Hard Knock University Podcast
Hard Knock University Podcast
Podcast Description
The Hard Knock University Podcast is your go-to audio class for mastering the art and science of project management, straight from the pages of ”The Hard Knock School of Project Management” by host Mark Caples. Each episode peels back the layers of traditional project management teachings, offering raw, real-world insights that only come from years in the field. Here, theory meets practice as Mark dissects common project management scenarios, shares personal anecdotes, and interviews guests who’ve navigated the complex waters of project leadership. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned pro, this podcast will challenge your thinking, inspire new strategies, and provide a community for discussing the highs and lows of managing projects with authenticity and humor. Tune in to learn how to turn every project challenge into an opportunity for growth, innovation, and success.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast delves into various themes surrounding project management, including leadership challenges, effective negotiation, and the importance of embracing discomfort for growth. Notable episodes feature discussions on topics like making tough leadership decisions in 'Being The Bad Guy,' debunking the myth of omniscience in 'The Myth of Omniscience,' and navigating complexities in projects as discussed in 'Navigating the Uncharted.'
👊 Hard Lessons Learned the Hard Way – with author & host Mark Caples
Welcome to Hard Knock University, where real-world challenges become powerful lessons in project management, leadership, and personal growth. No fluff—just battle-tested wisdom from expert interviews, book reviews, and raw, real-life stories.
What You’ll Get:
✅ Practical project management insights you can use today.
📖 Book breakdowns packed with leadership & communication strategies.
🎙️ Unfiltered interviews with industry pros sharing real lessons.
⚡ Actionable takeaways to sharpen your skills.
Why Subscribe?
🚀 Master leadership, communication, and problem-solving.
💡 Learn from real successes and failures.
🤝 Join a no-BS community built on experience.
📖 Grab the full playbook! The Hard Knock School of Project Management → LeadershipKnocks.com
🔔 Subscribe for weekly insights.
💬 Comment & share your #HardKnockLessons!
#ProjectManagement #Leadership #BusinessPodcast #Entrepreneurship #PersonalDevelopment
In this REMIXED episode of Hard Knock University, Mark Caples takes you through Chapter 1 of The Hard Knock School of Project Management with real-world lessons from a disastrous home renovation project. Discover 7 project management truths every PM, contractor, or team leader needs to hear. From scope creep and stakeholder chaos to language barriers and permit nightmares—this one’s a crash course in navigating the storm.
🎤 Then, Mark interviews Johnny Buonadonna, a former police officer who traded his badge for blueprints. Johnny shares how he broke into the construction game, what he learned the hard way, and why integrity matters more than any invoice. If you’re thinking about starting a construction business with just a truck and a hundred bucks, don’t miss this conversation.
📚 Book of the Week: Trillion Dollar Coach by Eric Schmidt
🧠 Knockback Q&A: Respect, ghosting contractors, and micromanagement
🎧 Bonus: Mark’s unfiltered rants, whiskey wisdom, and gear geek-outs.
👉 Grab the book: https://leadershipknocks.com/book
📩 Join the newsletter: LeadershipKnocks.com
📺 Subscribe to the podcast: @HardKnockUniversity
Podcast Timestamps: 00:00 Intro & Remix Setup
03:00 Chapter 1 Breakdown: The Chaos Project
12:00 7 Brutal Project Management Lessons
20:00 Book of the Week: Trillion Dollar Coach
30:00 Interview: Johnny Buonadonna’s Career Pivot
40:00 Knockback Q&A (Listener Questions)
45:00 Closing Thoughts + What’s Next
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.