask Us Anything 49:50

4M ago49:50

49:50

"What happens if I make my house airtight but have no mechanical ventilation?" This question comes up more often than you'd think, and the answer might surprise you. We sat down with Cameron Munro from Passive Analytics and Brad McEwan from Sanford BuildCo to tackle this and other building questions from our social media following that every builde…

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Navigating the winter blues as a builder 40:48

4M ago40:48

40:48

Winter hits different when you're working outdoors. The sun disappears by 4 pm, the cold seeps into your bones, and suddenly that motivation you had in summer feels like a distant memory. If you've noticed your mood dropping with the temperature, you're not imagining things. We sat down with our good friend and psychologist, Julie to understand why…

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Perfecting window installation details 29:25

5M ago29:25

29:25

Window installation may not instantly grab your attention, but for anyone involved in building or renovating, it's a critical aspect that cannot be neglected. Think about why we have windows: they connect our living spaces with the outside world, offering natural light, beautiful views, and essential ventilation. However, beyond these obvious reaso…

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Build Science Expert - Windows and Insulation Part 2 33:26

5M ago33:26

33:26

This is part 2 of our conversation with Cameron Munro about insulation. We recommend listening to part 1 first before listening to this episode. — When it comes to building or renovating a home, insulation is one of those topics that seems simple on the surface, but quickly gets complicated. That’s why we brought in Cameron Munro from Passive Analy…

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Build Science Expert - Windows and Insulation Part 1 34:23

5M ago34:23

34:23

In our latest episode, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Cameron Munro from Passive Analytics to really dig into the world of insulation. If you’ve ever wondered why your house feels too hot or too cold, or if you’re curious about how the colour of your roof actually affects your comfort, this one’s for you. Key Takeaways Insulation is a…

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Why doing push ups helps you build mental fitness 37:06

5M ago37:06

37:06

3,214 Australians. That's how many lives were lost to suicide in 2023. As builders, we're experts at measuring, calculating, and fixing physical problems - but when it comes to mental health, many of us struggle to even start the conversation. That's why when Matt and I met Nick Hudson, founder of the Pushup Challenge, we knew his story needed shar…

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Trade chats - solving the apprenticeship problem 46:37

6M ago46:37

46:37

"Nobody wants to be a carpenter anymore." It feels like this rings true in the building industry today. We’re seeing a shift in Australia’s trades landscape, and it’s time to talk about it. We’re exploring why carpentry apprenticeships - once highly sought after - are now struggling to attract and retain talent. Whether you're in the industry or co…

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The science of building better homes 19:48

6M ago19:48

19:48

We’ve all dreamt of that perfect home - something warm, inviting, and aesthetically pleasing. But, how often do we consider the science behind construction that makes a house not only a thing of beauty but also a safe and comfortable haven? We recently sat down with Jess Kismet, a building science consultant who opened our eyes to the hidden factor…

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Eternally curious and staying hungry with Chin Chin's executive chef 40:25

6M ago40:25

40:25

There's something exhilarating about diving into a pool of unknowns. Whether we're reviewing plans for a new project or Ben Cooper is creating a new dish, the thrill of creation emerges from the same curiosity that pushes us beyond what we already know. In our latest conversation with Ben, the executive chef at Melbourne's iconic Chin Chin restaura…

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A personal story about loss 29:58

6M ago29:58

29:58

We've all had those moments in life that change us forever, moments where time seems to halt and priorities shift entirely. In our podcast, we found ourselves diverging from our usual discussions to talk through a very personal experience - one filled with loss, love, and resilience. This journey revolved around child loss, a topic not openly discu…

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Not all developers are bad people 50:31

7M ago50:31

50:31

When you think of developers, what are the descriptive words that come to mind? For so many of us, developers are synonymous with greed and arrogance. It’s an unfortunate stereotype that the construction industry is rife with. And although developers have earned this reputation, not all are created equal. There are some diamonds in the rough and Li…

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Scratching the surface of culture in construction 40:14

7M ago40:14

40:14

Let's face it—the stereotypical image of builders often conjures up thoughts of a rugged, all-male group clocking off early to down a few pints at the local pub. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with bonding over drinks, this old paradigm doesn't necessarily cater to everyone's needs in today's society. It’s an image that fails to encapsulate…

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The HRV Guy - Why air quality matters 44:19

7M ago44:19

44:19

Have you ever walked into a room that feels stuffy, oppressive even, and thought, "Something doesn't feel right in here"? It's a sensation many of us experience but tend to dismiss. What if we told you that sensation might not only be an inconvenience but a potential health risk? Today we’re discussing air quality and ventilation, topics that are o…

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Owner Builders: Yes or No? 25:54

7M ago25:54

25:54

Would you let someone who is unqualified perform surgery on you? Of course not. Similarly, building a home without the proper credentials can be daunting and lead to catastrophic failures. However, when done correctly, it is a viable option for many. The key here is understanding the role and embracing the learning curve. The owner-builder path is …

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Mini Series - First-Time Dad & Building with Ned (NW Build) 19:55

7M ago19:55

19:55

Matt begins a mini-series, "Nailing Fatherhood," documenting his journey to becoming a first-time dad while managing his construction company. In this episode, he speaks with Ned from NW Build, a close friend and fellow builder whose baby is due imminently. They delve into the emotional rollercoaster of impending fatherhood, discussing the mix of e…

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Tender vs Negotiated Tender 37:12

