PODCAST · education
Blue Collar Leadership
by Mack Story
Leadership development for everyone in the blue collar workforce, those who support them, and those who lead them. Leadership is influence. Influence is built daily, not in a day.There are two types of influence: 1) Artificial influence which comes with a title, position, or rank and is reserved for those who have formal authority over others; and 2) Authentic influence which is based on a person's character and the relationships they build, and it's available to anyone with or without a position of authority because it's based on moral authority (who you are and how you do what you do).
Episodes
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507: 5 MORE Mistakes New (and Not-So-New) Blue-Collar Leaders Make
Most blue-collar leaders know they need to fix the obvious people mistakes. However, few realize they’re still struggling because they’ve been ignoring other common mistakes rooted in character and culture. In Part 2 of 2 of this short podcast series, Mack Story breaks down 5 MORE common (and...
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506: 5 Mistakes New (and Not-So-New) Blue-Collar Leaders Make
Most blue-collar leaders are promoted because they’re great at doing the work…not because they've proven they know how to lead people. The problem? They’re rarely given any real leadership development training, so they end up making costly mistakes that quietly damage their credibility, their...
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505: Leading through the Blue-Collar Labor Shortage in 2026: Practical Strategies that Work
Here’s the TRUTH most are missing: While your INDUSTRY has a labor shortage, your ORGANIZATION is actually operating in an environment filled with an abundance of available talent. Everyone working for your competitors, every experienced tradesperson in your area, and every new graduate from high...
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504: How to Hire the Right People for Your Contracting Business featuring Paul Sanneman
In this interview, Paul Sanneman discusses: Why Most Contractors Struggle to Find Good Help (And How to Fix It) How to Building Winning Teams in Construction How to Stop Making Bad Hires The Real Secret to Hiring Reliable Tradespeople The Impact of AI on the Recruiting Process The Importance of...
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503: Your Biggest Problem Isn’t “Them”…It’s YOU!
Albert Einstein said the significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking that created them. If you’re struggling with people, the real issue is usually your own character, not theirs. The solution isn’t in changing them; it’s in changing you. When you look in the…
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502: Why Smart, Talented People Stay Stuck
If you’ve ever felt overlooked, passed up, or stuck despite your talent, this episode will challenge you to look in the mirror, take responsibility, and finally break through the wall that’s holding you back. In this eye-opening episode, Mack Story unpacks John C. Maxwell’s powerful truth: “Your...
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501: Our Character Makes Us or Breaks Us
Mack Story explains that good character is built piece by piece through thought, choice, courage, and determination—not given like talent. Drawing from Henry Cloud’s idea that character is the ability to meet the demands of reality, he shares raw stories from his many years in the trades…
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500: Meet Derek Brown – The Man Who Inspired This Podcast 8 Years Ago
In this very special 500th episode of the Blue Collar Leadership Podcast, Mack Story reunites with Derek Brown—the man who inspired him to launch the Blue Collar Leadership podcast eight years ago. Derek shares the story of how he and Mack first connected, his own powerful personal growth…
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499: Overview of the 8 Blue-Collar Leadership® Series Books
Practical, straightforward, and recorded for real blue-collar leaders, aspiring leaders, and workers who want to climb to the next level and beyond. In this special husband-and-wife episode, Mack and Ria Story give listeners a brief, practical overview of the eight core books in the Blue-Collar...
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498: Tribute to Bob Chapman - 50 Quotes on Truly Human Leadership
In this special tribute episode of Blue Collar Leadership, Mack Story honors the life and legacy of Bob Chapman, the legendary Chairman of Barry-Wehmiller who passed away on March 19, 2026. For over a decade, Mack has collected Bob’s most powerful quotes on leadership, culture, and what it truly...
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497: Deposits vs Withdrawals - What Happens After You Make a Commitment
Trust isn’t built through grand gestures—it’s earned (or lost) in the daily grind of promises kept or broken. This episode breaks down the core truth: what we think and say sets expectations, but only what we actually do defines our character. After we make a commitment, we’ll take one of three...
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496: Lessons in Servant Leadership from a Marine Hero
At age 82, US Marine Medal of Honor recipient Colonel Wesley L. Fox still was still inspiring crowds with stories of the leaders who shaped him, none more than Corporal Myron J. Davis during the freezing nights of the Korean War. Facing demoralized troops eating frozen rations in the dark, USMC...
