The Maker & The Mix; The Craft Concrete Experience
by Jeff Girard
Welcome to The Maker & The Mix; The Craft Concrete Experience, the weekly podcast by The Concrete Countertop Institute (CCI). Join Jeff Girard and Caleb Lawson as they dive into the fascinating world of concrete craftsmanship, mix design, and materials. Gain valuable insights and inspiration to take your concrete creations to the next level.Listen to us on Spotify every week as we explore innovative techniques, industry trends, and the artistry behind concrete. From countertops to furniture and beyond, we'll share our expertise and knowledge to help you succeed in the world of concrete.
Episodes
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Season 2, Episode 8: Crafting the Future; Technology and Business in Craft Concrete
In Episode 8 of Season 2, "Crafting the Future - Innovations in Concrete," hosts Jeff and Caleb embark on a deep dive into the latest materials and techniques revolutionizing the concrete countertop industry. They revisit the pros and cons of various casting surfaces like melamine, MDO, and more,...
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Season 2, Episode 7: Embracing the Soul of Craft Concrete
Season 2, Episode 7: Embracing the Soul of Craft Concrete Are you ready to immerse yourself in a world where authenticity meets artistry? Join Caleb Lawson and Jeff Girard in a captivating conversation that transcends the boundaries of craftsmanship and explores the profound philosophy of working...
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Season 2, Episode 6: Mastering the Surface: The Conundrum of Casting Tables
Season 2, Episode 6: Mastering the Surface: The Conundrum of Casting Tables Join us in Season 2, Episode 6 of "The Maker and the Mix," as Jeff and Caleb delve into the art and science of choosing the perfect casting surfaces for concrete projects. In this insightful conversation, they explore the...
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Season 2, Episode 5: Concrete Connections: Crafting Quality and Creativity
Season 2, Episode 5: Concrete Connections: Crafting Quality and Creativity In this enlightening episode of our podcast, we dive into the fascinating interplay between entertainment and education in the realm of craft concrete. Join us as we explore the nuances of effective communication, the art…
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Season 2, Episode 4: The Perfect Mix - Choosing the Right Concrete Mixer
Season 2, Episode 4: The Perfect Mix - Choosing the Right Concrete Mixer Season 2, Episode 4: The Perfect Mix - Choosing the Right Concrete Mixer Season 2, Episode 4 of 'The Maker & The Mix' takes you on an explorative journey into the world of concrete mixers. Listen in as the hosts dissect the...
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Season 2, Episode 3: Seven Success Tips for the Craft Concrete Artisan
Season 2, Episode 3: Seven Success Tips for the Craft Concrete Artisan Season 2, Episode 3: Seven Success Tips for the Craft Concrete Artisan Join us in Season 2, Episode 3 of 'The Maker & The Mix' for a deep dive into 'Seven Success Tips for the Craft Concrete Artisan'. Caleb and Jeff bring…
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Season 2, Episode 2: Solid Foundations - Building Relationships and Reliability in Craft Concrete
Season 2, Episode 2: Solid Foundations - Building Relationships and Reliability in Craft Concrete Season 2 of 'The Maker & The Mix' continues with Episode 2, a treasure trove of insights for any craft artisan. Jeff and Caleb delve into the nuances of nurturing robust relationships with designers...
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Season 2, Episode 1: New Horizons - A Look Back and the Exciting Road Ahead
Season 2, Episode 1: New Horizons - A Look Back and the Exciting Road Ahead Season 2, Episode 1: New Horizons - A Look Back and the Exciting Road Ahead Welcome to the inaugural episode of Season 2 of 'The Maker & The Mix'! Join Caleb and Jeff as they kick off the new season with an energetic shop...
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Episode 35: The Strength in Diversity - Casting Methods and Concrete Science
Episode 35: The Strength in Diversity - Casting Methods and Concrete Science Episode 35: The Strength in Diversity - Casting Methods and Concrete Science In the face of technical hiccups, Episode 35 of 'The Maker & The Mix' emerges as a treasure trove of concrete knowledge. Join Caleb and Jeff as...
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Episode 36: Crafting Your Path - Business Models and Goals in Concrete Artistry
Episode 36: Crafting Your Path - Business Models and Goals in Concrete Artistry As we close out Season 1 and 2023, Episode 36 of 'The Maker & The Mix' takes a sharp turn towards the business acumen required in the craft concrete artisan industry. Caleb and Jeff delve into the critical analysis of...
