The Bricklaying Show

Ash Mahoney chats with Olly Sharp, who is Head of Key Accounts at Ibstock - the UK’s largest brick manufacturer. This episode uncovers how the bricks behind Britain’s homes and skylines are made. From factories producing up to 300,000 bricks a day to the journey from clay extraction to land restoration, they explore the scale, innovation and future of the industry, including how Ibstock creates more than 450 types of brick and keeps up with demand in a changing construction market. 

Ash Mahoney asks a big question: are we teaching bricklaying the right way?Joining Ash on this episode is Fix Radio legend and building trade icon Clive Holland, who questions whether the old-school general builder mindset may be disappearing.Other guests include Christian Hatherall-Good, who is a leader in delivering UK apprenticeships, as well as Jack Dawson - who is experienced in teaching the trade.

Ash Mahoney has been back on-site and is about six weeks into his work so far. Ash talks to Jason Dunsford who has about 15 gangs working on-site currently and finds out how he's finding the current site experiences with his Bricklayers and Groundworkers. Charlie Collison joins Ash so that Ash can share what he's observed with regards to how site work is now and compares notes with Charlie.

Rob Songer is back on to talk about mentoring young Bricklayers and the right and wrong ways to go about it. Rob talks about some notable apprentices and students that he's taught over the years, Talks about why he quit teaching at college and the issues with the way some of courses are delivered. Rob talks about examples of bad mentorship and lack of trust from more experienced bricklayers in learners. Harley Walker joins Ash to talk about his experiences learning from Rob, what Rob has taught him on and off the tools - why he's thankful to have had someone like Rob teach him the trade and what he's up to now.

Ash Mahoney catches up with regular guests from the Bricklaying trade and asks them about their start to the year. Dale Wherton gives an update on what happened with his stolen truck and tools and also talks about why he's decided to have a drastic career change. Izzy The Bricky talks about what he's up to on site and shares a major personal update and Colin Reid, well known on social media for his stone walls talks about the weather, an exciting opportunity to work overseas and some of the projects he's completed and will be working on as the weather improves.

Ash Mahoney looks into the challenges facing so many Bricklayers on site currently. From being snagged senseless, issues around storage of materials, issues with the NHBC and also some of the inconsistent quality that’s no doubt coming from many of these issues. John Cooper - well known on socials as - New Build Quality Control - talks about the quality he’s seen and what he thinks some of the problems are with the approach to house building and site work.Charlie Collison is frustrated about a lot of this and explains why and what needs to be done to sort it out! 

Ash & Andy Mahoney look into the new technology coming into the trade and find out what is being embraced as well as what there’s still uncertainty around. Simon Green from GSQ Brickwork & Ian Hodgkinson join the discussion.

Jack Dawson shares his experiences teaching and his passion for teaching. Jack talks about how many in the trade should really consider teaching, all the benefits and why your knowledge is needed. Jack also shares his own story of getting into Bricklaying, talks Super Trowel, The Brickwork Tutor's Toolbox and more.

Ash & Andy Mahoney are joined by Joe Short, Inventor and founder of the original Brick Jacket and Brick Jackets Ltd. Joe talks about starting out with his Dad and his experiences on site and the incredible story behind how he came up with his invention and made it a reality. 

Ash and Andy Mahoney are off to Las Vegas tomorrow (17th Jan) to compete at Spec Mix in Las Vegas. Ash talks about the dream which is 20 years in the making and the lengths he's gone to prepare. Tom Humphrey joins the discussion to share his preparation and journey to joining the Super Trowel team heading out the States.

Ash and Andy talk about their year in review and also look back on how 2025 has been for many in the Bricklaying trade. Andy talks about what he would like to see change for many Bricklayers out there next year, Ash touches on his mental health journey and Ash and Andy talk plans to compete again in Las Vegas, in the early part of 2026!

Ash and Andy Mahoney talk about the toll the trade can take on your body. Andy talks about his ailments but why he keeps going and will not stop as well. Charlie Collison joins the discussion and talks about his recent injury and some of the wear and tear he has from his 21 years on the trowel.

Ash Mahoney & Andy Mahoney talk to Andy Pali (well known as Bricklayers World With Andy on YouTube) to talk about the ways to behave, how to carry yourself and the bad behaviour you can encounter on-site.

Ash Mahoney & Andy Mahoney look into Professional Footballers with involvement in the Bricklaying trade. Former Premier League Striker, Charlie Austin talks about his experiences on site before signing professionally for Swindon Town at the age of 21. Toby Egan, Former Ipswich Town Goalkeeper shares his story of being released at the age of 19 and then finding a career in Bricklaying.

