The DIRT

a web series on Australian Mining

Episode 1: The Great Resignation

Welcome to Episode 1 of The DIRT where Richard talks about what the hell is going on with the labour shortage in Australian mining.

Episode 2: Work Life Imbalance

What is up with the demands of the modern workforce? Is it really about maintaining work/life balance, or is it about one life and the right attitude?

Episode 3: Are You Part of the Problem?

How are you dealing with the skilled workers shortage? Are you part of the problem, or are you actively looking for ways to overcome the talent gap and find the solution?

Episode 4: Same Job, Same Pay

Really? Check out what Richard has to say about this interesting concept.

Episode 5: The Right to Disconnect

Do we really need legislation to tell us when we don’t have to reply to work comms? When did common sense become uncommon?

Episode 6: Same Job, Same Pay 2

A continuation of a previous episode in response to a sh*t load of calls about the subject.

Episode 7: Mining in NSW

Not many people are aware of the seriously cool stuff happening in mining in NSW.

Episode 8: No Shows

You should hear some of the excuses we’ve heard for not showing up to work or for interviews. Seriously! Biggest question is what are we going to do about it?

Episode 9: No Shows

Are Australians worse off now than our parents were? Has the rising cost of living really made it so life in Australia so hard?

Episode 10: I Identify As…

Everyone has the right to identify as whatever they want, but how does that work when it comes to work? When have we taken this too far?

Episode 11: Tinder Recruiting

Swipe left or swipe right? Recruitment is very much like Tinder. But to make the relationship work, don’t both parties have to put in an effort?

Episode 12: Trade vs. Uni

What makes more sense? With all this pressure to go to Uni and get a degree, could many be missing a golden opportunity? What do you think?

Episode 13: Sickies

Do you know what was the most “sick” day in recent history? Isn’t it time to tackle this problem head on?

Episode 14: FIFO

Working FIFO in the mines is bloody hard. Make sure you have a good hard look at what exactly it entails to make sure you’re hard enough… and are prepared to handle it.

Episode 15: Nicknames

What are some of the best workplace nicknames you’ve heard? Do you know any broken arrows (doesn’t work and can’t be fired) or potholes (cause they’re always in the road)?

Episode 16: The Constant Gardener

If we really want our garden to thrive, should we constantly be pulling plants out and changing them? Or are we better off choosing the right seedlings, nurturing them and allowing them to grow?

Episode 17: Queensland Mining Expo… sed

With the QME fast approaching in Mackay, Richard explores the question of whether Queensland’s legislation about hiring local workers and avoiding FIFO camps is feasible.

BTS: Outtakes Episode 1

Get the dirt on the DIRT. To find the gold, you gotta sort through the crap. And there was a fair bit…

BTS: Outtakes Episode 2

More gold hidden in The DIRT. Contact us to let us know what challenges you’re facing with your recruitment strategy.

The DIRT: Mining Models Challenge

You think you can beat Richard? Put your money where your mouth is and take the Aston Mining Models Challenge. 4:44 is the time to beat. Get in touch with us to sign up for the challenge.

Episode 18: What is Fiji Time?

Ahhhh, Fiji time! Great for a holiday, but is it the right approach for getting sh*t done?

More importantly, how does Australia compare?

Episode 19: Nicknames (Part 2)

There were so many nicknames that came flooding in after Part 1, can’t help but share them. Don’t disappear when the going gets hard! Let us know what are the best nicknames you have heard.

Episode 20: Wines & Mines

Coming from deep in the Hunter Valley, Richard takes on the question of whether automation in Australian mining is gonna take jobs, or make jobs. And what you can do to make sure you’re not left behind.

Episode 21: Lack of Trades

Is there a shortage of trades in Australia? How have global events affected the talent pool? Interesting questions to ask yourself, and even more interesting is how have you prepared?.

Episode 22: “Mate”, is that Unprofessional?

About 29% of Aussies say ‘yes’. Have a listen to Richard’s feelings on the poll, and let us know if you agree.

Episode 23: Trade Shortage

Continuing on from a previous episode, Richard takes a closer look at how the drop in apprentices during COVID is still affecting the talent pool.

Episode 24: Retention = Success

It’s no secret that engaged, productive team members are good for business and morale. The real question is, ‘What do you do to ensure people stay?’

Golden Nuggets Episode 1

The first edition of a look back at all the little nuggets Richard has dug up so far from working the DIRT.

Episode 25: Melbourne Cup Sickies

Highest number of sickies this year was the days before and after the race. We all know it happens, so isn’t it time we talk about it honestly and bluntly?

Episode 26: How Not to Lose a Job

We’ve all heard the shockers – like the guy who thought showing off his, let’s say, personal pics was a good way to fit in. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t! From showing up on time to leaving your phone in the car, here’s the no-BS guide to nailing that first impression and actually keeping the job.