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Episode 34: Global Craftsmanship - Realizing a Client's Vision in Concrete
Episode 34: Global Craftsmanship - Realizing a Client's Vision in Concrete Episode 34: Global Craftsmanship - Realizing a Client's Vision in Concrete In Episode 34 of 'The Maker & The Mix,' hosts Caleb and Jeff recap the thrill and success of the recent full Ultimate Craft Concrete Workshop. This...
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Episode 33: Mastering Craft Concrete - The Essence of Authenticity and Consistency
Episode 33: Mastering Craft Concrete - The Essence of Authenticity and Consistency Episode 33: Mastering Craft Concrete - The Essence of Authenticity and Consistency In Episode 33 of 'The Maker & The Mix', Caleb and Jeff delve into the essential principles of Authenticity and Consistency in the...
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Episode 32: Celebrating Craftsmanship and Community
Episode 32: Celebrating Craftsmanship and Community Episode 32: Celebrating Craftsmanship and Community In this episode of "The Maker & The Mix," we reflect on the monumental successes we've witnessed recently. From the ambitious 160 square foot coffee bar that stands as a testament to skill and...
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Episode 31: Halloween Spooks & Concrete Realities
Episode 31: Halloween Spooks & Concrete Realities In this Halloween edition of "The Maker & The Mix," we start with a bit of a scare as Caleb remarks on the unusually deep timbre of Jeff's voice. It turns out to be a mere trick of the connection, not a pact with the supernatural. Once the…
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Episode 30: The Criterion of Concrete Testing - Trust but Verify
Episode 30 Description Episode 30: The Criterion of Concrete Testing - Trust but Verify In the vast realm of craft concrete, merely stating that a material undergoes testing is not sufficient. It's the evidence, the shared results, and the transparency that truly matter. Join us in this episode…
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Episode 29: Concrete Clarity – The Anatomy of GFRC, UHPC, and Beyond
Episode 29: Concrete Clarity – The Anatomy of GFRC, UHPC, and Beyond Join Jeff and Caleb in Episode 29 of "The Maker & The Mix" as they illuminate the intricacies of GFRC, UHPC, and other concrete mixes. Embark on a journey that traces the roots, defines the jargon, and uncovers the unmatched...
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Episode 28: Exposing the Wizard – The Cornerstone of Concrete Knowledge
Journey with us in this episode of "The Maker and the Mix" as Jeff and Caleb pull back the curtain, exposing the intricate science and robust testing that underpins CCI's reputation in the concrete craft world. At the heart of CCI's ethos lies a profound commitment to results and a relentless...
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Episode 27: The Journey of Dylan Myers - Commercial Craft, Pitfalls & A Decade in the Game.
Episode 27: The Journey of Dylan Myers – Commercial Craft, Pitfalls & A Decade in the Game Hold onto your seats; this episode of "The Maker & The Mix" ain't for the faint-hearted. Warning: this episode contains explicit language. Jeff and Caleb sit down with the raw, unfiltered force of nature…
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Episode 26: From Calculations to Craft - Dian Mullis' Concrete Transformation
In this captivating installment of "The Maker and the Mix," Caleb and Jeff sit down with CCI alumna, Dian Mullis of Pro Concrete Countertops, based in Minnesota. Dian shares her profound journey, shifting gears from a white-collar engineer to a blue-collar concrete artisan. From precise equations...
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Episode 25: Engineering Art & Mastery - Jason Johnston's Craft Concrete Odyssey
In this episode of "The Maker & The Mix", we're joined by Montreal's premier craft concrete artisan, Jason Johnston of Béton Johnstone Architectural. Delve into Jason's transformative journey, where he emphasizes the pivotal role of comprehensive training and its lasting impact on his craft. The...
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Episode 24: Crafting the Ultimate Value – Engineering, Mentorship, and Alumni Insights
In this episode of "The Maker and The Mix," Jeff Girard and Caleb Lawson tackle the essence of what makes CCI's Ultimate course a foundational cornerstone for anyone in the craft concrete industry. Discover why the course is designed not just to teach you finishes, but to instill a deep-rooted...
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Episode 23: Striking the Perfect Balance—Fiber, Fluidity, and Engineered Confidence
Episode 23: Striking the Perfect Balance—Fiber, Fluidity, and Engineered Confidence In Episode 23, Jeff and Caleb explore the intricate balance between fiber loads and fluidity in concrete mixes, a topic that is both crucial and timely for the industry. They begin by discussing Engineered...