8M ago37:12

37:12

As builders in the Australian market, there's one recurring theme that keeps rearing its head in our conversations, and that's the tender process. It's akin to a race to the bottom, a mad dash where numbers are thrown around like confetti, and every party involved is crossing fingers, hoping all that time they invested in the tender results in actu…

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Girls Only Chat 57:48

8M ago57:48

57:48

Ever wondered what it’s like to be a woman in the building and construction industry? As more and more women enter the trades, it’s being proved that this isn’t just men’s work - in fact, women are bringing unique perspectives and strengths that are only improving the worksite. This week’s episode is hosted by some incredible woman in building: Bet…

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Learning How To Give Feedback 37:45

8M ago37:45

37:45

Ever wondered how the best leaders deliver feedback that empowers their teams rather than crushes them? We had a fantastic unscripted chat with our amazing friend and psychologist, Julie where we ventured into the territory of delivering constructive feedback in the workplace. Julie guided us through understanding the nuances of communication, how …

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Passive House Secrets Part 2 33:38

8M ago33:38

33:38

We’re back with Part 2 of our conversation with Damien, a listener of ours we brought on to answer some of the questions he had around passive house building. There was so much to cover during our chat, we knew we had to break it up into two valuable episodes for you. Last week, we got into the nitty gritty of the cost of passive house building vs …

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Passive House Secrets Part 1 56:40

8M ago56:40

56:40

Passive houses - they’re both exciting and undeniably complex. Recently, we had the opportunity to bring Damien onto our podcast, a builder with three decades of experience who’s now facing the intricacies of passive house construction and wanting to learn more. A new listener of the podcast, he had reached out to us with a couple of questions and …

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What is the goal of building? 44:26

9M ago44:26

44:26

This week, we had a chat with two incredible builders, Jake and Brad, about building science, sustainable housing, and the challenges we all face in our field. We start off by talking to Jake about his journey from an arts degree into a successful building career. He talked about how his education in art taught him to think outside the box, a skill…

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My Super Power is Passion 38:36

9M ago38:36

38:36

Welcome back! This week we’re Joined by the incredible Talina Edward, an architect with a strong commitment to eco-friendly building solutions! We started off by getting Talina to break down biophilic design, a term many may have heard but not fully understood. Talina explained that it’s all about our innate connection to nature. She explained how …

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Building Better: Passive Houses and Sustainable Construction with Josh Atkins 42:47

9M ago42:47

42:47

We recently sat down with our very first international guest Josh Atkins from New Zealand. Of course one of the big things we wanted to know is how construction methods vary between New Zealand and Australia. We discuss the different challenges in climate, legislation and more, that builders face in each country. Josh shared the infamous water dama…

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Prefabrication in construction 49:07

9M ago49:07

49:07

Prefabrication can get a bad wrap in the sustainable building world but when used in the right way, it can be a powerful tool for building sustainable and affordable homes. We recently sat down with prefabrication pioneers Chris Gilbert and Kaia McCarty Smith to discuss how it can support a better building future. Chris is the co-founder of Candour…

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Architecture is a design weapon for good 34:10

10M ago34:10

34:10

That’s the world architect Jeremy McLeod is fighting for, and he joins us today to share the how and the why behind this dream. Jeremy is the co founder of both Breathe Architecture and Nightingale Housing, where he works to bring sustainability, community, and innovation to the forefront of the building industry. A big focus in our conversation wa…

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Guess whos back, Brad Again 31:46

10M ago31:46

31:46

You might remember today’s guest from all the way back in episode eight! Brad McEwan is a passionate builder, and a good friend who joins us now as a regular guest on the show. We began our conversation by touching on a pervasive issue in the construction sector: project delays. Brad shares his experience of waiting eight months for a project start…

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Building, drying and venting your cavities 42:46

10M ago42:46

42:46

What is a Ventilated Cavity? In simple terms, a ventilated cavity is an air space between the cladding of a building and its structure. This space allows the building to "breathe," circulating air and carrying moisture away. This is crucial to avoid issues like mould, rot, and other moisture-related problems. It’s a technical topic which is why we’…

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Looking back on the year and what's ahead 32:30

10M ago32:30

32:30

Can you believe it’s almost the end of the year? It feels like January was just yesterday, but also like it was years ago. So much has happened in the world this year, both the good and the bad.This whirlwind was especially strong in the construction industry, so we want to recap 2024 in this episode as well as look forward to what 2025 will hold. …

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Holiday break but Christmas isn't for everyone! 32:04

11M ago32:04

32:04

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all! We hope you’re having a wonderful break from work, but if you’re not, you’re not alone. Financial stress, family tensions, grief, and countless other factors can make it a difficult time for some. That’s why we’ve invited our friend and mental health expert Julie back on the podcast. Isolation might no…

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Men talking about periods 37:09

11M ago37:09

37:09

One of our biggest goals for this podcast is to push the boundaries of conventional industry practices and challenge people (including us) to look outside their bubble. That’s why we were so excited to sit down with Jasmine and Logan from the Go Company this week. The Go Company started with a simple but brilliant idea: providing portable hygiene p…

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Turning a volume built house into a passive house (Part 2) 39:59

11M ago39:59

39:59

LINKS: Connect with us on Instagram: @themindfulbuilderpod Connect with Hamish: Instagram: @sanctumhomes Website: www.yoursanctum.com.au/ Connect with Matt: Instagram: @carlandconstructions Website: www.carlandconstructions.com/By Matthew Carland and Hamish White