Guest Introduction: Kayleen McCabe

Episode Description

In this episode we sit down with contractor, TV host, and workforce development champion Kayleen McCabe. From growing up around tools and sawdust to hosting DIY Network’s Rescue Renovation, Kayleen’s journey is anything but ordinary. She opens up about her winding path through construction and television, founding the McCabe Foundation, and her unwavering mission to advocate for vocational education and mental health on the job site.

This episode dives deep into how early tinkering turned into a lifelong calling, why storytelling matters in construction, and how being a former 911 dispatcher gave her the resilience to lead crews and inspire the next generation of tradespeople.

Key Takeaways

• Workforce development starts with storytelling: Kayleen uses her platform to connect with youth, parents, and veterans to demystify pathways into the trades.
• Mental health is a job site safety issue: Through here chaplaincy work, she’s helping normalize check-ins and emotional awareness on crews.
• TV taught her speed, construction taught her humility: Her time in production shaped how she leads and educates with compassion and efficiency.
• Passion fuels resilience: From barn doors to mentoring students, Kayleen embodies what it means to build with heart.