Episode 27: From Merry Christmas to Merry Resignation?

With Christmas coming up, had a chat with the team about the New Year? January’s when people start thinking, “Do I really wanna stay?” Don’t get caught short—set things straight now!

Episode 28: Are they JobFit?

Sick of hiring duds? Here’s the hard truth: if you’re not testing your workers, you’re setting yourself up to fail. At Aston, we run a Jobfit Challenge to weed out the pretenders… what’s your game plan?

Episode 29: Christmas Party Regret

‘Tis the season to be silly… but not so silly that you start the new year lined up at Centrelink. Do you have the hard conversations with your crew about what goes at the company shindig?

Episode 30: New Year, No Team?

January’s when everyone chucks it in—jobs, relationships, the lot. Christmas gives ‘em too much time to stew. So, have a yarn with your crew, lay out the New Year plan, and keep the team together!

Episode 31: People Management

Scared of holding your team accountable? Don’t be! Clear expectations are the key. People aren’t afraid of accountability when they know the standards. Set the bar, have the chats, and make managing less of a headache.

Episode 32: Care Factor

Isn’t it about time we started giving a sh*t again when it comes to work? When did basic manners go out of fashion? Respect given, is respect earned is what Richard says.

Episode 33: What’s Your Legacy?

References matter, so what legacy are you leaving? Do you want to be ‘the legend’ or ‘the liability’? Your call.

Episode 34: Nicknames (Part 3)

Back by popular demand… and also influenced by a heap of emails with some crackers we just had to share… here is Part 3 of Nicknames. Keep sending ’em in, or share a story about someone you know and how they got their nickname.

Golden Nuggets Episode 2

Richard’s back with another round of golden nuggets—straight talk, no fluff. You’ll want to tune in for this one.

Episode 35: Dodgy References? Do Your Homework!

Sick of hiring the wrong people? Maybe you’re not digging deep enough.

Episode 36: Explaining Generations

In this episode of The DIRT, Richard breaks down the quirks of every generation and why managing them feels like herding cats. Which generation are you backing?

Golden Nuggets Episode 3

Richard’s back with another round of golden nuggets—sharp insights, hard truths, and a few laughs. Check out the video!

Episode 37: Pay Rise

Want more money? Fair enough. But are you pulling your weight? Richard lays it out—pay rises come with expectations, not just a bigger weekend budget.

Episode 38: Sh*t Employees

Were they useless when you hired them, or did you make them that way? Richard breaks down why dodgy hiring and poor training could be costing you more than you think.

Episode 39: Problem Employees? Here’s the Fix

Asking for more money without doing the job properly? Bold move. Richard shares a real story about an employee who pushed for a raise—and got shown the door instead.

Episode 40: Employing Illegally

Think you’re saving money with ABN workers or underpaid overseas staff? Think again. Richard breaks down how dodgy hiring practices can come back to bite—hard.

Episode 41: The ‘Be Less Sh*t’ Challenge – Are You Up for It?

Want a pay rise? More flexibility? A promotion? Here’s a reality check from Richard—if you’re not improving, don’t expect more. Think you’re up for the challenge?

Episode 42: Underpaying Workers

Richard’s cracking open the truth about flat rates, ABNs, and dodgy payroll shortcuts. Think you’re saving money? Here’s what employers need to know before Fair Work comes knocking.

Episode 43: Richard Talks Politics

Richard’s calling it how he sees it—nuclear debates, pay transparency headaches, and policies that miss the mark. Real talk for real business owners.

Episode 44: Sick of Job Hunting? Just Give Us Your Number

Endless job ads getting you nowhere? Richard’s got one simple request: give us your number, d*ckhead! And let the Aston team do the heavy lifting.

Episode 45: Where Have All the Workers Gone?

Unemployment’s at 4%, but it feels like no one’s around. Richard’s back with a blunt reality check — and what employers need to do about it.

Episode 46: Who Sends a Calendar Invite at Bedtime?

When did email replace real communication? Richard shares a ridiculous story from a senior manager who got pinged for skipping a late-night meeting — and calls out the growing disconnect.

Episode 47: Turns Out ‘Be Less Sh*t’ Solves a Lot

Sick of hearing “we can’t find good staff”? So are we. Richard’s back with a story from Palm Cove and a simple idea that actually works: be a little less sh*t than yesterday. That’s how you level up.

Episode 48: The Best Person Gets the Job

Not here for token hires. If you’re the best person for the job, you’re in — doesn’t matter what’s in your pants. Time to drop the quotas and lift the standards. Let’s have the real conversation about what hiring should actually be about.

Episode 49: On Time Is Late, Mate

Rock up right on start time? You’re late, mate. Early is on time — and no one’s paid to muck around. Let’s call it how it is.

Episode 50: Give Us Your Mobile, D*ckhead!