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495: 5 Love Languages - How We Make Our Marriage Work (Real Talk)
Are you ready for an engaging discussion on building greater influence in your marriage? With humor and heart, Mack and Ria Story share relatable stories—like Mack's infamous laundry mishap—and delve into the 5 Love Languages, revealing how his preference for quality time complements her need for...
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494: Kids Need Love More Than Rules…John Maxwell’s Biggest Lesson
In the final part of this 3 part series, Mack Story reveals a dose of leadership truth from John Maxwell: “Children need unconditional love more than they need direction.” Kids—your own, grandkids (young crew members and apprentices too)—crave knowing you’ve got their back no matter what, way…
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493: Beyond the First Victory: Make Self-Mastery Stick
Mack Story started focusing on the hardest personal fight in Part 1—conquering yourself. In Part 2, he dives into maintaining self-mastery. Winning the fight inside yourself once is huge, but staying on top when the job gets long, the crew’s testing you, or life throws curveballs is what…
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492: The Ultimate Victory: Conquering Yourself
In Part 1 of this 3 Part series, you’ll discover leadership isn't about commanding others or achieving external wins—it's about mastering the one opponent who never leaves your side: yourself. In this powerful episode, Mack Story reveals why self-mastery remains the cornerstone of authentic...
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491: The Other AI...Unlock "Authentic Influence" to Become Indispensable within the Trades
In a world where AI (Artificial Intelligence) is reshaping trades and blue-collar jobs faster than most realize, the real game-changer isn't just tech—it's the "other AI": Authentic Influence. "Change is hard only for the unready" (Cy Wakeman), and those ready to thrive aren't waiting for...
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490: Rock Bottom, Rehab, and Rebuilding - The Real Story Behind Beyond Broken
In this interview, Jeffrey Geurink discusses: His book Beyond Broken: How I Overcame Addiction and Pieced My Life Back Together Checking himself into rehab Overcoming severe alcohol addiction Drinking 50 cans of beer in a single day The challenges of rebuilding his life after rehab Starting his…
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489: 5 Traits of High Impact Team Leaders (Part 2 of 2)
Building on relentless personal leadership development, Part 2 covers the four remaining traits for high-impact leaders in tough, low-authority kaizen events with skeptical teams. Trait #2: Connect rapidly through genuine respect—valuing identities, doubts, histories, and resistance—putting…
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488: 5 Traits of High Impact Team Leaders (Part 1 of 2)
In Part 1 of this 2 part series, Mack Story begins to explore the 5 Traits of High Impact Team Leaders, starting with the foundational trait of relentless personal leadership development—continuously investing in character over mere competency (as influence stems 87% from who you are, per key...
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487: 5 Character Traits that Destroy a Leader’s Integrity
Crews can handle tough jobs, bad weather, tight deadlines, but they won’t tolerate a boss who acts like he’s above the rules he pushes on everyone else. Good leaders keep it real: they own their mistakes, put the team first, and stay consistent no matter who’s watching. Do that, and people will…
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Your Boss Sucks – Now What? You Have 3 Options
Ria and Mack Story share how dealing with a boss you can't stand boils down to three core options: Quit and Find a New Job and a New Boss: How you quit reveals A LOT about your character. Will you shine or whine? Stay and Be Proactive: addressing issues head-on through open communication and...
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485: Reflect & Ignite...5 Power Questions to Launch You into 2026
Kick off the new year with intention and clarity. As we wave goodbye to 2025 and step boldly into 2026, Mack & Ria Story guide you through a reflective exercise designed to help you audit your habits, celebrate your wins, and set the stage for transformative change. With a common sense approach,...
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484: Choosing Your Response - How Self-Control Transforms Lives and Expands Options
In this episode of the podcast, Mack Story delves into the transformative power of self-control and personal growth as outlined in his book Defining Influence: Increasing Your Influence Increases Your Options. Drawing from his own life-changing encounter with Stephen R. Covey's principle—that...
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483: I Was Clueless and Surrounded by Clueless People
In this raw and real episode, Mack Story pulls no punches as he takes us back to his early 20s—long hours at work, chasing more stuff, and wasting every free minute hunting, fishing, partying, and coasting through life with a crew that was headed absolutely nowhere. He thought he had it all...
