Skipping College, Finding Vocation and Dignified Work

What this episode covers

Cody and Sebastion share their journey from schooling to careers in framing and construction instead of college. They discuss starting in the trades as teenagers, launching a construction company, Atlas, choosing to stay rooted in their local community, converting to Catholicism, and building a culture of craftsmanship. The conversation explores work-life integration, mentorship, competency over artificial self-esteem, and the future of skilled trades.Chapters00:00 - Introduction & Background03:34 - Cody's Journey into Construction08:01 - The College Question14:30 - Starting Atlas Framing Company19:49 - Sebastian's Path26:03 - From General Contractor to Specialist33:37 - Faith & Conversion45:58 - Community & Rootedness49:23 - Catholic Trade Schools & Durable Trades56:13 - The Future of Construction1:07:45 - Competency Over Self-Esteem1:11:25 - Work Culture & Faith on the Job SiteFind more conversations like the one in this episode by joining the readership of Sword&Spade Magazine! Resources Letters to a Young Catholic by George WeigelDurable Trades by Rory Groves Shop Class as Soulcraft by Matthew CrawfordFraternusProduced by Saint Kolbe Studios

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This episode is 1 hour and 14 minutes long.

When was this Sword&Spade episode published?

This episode was published on February 19, 2026.

What is this episode about?

Cody and Sebastion share their journey from schooling to careers in framing and construction instead of college. They discuss starting in the trades as teenagers, launching a construction company, Atlas, choosing to stay rooted in their local...

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