23+
Episodes
Built Without
Permission
The podcast for entrepreneurs who never waited for someone to hand them the blueprint.
Hosted by Matthew Mak — former architect, tow truck operator, landscaper, and equipment rental company owner. Raw, unfiltered conversations with real operators about real decisions, hard pivots, and expensive lessons. No theory. No fluff. No permission needed.
“This is the show for the ones who break ground before they feel ready.”
From the Feed
Two Worlds, One Calendar Jody Friedman on Decades in Music Supervision & Building a Coaching Business Without Sacrificing
In episode 23 of Built Without Permission, Matthew Mak interviews Jody Friedman, a serial entrepreneur, music industry professional, coach, and keynote speaker. Jody believed worki
Stop Leaving Money on the Table John Reay on AI Automation & How Businesses Can Win More Jobs From Marketing They're Already P
In episode 22 of Built Without Permission, Matthew Mak interviews John Reay, an entrepreneur and problem-solver whose journey across four different industries taught him one powerf
Crafted for Montana Levi Wanner on Building Custom Homes, Commercial Projects & a Construction Legacy Across Billings, Bozem
In episode 21 of Built Without Permission, Matthew Mak interviews Levi Wanner, a Montana-based homebuilder and entrepreneur who has spent approximately 25 years building and sellin
From CFP to CEO Rachel Erickson on Using Her Financial Knowledge to Bet on Herself & Build Barrel Room Media From the Gr
In episode 20 of Built Without Permission, Matthew Mak interviews Rachel Erickson, founder of Barrel Room Media, as she explains why culture, character, and values matter more than
From Survival to Strength Shaun Shubert on Growing Up Hard, Getting Out & Building the Reforged Method for Dads Who've L
In episode 19 of Built Without Permission, Matthew Mak interviews Shaun Shubert, a martial artist, chef, gym owner, coach, and entrepreneur from Boston, Massachusetts, to unpack th
Hands Off, Hands Down the Best Scott Dinan on Managing -1M+ Luxury Vacation Assets Across Manatee, Sarasota & Pinellas
In episode 18 of Built Without Permission, Matthew Mak interviews Scott Dinan, founder of Trust First Management, as he shares how this leadership shift helped create a culture whe
Your Wealth Starts With One Honest Conversation Laura Costa on 12+ Years of GTA Real Estate & the Communication That Changes
In episode 17 of Built Without Permission, Matthew Mak interviews Laura Costa, an Ontario real estate professional who has built her career around connection, adaptability, communi
Build a Business Worth Buying Brandon Smith of New Vision Projects on Trade-Up Coaching & What Contractors Need to Know
In episode 16 of Built Without Permission, Matthew Mak interviews Brandon Smith, Co-Founder of New Vision Projects, as he explains that having the best product or service means lit
No theory.
No fluff.
No permission needed.
Every episode dives into the real decisions, hard pivots, expensive lessons, and unconventional strategies that separate the people who talk about building something from the ones who actually do it.
Whether you're a tradesperson with an entrepreneurial itch, a business owner navigating your next reinvention, or someone who's been told your path doesn't make sense — this show is proof that the best businesses are rarely built by the book.
Real Operator Interviews
Guests who are actively building — not just talking about it
No Scripts, No Fluff
Raw conversations about what actually happened, not the highlight reel
100% Free to Listen
Every episode available on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music and more
New Episodes Every Tuesday
Consistent drops so you always have something worth playing on the drive
Start listening.
It's free.
23+ episodes and counting. Every conversation is one you'll want to replay.