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482: Blue-Collar Boost: Low Budget Culture Hacks
Discover simple, yet highly effective ways to methodically and intentionally enhance and/or transform your organizational culture. Mack & Ria Story discuss the methods their most effective clients implement in-house to grow and develop the people within their organization. For a deep dive into…
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481: Develop Discipline & Dump the Excuses
Mack & Ria Story discuss the importance of discipline and the impact of making excuses. Discipline is giving yourself a command and following through with it. Excuses are exits off of the highway to success.
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480: From F-15E Backseat to Warehouse Leadership...Ben Hopkins Spills the Real Talk
In this interview, Ben Hopkins discusses: A bit about his time in US Air Force in the backseat of an F-15E Strike Eagle His background in Fulfillment Centers and Distribution Centers (FC/DC) What motivated him to launch The Warehouse Underground Podcast and website The best thing about working in...
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479: 7 Social Media Mistakes that Can Tank Your Job Search
In today’s hyper-connected world, your social media presence isn’t just personal anymore; it’s often the first impression a hiring manager gets before they even open your resume. What you post, like, or comment on can quietly signal your professionalism, judgment, and emotional maturity (or the...
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478: The Hidden Ways We Undermine Trust
Mack Story unpacks the subtle yet powerful ways distrust creeps into relationships, both personal and professional, often without us realizing it. By sharing practical strategies, Mack equips listeners to recognize and counteract distrust, fostering stronger, more resilient connections with their...
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477: Building Rapport and Trust Through Authentic Relationships
Mack Story explores the essential art of building rapport as the gateway to trust in blue-collar leadership. This episode equips listeners with actionable strategies to connect authentically, strengthen teams, and lead with influence rooted in care. Drawing from Christian Simpson's insight, "When...
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476: Character Over Competency: Crafting Influence That Lasts
Mack Story dives into the critical role of trust as the foundation of influence in leadership. This episode offers actionable insights for leaders to cultivate trust, enhance their influence, and build stronger teams. Drawing from his experiences and insights from thought leaders like Stephen M.…
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475: From Construction Sites to Family Life - Mike Chiles on Values, Responsibility, and Lean Principles
In this interview, Mike Chiles discusses: Being on the MAP: Making it Happen, Allowing it to Happen, & Preventing it from Happening His takeaways from The 5 Types of Leaders online video course How your actions reveal your values His focus on becoming a better father and husband Taking...
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474: Deep Knowledge - Greg Crumpton’s Journey in HVAC and Guiding the Next Generation
In this interview, Greg Crumpton discusses: Working at Service Logic which has made over 100 acquisitions Selling his company (#8) to Service Logic where he now works as Vice-President That “Leaders are readers!” Blocking out time to learn The hardest thing for some people is saying “No” The...
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473: Your Intent Frames You as a Serving or Self-Serving Person
Ever caught yourself pushing your team harder for your own deadlines without considering what’s in it for them? This episode draws from Mack Story's insights in "Defining Influence" to highlight the power of intent in blue-collar leadership, distinguishing low-impact manipulation from high-impact...
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472: Building Trust in the Workplace
In this episode, Mack Story dives into the core of what makes a great leader in the trades and the impact of the intent behind your actions and words. Drawing from his insights in "Defining Influence," he explore how your inner character shapes your influence with co-workers. Whether you're a...
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471: Personal Integrity Matters: Crafting Self-Talk & Modeling Character
Explore how negative self-talk erodes hope and often leads to life-altering despair. Then, consider how modeling unshakeable character allows you to increase your influence. Learn to borrow belief from others and cultivate habits that reflect integrity which will allow you to turn personal...
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470: Why Thoughts Rule: The Power of Intentional Thinking
In this no-nonsense episode, Mack Story gets real about the mental grind that powers your daily hustle—because if you knew exactly what to do, you'd already be running the show instead of punching the clock. Mack draws from his blue-collar roots in small-town Tallassee, Alabama (pop. under…
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469: You were born a leader!
You were born a leader! Your awareness of self, others, and your environment has been increasing since your birth. Your influence increased the most in your early years. For many people, it seems to slow down dramatically as they reach adulthood. How much influence do you have with others at this...
