The Drywall Podcast - Where the Trade Meets the Craft

When Chris Gibbs first hit Instagram as @ricketyclicketychris, he caught the trade's attention instantly. Beyond the unforgettable handle is a veteran craftsman who proves it’s never too late to embrace new tools, build a digital presence,and master the trade. In this episode, Nick sits down with Chris to unpack his journey: The Social Media Spark: What drove a 57-year-old drywaller to start posting online and why his authentic, craft-focused content resonates with the trade. The Canadian Trek: Chris’s quest across Canada in search of higher-level theological knowledge, leading him back home to his beginnings. Trade Philosophy & Union Life: His intentional approach to finishing, why joining the Union was a pivotal career move, and how continuous learning keeps the passion alive. Nick and Chris share great chemistry in a conversation packed with wisdom for both seasoned journeymen and the next generation coming up. Sponsor: Today’s episode is brought to you by Walls & Ceilings Magazine. Stay ahead of industry trends, tool reviews,and trade insights by visiting www.wconline.com and signing up for their newsletter today!  

  If you were looking to hire someone with an all-encompassing view of the walls and ceilings industry, Mark Fowler would be your guy. From trade authorship to architecture and structural assemblies, Mark has a unique knack for finding out what makes the wall systems industry tick. Born into the trade as the son of a plasterer, Mark initially seemed bound for the same path—until a nagging curiosity to learn more about architecture and industry-wide design called him forward. Although he quickly realized architecture couldn't match the money he was already making on the hawk and trowel, Mark leveraged his hands-on field knowledge to expand his impact far beyond the job site. In this episode, Nick sits down with Mark to trace a career spanning over 50 years years with the groups like the Northwest Wall and Ceiling Bureau, an architectural group in Seattle, serving as Executive Director of the Stucco Manufacturers Association, and ultimately becoming the Editorial Director of Walls & Ceilings Magazine. Whether you're tuning in for a deep dive into the inner physical properties of plaster assemblies or looking to gain insight from a fellow tradesman who literally wrote the book on wall and ceiling systems, there is a massive amount of wisdom to absorb in this conversation. Key Topics Covered: Mark Fowler’s transition from plasterer’s son to industry leader Balancing trade work, architecture, and career evolution Insights from 11 years at the Northwest Wall and Ceiling Bureau Standardizing stucco and plaster through the Stucco Manufacturers Association Technical dynamics and physical properties of modern plaster assemblies Editorial perspectives on where the wall and ceiling trades are heading Sponsor: This episode of The Drywall Podcast is brought to you by Walls & Ceilings Magazine. Stay ahead of industry trends, technical updates, and trade insights. Find out more and subscribe today at wconline.com.

Episode 181: Rob Knight & Phoenix Mud – History, Friendly Competition, and Innovation Before we were collaborators, Rob Knight and I were direct competitors. When I first moved to Albuquerque and launched Fresco Harmony, Rob was rolling out Variance—backed by the kind of backing and resources that made it a household name in specialty finishes overnight. But when I hit a wall on an exterior project early on, I knew Rob was the go-to authority for exterior products. I reached out for advice, and that single phone call laid the groundwork for years of mutual respect, product vetting, and collaboration. Over the years, Rob has brought various products to me to test—from Armourtone to host of other specialty lines. But this time was different. Rob stopped by with Phoenix, a revolutionary all-purpose powder joint compound engineered to eliminate the need for separate taping and topping muds while dramatically boosting eco-friendliness on the job site. Beyond the tech specs of Phoenix Mud, I managed to steer our conversation into a deep dive on our shared past and the massive impact the Knight family has had on the drywall, exterior, and specialty finish industries. As a seasoned veteran of the trade, Rob brings a calm, measured perspective packed with rich history and deep practical knowledge. Whether you’re interested in the future of powder compounds or the history of trade innovations, you’re bound to walk away with valuable insights on this 181st episode of The Drywall Podcast. Sponsor: This episode of The Drywall Podcast is brought to you by Walls & Ceilings Magazine. Stay ahead of industry news, tool updates, and trade trends. Subscribe today by visiting www.wconline.com—you’ll be glad you did.

On this October 1st, marking the anniversary of his passing, we are re-airing a special conversation. Episode 180 is our very first rerun on The Drywall Podcast, dedicated to honoring and celebrating the life and legacy of Kameron "ItsYaManKam" Brown. Kam was an influential figure in the trade and a deeply missed guiding light in my own life. While he is no longer with us, his impact on the drywall industry and everyone he touched continues to endure. In this episode, Kam and I dive into a project where he applied Fresco Harmony directly over old wood paneling—a methodology many thought was crazy, but one that both Kam and I have proven works time and time again. We share our approaches, trade ideas back and forth, and talk shop like old friends do. Re-airing this episode gives us all a chance to reconnect and have a brief reunion with Kam. Join us as we remember an exceptional craftsman, teacher, and friend. Sponsor: This episode of The Drywall Podcast is proudly brought to you by CanAm Tools. Upgrade your finishing setup by visiting canamtool.com and use promo code PODCAST at checkout to receive free shipping on orders over $150.00.

  Very excited to have another Australian on the show! Introducing Anthony Axon of Axon Plastering for his first appearance on The Drywall Podcast. Anthony is one of those guys I wish had been my instructor when I was coming up in the trade. He’s knowledgeable, patient, and exceptionally approachable. He also happens to be an official trade teacher in Australia—meaning he actually teaches drywall for a living, and he genuinely loves doing it. We dive deep into his role as an educator, his hands-on approach to drywall and plastering techniques, maintaining physical health in a demanding trade, and how he manages work-life balance. You can tell right away that Anthony is anything but lazy on this, the 179th episode of The Drywall Podcast. Sponsor: This episode of The Drywall Podcast is brought to you by CanAm Tools. Visit canamtool.com and use promo code PODCAST at checkout to get free shipping on your next order of $150 or more. And tell ’em Nick from The Drywall Podcast sent ya!