Sick of Seek? CV a mess? Don’t overthink it — just give us your mobile, d*ckhead, and we’ll do the rest. Job hunting doesn’t need to be this hard.

Episode 51: Skill Shortage? We Bloody Built It

Kids raised on iPads, workers chasing constant thrills — no wonder the younger crew taps out when the job gets a bit dull. We’re not short on skills… we’re short on patience.

Episode 52: Why the Smart Ones Use Recruiters

Some reckon only the desperate go to recruiters — but here’s the truth. They’re not lazy, they’re just smart. One call to us = multiple job opps.

Episode 53: Want a Future-Proof Career? Here’s Richard’s Pick

Too many iPads, not enough posture. Richard’s tipping the next big earners—think necks, eyes, and drones. Want to stay ahead of the curve? Time to rethink your career path.

Episode 54: Low Pay, High Expectations? Good Luck

Hiring? Here’s a blunt truth bomb. If you’re offering peanuts and changing roles mid-interview, you’re not just wasting time — you’re looking like a dickhead. Richard’s got some straight-up advice for clients.

Episode 55: Slow Drivers, Slower Workers

Some drivers in the right lane are holding up traffic—and some workers do the same in the workplace. Time to call it out.

Episode 56: Aston Cashflow Advantage

Sick of shelling out thousands for someone who quits after a month? Richard breaks down the Aston Cash Flow Advantage—our smarter, low-risk way to hire. No fluff. No empty guarantees. Just real value.

Episode 57: Thinking of Jumping Ship for a Few Extra Bucks?

The grass isn’t always greener—it’s just different grass. Before you chase a shiny new offer, have the grown-up chat with your boss. Richard shares why communication (and a bit of common sense) can save you from making a dud move.

Episode 58: Stress Leave or Stress Loophole?

We all know someone who’s “stressed” the second they get performance-managed. Richard from Aston Advantage isn’t sugarcoating it — stress leave’s becoming the new piss-take, and it’s costing businesses big.

Episode 59: Let’s Talk AI

Sick of being ghosted by recruiters? Richard introduces Ashlee, our AI-powered assistant that’s transformed how we hire. Faster responses. Better matches. No more radio silence.

Episode 60: Why You Should Reference Check!

If you wouldn’t book a hotel without checking the reviews, why hire without checking references? Richard shares why a quick call can save you from hiring a dud.

Episode 61: Working From Home

“Let’s fix low productivity… by working less.” Yeah, right. Richard is calling bullsh*t on the WFH fantasy — time to get off our asses and back to work.

Episode 62: 4-Day Work Week???

Breaking news: Work 4 days, get paid for 5… productivity magically skyrockets.

Richard from says nah — that’s not economics, that’s a fairy tale. Time to wake up.

Episode 63: Debt, GST, and Dodgy Fixes

$40B in debt, GST hiked to 15%, but don’t worry… we’re all getting $3K back. Problem solved, right?

Richard from Aston Advantage says Australian’s deserve better than political band-aids.

Episode 64: Can’t Hear, Can’t Think?

Beats in your ears, brain switched off. Richard takes a swing at the headphone habit – are they helping, or just turning us into hazards?

Episode 65: Stop Overselling Yourself!

Asking for more cash? Make sure your skills match the price tag.

Richard reckons if you want top dollar, you’d better bring top performance – or the door will show you out.

Episode 66: Ashlee Gets Complaints

At Aston, we call it how it is. If Ashlee says no, it’s just about fit – not about you. Straight talk that saves time and gets the right people where they belong.

Episode 67: HR vs Ops

Ops want ‘em yesterday. HR wants ‘em perfect. Meanwhile, no one’s talking — and you end up with a dud.

Richard reckons it’s time HR and ops stop clashing and start communicating.

Episode 68: Speed to Hire

Struggling to hire? Maybe it’s not the market; it’s your speed.

Richard’s calling out the slow movers and excuse-makers. Move fast, decide smart, and stop blaming everyone else.

Episode 69: The Unicorn Candidate

Richard reckons some hiring managers need a reality check.

You can’t want top talent, pay bottom dollar, and call it a skill shortage. Time to get real about rates and expectations.

Episode 70: Micromanagement vs Accountability

Richard reckons too many people mix up accountability with micromanagement.

Checking results isn’t hovering; it’s making sure the job gets done right. Clear expectations, follow-through, no drama.

Episode 71: Show Up or Miss Out

Richard reckons it’s time to toughen up.

Turning up, doing the hours, and keeping your word isn’t old-school—it’s the Aston standard. Reliability builds reputations. Excuses don’t.

Episode 72: Time Poor or Poor Planning?

Always time poor? Richard reckons the problem isn’t time, it’s planning.

If your team’s running flat out with no buffer, you’re one sick day away from chaos. Build breathing room before you burn out.