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Episode 22: Unveiling the Truth—Alpha Products' Strength, and the Ethics of Context
Episode 22: Unveiling the Truth—Alpha Products' Strength and the Ethics of Context In this enlightening episode, Jeff and Caleb don't hold back. First on the agenda is the critical issue of context manipulation—how taking statements out of context for competitive advantage isn't just misleading,...
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The Maker & The Mix, Episode 21: Navigating Business with Wisdom and Purpose - Caleb and Jeff
In Episode 21 of The Maker and the Mix Podcast, hosts Jeff Girard and Caleb Lawson delve deep into the realm of wisdom and purpose in business, drawing inspiration from the insightful principles of ancient literature. The episode transcends the surface-level chatter, offering a profound…
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The Maker & The Mix, Episode 20: Decoding Craft Concrete: Micro-Coatings, Aesthetics, and the Patina Paradigm - Jeff & Caleb
Dive deep with Jeff and Caleb in this engaging episode of "The Maker & The Mix" as we dissect and redefine the terms that often cloud the narrative in our niche concrete industry. Beginning with the essence of Omega and Ovation, we reestablish these products not merely as sealers, but as "Clear,...
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The Maker & the Mix, Episode 19: Strength in Numbers - The Alpha Advantage & Beyond
**Episode 19 of The Maker & the Mix: Strength in Numbers: The Alpha Advantage & Beyond Welcome to an episode that is all about strength and speed. Join Jeff and Caleb as they unravel the game-changing capabilities of Alpha Polymer in Episode 19 of The Maker and the Mix. Imagine increasing the...
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The Maker & The Mix, Episode 18: From Raw Materials to Revolutionary Products: The Journey of Innovation - Jeff and Caleb
Join hosts Caleb Lawson and Jeff Girard on a captivating journey in this episode of The Maker & The Mix, as we delve into the transition 'From Raw Materials to Revolutionary Products.' We explore the diverse world of concrete countertops, furniture, tile, and artwork, elucidating the core…
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The Maker & The Mix Podcast, Episode 17: Outdoor Concrete Countertops, Materials selection, Sealer For Exteriors, and Best Practices - Jeff and Caleb
Welcome to The Maker & The Mix Podcast, Episode 17! Exciting news - Caleb Lawson is now a co-owner of The Concrete Countertop Institute (CCI). Congratulations, Caleb! In this episode, we delve deep into outdoor concrete countertops, offering valuable insights to elevate your craftsmanship. Learn...
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The Maker & The Mix Podcast Episode 16: How to Seal Concrete Countertops Quickly - Caleb and Jeff
Join Caleb and Jeff in Episode 16 of The Maker & The Mix podcast as they delve into the art of sealing concrete countertops quickly and effectively. In this episode, titled "How to Seal Concrete Countertops Quickly," Caleb demonstrates the application process of the renowned Omega Concrete...
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The Maker & The Mix Podcast, Episode 15: Wave a Dead Chicken Over It! Troubleshooting Problems in the Concrete Countertop and Furniture Craft - Caleb and Jeff
The Maker & The Mix Podcast, Episode 15: Wave a Dead Chicken Over It! Troubleshooting Problems in the Concrete Countertop and Furniture Craft Join Caleb and Jeff as they dive into the world of troubleshooting in the concrete craft. In this episode, aptly titled "Wave a Dead Chicken Over it," we...
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The Maker & The Mix, Episode 14: Seal the Deal...An Unintentional discussion on Concrete Countertop and Furniture Sealers - Caleb and Jeff
The Maker & The Mix, Episode 14: Seal the Deal...An Unintentional discussion on Concrete Countertop and Furniture Sealers In this captivating episode of Maker and Mix, join Jeff and Caleb as they dive deep into the fascinating world of concrete sealers. While their original plan was to explore…
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The Maker & The Mix, Episode 13: Is Concrete Really Concrete? An Exploration of Misconceptions about Concrete as a Medium for Countertops and Furniture - Caleb and Jeff
Welcome to episode 13 of the Maker and the Mix podcast, where Jeff and Caleb take on a fascinating topic that will challenge your understanding of concrete: "Is concrete really concrete?" In this eye-opening discussion, they tackle the mis/disinformation surrounding concrete in our field and…
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The Maker & The Mix, Episode 12: Integrity in Business. Elevating Your Craft by Lifting Others Up. A Moment in Our Industry Provokes a Thoughtful Topic of Conversation - Caleb and Jeff
In this thought-provoking episode, we delve into the significance of integrity in business and shed light on recent questionable actions we learned about through another podcast. We strongly denounce dishonesty and engage in a profound exploration of the principles of integrity, its…
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Bonus Episode: The Ultimate Creative Concrete Course Experience - What to Expect
In this bonus episode of The Maker & The Mix, Caleb dives into into the extraordinary experience awaiting you at The Concrete Countertop Institute's Ultimate Creative Concrete Course. Join us as we unravel the transformative journey that awaits you in this immersive training program.Discover the...