Ash Mahoney & Andy Mahoney talk to one of the best Stone Masons in the UK with Colin Reid joining them from Northern Ireland. Colin chats about how he got his start in the trade, some of his notable work, the challenges that come with the nature of his work, the tools, the materials and more! 

Ash Mahoney has his Dad, Andy sitting alongside him for another episode where they talk to Dale Wherton from PBS about his truck being stolen with all of his lifetime of  treasured tools. Dale talks about what happened, the nightmare of not having the tools he’s built up over years and the setbacks it’s created for his business. On the positive side, Dale talks about those in the Bricklaying community that helped him out - like Kirk Wright (Blade) who also joins the show to discuss tool theft and van break-ins.

Ash Mahoney is joined again by his Dad, Andy to talk about robot bricklayers, the recent controversy around super trowel and also some quick advice for anyone working on-site currently. 

Ash brings his dad, well respected and experienced Bricklayer, Andy Mahoney back onto the show to talk about the current experience, rates of pay and working conditions on-site in 2025. They talk about what needs to improve and why they would back a strike over current potential earnings on site.

Charlie Collison returns to talk to Ash Mahoney about his current work and experiences on site currently. Charlie explains why he feels 2025 has been a bad year for the Bricklaying trade and also touches on some unspoken truths of the trade.

Ash Mahoney is joined by Josh Oldman AKA Josh The Bricky - another member of the 700 club. The 700 club is an exclusive group of us that have laid 700 bricks at the Super Trowel finals. They talk about work on the tools, approach to competing at Super Trowel, tools and more.

Ash Mahoney is joined by Dale Wherton from (PBS) Potteries Bricklaying Services Ltd. to discuss his experiences in the trade, his thoughts on the Bricklaying trade, his journey to competing at Super Trowel and his place in the 700 club.

Ash Mahoney is joined by Ben Broad from Broad Landscapes to discuss some of his standout jobs, his experiences on the tools, creating content on social media, tools and more! 

Ash Mahoney invites Adrian Finlay from Finelay Construction to join him and discuss his work as a Heritage Bricklayer after many of you got in touch to say we HAVE to talk to him about the quality of his work. Adrian gets on to some very serious points about why he's worried about the future of the trade and more.

Ash Mahoney is joined by Rob Songer and Craig Todd so that they can discuss some of their all-time and current notable projects 

Ash Mahoney is joined by two Heritage Bricklayers to find out what it's like to specialise in, some of the notable projects, the skills and effort that goes into this work and more. Guests include: Jonny Dennis from JYD Heritage Brickwork & Touchpointing & Jack Phillips from Phillips Heritage

Peter Roberts returns to discuss the trade as a whole and every aspect.. From how we learn, to what we earn

Ash Mahoney is joined by legend of the trade, Peter Roberts so that he can discuss his experiences in the trade, creating the Brickwork Tutors Toolbox, Experiences judging at skills competitons and more 

Ash Mahoney is joined by two Bricklayers so that he can ask them about their preferred workwear, boots, gloves, bad fashion choices, how attire changes as the weather does and also how some workwear can be improved and replaced. Guests include: Izzy The Bricky & The Benchin' Bricky, Harrison Elliott

Ash Mahoney is joined by Andy Pali (Bricklayers World with Andy - on YouTube) to discuss how he got into the trade, his experiences working around the world, his thoughts on the trade currently and how we're gonna bring the next generation of Bricklayers through

Ash Mahoney invites Garry Staines, Managing Director of GSQ Brickwork into the studio for a chat. Garry talks about his career experiences and journey he's been on with GSQ, Garry talks in depth about site work and his plan to address the skills crisis in the trade.

Ash Mahoney is joined by fellow Bricklayers so that he can ask them how they approach getting their work site set up and communicating with labourers and those setting up. Guests include: Ian Challinor AKA Changy The Bricky, Andy Pali (Bricklayers World With Andy), Harrison Elliott AKA The Benchin' Bricky

Ash Mahoney looks at the current approach to health and safety for Bricklayers on larger building sites. Has it gone too far? Are you better protected than ever before? What are some of the ways health and safety is being implemented currently? Ash talks about all of this and more. Guests include: Sam La Roche (Health & Safety Consultant for GSQ) & Jason Dunsford from Dunsford Substructures

Ash Mahoney has invited his Dad (Andy Mahoney) to join him in the studio and share his experiences in the trade as well as some thoughts on how to be the best bricklayer you can be, house building and the trade as a whole