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468: Walkout or Talk It Out? Lessons from a Bold Demand
Join Mack and Ria Story as they dive into a compelling LinkedIn post that sparked Mack’s curiosity. The story centers on a frustrated equipment operator who boldly marched into their boss’s office, demanding a raise and threatening to walk out if their demands weren’t met. In this episode, Mack…
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467: The 5 Types of Leaders
Dive into this episode and discover what type of leader YOU are and learn what kind of leader you report to. You’ll learn what type of leader is most effective. And, you'll learn how character and competency impact each type of leader. Want to dive deeper? Don't miss our FREE 2-hour course at...
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466: Struggling to get your frontline leaders to lead well?
Are your front-line leaders struggling to lead effectively? You’re not alone. In this powerful episode, we dive deep into a common frustration voiced by top leaders, HR professionals, and Learning & Development experts: “I need help getting front-line leaders to lead!” Inspired by Gino Wickman’s...
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465: Breaking Free - The Journey from Blaming Others to Owning His Story
Breaking Free: The Journey from Blaming Others to Owning His Story In this interview, Jamel Wofford discusses: His personal development journey The struggles he had as a teen Overcoming himself as an adult Getting support from others Choosing to responsibility over victimhood His professional...
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464: Keep climbing!!!
(Part 31 of 31) Ch. 30: Keep Climbing The Ladder of Influence: 5 Steps for Climbing to the Next Level and Beyond by Ria Story provides a powerful, yet simple, framework to help you realize the practical steps you can take to increase your influence with the people around you: family, friends,...
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463: Mountain Moments
(Part 30 of 31) Ch. 29: Mountain Moments The Ladder of Influence: 5 Steps for Climbing to the Next Level and Beyond by Ria Story provides a powerful, yet simple, framework to help you realize the practical steps you can take to increase your influence with the people around you: family, friends,...
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462: Those who are highly intentional are likely to become highly inspirational.
(Part 29 of 31) Ch. 28: Mastering the Fifth Step The Ladder of Influence: 5 Steps for Climbing to the Next Level and Beyond by Ria Story provides a powerful, yet simple, framework to help you realize the practical steps you can take to increase your influence with the people around you: family,...
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461: Modeling a High Degree of Character at Work
(Part 28 of 31) Ch. 27: The Fifth Step at Work The Ladder of Influence: 5 Steps for Climbing to the Next Level and Beyond by Ria Story provides a powerful, yet simple, framework to help you realize the practical steps you can take to increase your influence with the people around you: family,...
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460: Modeling a High Degree of Character at Home
(Part 27 of 31) Ch. 26: The Fifth Step at Home The Ladder of Influence: 5 Steps for Climbing to the Next Level and Beyond by Ria Story provides a powerful, yet simple, framework to help you realize the practical steps you can take to increase your influence with the people around you: family,...
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459: The Higher You Climb, The Harder It Gets
(Part 26 of 31) Ch. 25: Climbing to the Fifth Step The Ladder of Influence: 5 Steps for Climbing to the Next Level and Beyond by Ria Story provides a powerful, yet simple, framework to help you realize the practical steps you can take to increase your influence with the people around you: family,...
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458: Move Beyond Success and Significance…Leave a Legacy
(Part 25 of 31) Ch. 24: Fifth Step: Influence Based on Contribution of Service Over Time The Ladder of Influence: 5 Steps for Climbing to the Next Level and Beyond by Ria Story provides a powerful, yet simple, framework to help you realize the practical steps you can take to increase your…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Leadership development for everyone in the blue collar workforce, those who support them, and those who lead them. Leadership is influence. Influence is built daily, not in a day.There are two types of influence: 1) Artificial influence which comes with a title, position, or rank and is reserved for those who have formal authority over others; and 2) Authentic influence which is based on a person's character and the relationships they build, and it's available to anyone with or without a position of authority because it's based on moral authority (who you are and how you do what you do).
HOSTED BY
Mack Story
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Blue Collar Leadership have?
Blue Collar Leadership currently has 511 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Blue Collar Leadership about?
Leadership development for everyone in the blue collar workforce, those who support them, and those who lead them. Leadership is influence. Influence is built daily, not in a day.There are two types of influence: 1) Artificial influence which comes with a title, position, or rank and is reserved...
How often does Blue Collar Leadership release new episodes?
Blue Collar Leadership releases new episodes frequently with a large back catalog of 511 episodes. Check the episode list for recent publication dates.
Where can I listen to Blue Collar Leadership?
You can listen to Blue Collar Leadership on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Blue Collar Leadership?
Blue Collar Leadership is created and hosted by Mack Story.
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