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Episode 11: How Pozzolans Work in Concrete Countertop Mix Designs
Join us as we take a deep dive into the world of pozzolans in concrete countertop mix designs. Discover the technical intricacies of how pozzolans work at a chemical level, their role in enhancing concrete properties, and the why and how of incorporating them into your mix designs.But don't…
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Episode 10: Growing Your Business with Lunch and Learns
In this insightful episode, we uncover the power of lunch and learns as a strategic tool to grow your creative concrete business. Learn how to leverage these valuable sessions and other effective techniques to build relationships with top architects and interior designers, opening doors to new...
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Episode 9: Casting Techniques for Concrete Countertops, Virtues & Vices
Are you team precast or cast in place? In this episode, we dive into the debate surrounding these two casting techniques for concrete countertops. We discuss the virtues and vices of each method, exploring when cast in place becomes necessary to avoid seams. Join us as we provide a balanced...
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Episode 8: The Importance of Community
Join us for an inspiring episode of The Maker & The Mix as we reflect on the transformative Legends of Rock class from last week. Discover the immense value of community in the world of creative concrete professionals and the power it holds in fostering growth and innovation. We also delve into…
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Episode 7: Live From Legends of Rock
Join us for an exciting episode of The Maker & The Mix as we take you live to the captivating Legends of Rock class. Immerse yourself in the energy and creativity of this extraordinary event as we meet attendees from all around the world, including Switzerland, Australia, Texas, New Jersey, and...
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Episode 6: Setting Client Expectations
Join us for an enlightening episode of The Maker & The Mix as we delve into the crucial topic of setting client expectations in the creative concrete industry. Discover why effectively managing expectations can be the key to success for your business, and gain valuable insights on how to…
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Episode 5: How to Prevent Cracks in Concrete Countertops
In this episode of The Maker & The Mix, we explore the intriguing world of concrete cracks. Join us as we unravel the mysteries behind the various types of cracks that can occur in concrete, uncover the reasons behind their occurrence, and reveal effective strategies to prevent them.For...
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The Maker & The Mix Podcast, Episode 4: Maximizing Efficiency with Shop Organization - Jeff and Caleb
Get ready to revolutionize your workspace with Episode 4 of The Maker & The Mix, as we delve into the art of 'Shop Organization.' Discover how decluttering and optimizing your studio can enhance productivity, reduce stress, and give you the freedom to focus on what matters - your concrete...
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Episode 3: Buddy Rhodes: Clay, gunpowder, concrete countertops...
In an exhilarating new episode of The Maker & The Mix titled "Buddy Rhodes: Clay, gunpowder, concrete countertops...," we delve into the captivating journey of Buddy Rhodes, a potter turned industry pioneer. Join us as we hear firsthand from Buddy himself about his transformational journey, the...
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Episode 2: Polymer, Who Needs It?
In the captivating second episode of The Maker & The Mix, titled "Polymer: Who needs it?", Caleb Lawson and Jeff Girard dive deep into the world of polymers and their role in the realm of concrete. Join us as we unravel the mysteries behind this essential ingredient and explore its significance…
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Episode 1: The Plywood Violin
Welcome to The Maker & The Mix, the weekly podcast by The Concrete Countertop Institute (CCI). Join Caleb Lawson and Jeff Girard as they dive into the fascinating world of concrete craftsmanship, mix design, and materials. Gain valuable insights and inspiration to take your concrete creations to...
About this show
Welcome to The Maker & The Mix; The Craft Concrete Experience, the weekly podcast by The Concrete Countertop Institute (CCI). Join Jeff Girard and Caleb Lawson as they dive into the fascinating world of concrete craftsmanship, mix design, and materials. Gain valuable insights and inspiration to take your concrete creations to the next level.Listen to us on Spotify every week as we explore innovative techniques, industry trends, and the artistry behind concrete. From countertops to furniture and beyond, we'll share our expertise and knowledge to help you succeed in the world of concrete.
Hosted by
Jeff Girard
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