Ash Mahoney is joined by Pete Roberts, who will be judging at the Spec Mix 500 in Las Vegas, to discuss what the team can expect out there in terms of the competition and how they'll be judged. Ash also talks to Joe Short and Jack Dawson, who have been a huge part in getting the team out to the States as well as making Super Trowel happen at the Marshall Arena in MK

Ash Mahoney is on his way to Las Vegas to compete at Spec Mix 2025 in Las Vegas, the biggest Bricklaying world skills event in existance. Ash is joined by Charlie Collison, who also joins the team to head out there and compete, to discuss how he's prepared for the competition. Ash also talks to his Dad, Andy Mahoney, who will be labouring for Ash and is joined by young Bricklayers Kyle & Ben (as well as hod carrier Kurt) as they prepare to compete at Spec Mix as well. Super Trowel would like to thank sponsors: Jewson, Wienerberger & CPI euromix

On his final show of 2024, Ash Mahoney talks to fellow Bricklayers about how their year was for them. Guests include: Dean Haywood & Izzy The Bricky

Ash Mahoney is joined by guests from the trade to discuss how to predict demand for your services over the course of a year in the trade. Guests Include: Lee Fuller & Andy Mahoney

Ash Mahoney is joined by guests from the construction industry so that he can bring you an overview of the news and developments you need to know from this year, as a Bricklayer. Ash talks with the Federation of Master Builders CEO Brian Berry & also Gary Staines from GSQ Brickwork Limited

Ash Mahoney is joined by three Bricklayers to discuss their approach to winning work and the quoting process. There’s tips, tricks, previous experiences (good & bad) and different methods discussed with guests. Guests include: Al Porthouse, James Rodon & James Naughton

Ash Mahoney continues his recent look at skills in Bricklaying. Ash has invited to two quality Bricklayers to join him and discuss their thoughts on skills and the journey they've been on honing and perfecting their own skills. Guests include: Luke Lovegrove & Chris Tambeh

Ash Mahoney is joined by well known and incredibly knowledgeable Bricklayer, Rob Songer to discuss skills in the trade. Rob and Ash discuss how you can improve and upskill, what skills are being lost or not taught as widely as they should be, Rob talks about how he learnt the skills he has and how they benefit him with regards to the work he completes

Are you tired of working and living here and could imagine working in Australia as a Bricklayer? Ash Mahoney is joined by Darcie Richards AKA Rattle Kings to discuss her experiences working on sites in Australia. Darcie talks about how she came to work there, What the visas she needed were, How to find work, What the work is like and the pros and cons of working there as a Bricklayer. There’s also some tips and insight on what to bring, What the gangs will be like, living circumstances and when they crack the beers open

Ash Mahoney is joined by Steve and Alex, a well known father and son bricklaying partnership to talk to them about their experiences working together. Ash is then joined by his own father, Andy Mahoney so that they can discuss their previous years working together

Ash Mahoney is joined by Connor from Price My Project, who is a Quantity Surveyor that Ash brought into his business with incredible results. Ash talks about the need to delegate, why bringing in a QS makes sense and money for his business, Ash and Connor discuss how they work together, talk about quoting, running a business and also how you can start working with a QS like Connor

Ash Mahoney invites Bricklayers to join him and talk about funny moments, people and mistakes made on-site. Guests are: Charlie Collison, Izzy The Bricky & Al The Trowel

As Mahoney takes over the Bricklaying Show and brings you his first episode where he talks to two members of the trade, well known on social media, about how they got into the trade, got involved with social media and became part of the amazing community of Bricklayers here in the UK

Izzy The Bricky is joined by Chris Tambeh from Fortify Construction Ltd. & Rob Songer to discuss some of their amazing chimney stacks. They talk about the design phase, the building and techniques that went into the work and also how you can learn these skills too 

Izzy The Bricky invites show regular, James Naughton (26) to join him and talk about his experiences on the tools and running businesses in the trade so far. James talks through his early days in detail, the trials and tribulations of his business management experiences and everything that he loves about the trade 

Izzy The Bricky is joined by Charlie Collison and James Roden to discuss working through the British summer. They talk about how it really is the best season for bricklayers in the UK but also comes with it's challenges. Everything from unpredictable weather, sunstroke, suncream, wet bricks, when to take time off, how late you work until and much more

Izzy the Bricky talks to three guests who have had a variety of experiences in the trade about how you can get good quality and consistent work. Izzy also asks why it's sometimes hard to progress and move up the ladder in your career as a bricklayer. James Naughton talks about his already incredibly varied career in the trade at the age of 26 and gives his thoughts on why some are struggling to find work. Lee Fuller, talks about how he left the trade entirely and then came back bigger and better than ever and Lee Blower, an accomplished bricklayer gives some sound advice