Fred shares how he built a global media brand to change the perception of construction—and what led him to use that platform to speak openly about his own mental health journey. Behind the success, Fred opens up about his experience with depression, the pressure of leadership, and the turning point that led him to seek help and ultimately help others.

The conversation explores the growing movement around mental health in construction, the importance of authenticity in leadership, and why the industry must move beyond awareness and into action. From jobsite culture to global impact, this episode highlights how real change happens when people are willing to speak up.

With millions reached through his work and hundreds of thousands raised for mental health initiatives, Fred’s message is clear: we are only just getting started.

Stuart shares how a single article in 2015 sparked a powerful industry-wide response, leading to the creation of CIASP and a movement that continues to grow today. Together, they reflect on how far the industry has come, the challenges that remain, and why communication and connection are at the heart of meaningful change.

The conversation also dives into real-world topics shaping today’s job sites, including the importance of Narcan training, the role of Employee Assistance Programs, and the ongoing shift from transactional leadership to a more human-centered approach.

This episode is both a look back and a call forward—reminding us that safety is not just physical, and that investing in people is the most important work we can do.

Julia shares how she found her way into the construction industry, what it’s really like working in the field on major infrastructure projects, and why she believes it’s important to speak openly about the challenges people face in this industry.

From growing up around construction to building a career on jobsites across major projects, Julia talks about the path that led her to surveying and what a typical day in the field looks like. She also discusses the importance of visibility, honesty, and sharing personal experiences so others know they are not alone.

This conversation explores career paths in construction, the realities of jobsite culture, and why open conversations about mental health matter across the entire industry.

Chelsea shares her path into the trades, including being turned down twice before earning her spot on the third attempt, and what 14 years in the field has taught her about perseverance, work ethic, and building a name you are proud of. The conversation also goes deeper into the realities women face on job sites, including safety concerns, allyship, workplace facilities, pregnancy and postpartum challenges, and the practical protections employers are required to provide.

Chelsea also explains how she became a social media voice for union labor, using TikTok and Instagram to recruit and support more women into the trades, and why she wants her daughter’s job sites to look different in the future.

Jared opens up about life at Williamson, where discipline, structure, and service shape every student’s journey. From working co-op jobs to competing in SkillsUSA and bricklaying competitions, Jared’s story highlights the power of purpose, pride in craft, and how finding the right path can change your life.

Whether you’re a student, parent, or part of the construction industry, this episode is a reminder that passion and purpose can be found in unexpected places.

Greg shares insights from his decades of experience, discussing the importance of culture, mentorship, and genuine care in leadership. This episode offers a compelling look at how humility and service can strengthen safety, mental health, and retention across the workforce.

Kristy reflects on CIASP’s evolution—from its early ties to CFMA to becoming a 501(c)(3)—and shares why this work is so personal to her. With a two-year term ahead, she outlines her vision for CIASP’s future, including expanding resources, increasing industry collaboration, and continuing to push toward a Zero Suicide Industry.

Plus, Sonya turns the spotlight on Kristy with a few rapid-fire personal questions to help listeners get to know the leader behind the title.

Whether you’re new to CIASP or deeply involved in construction safety, this episode offers a meaningful look at where we’re headed—and who’s helping lead the way.

Vikram shares why mindfulness isn’t about meditation — it’s about awareness, presence, and the ability to respond rather than react. From daily walk-throughs to crisis moments, he explains how mindful leadership can create safer, more connected job sites.

Together, they explore how small mindset shifts can lead to big impacts, and why building a culture of safety starts with being intentional — moment by moment.

Together, they dive into what it means to feel seen and heard on a job site, how small moments of intention can shift the mental health landscape in construction, and why the best cultural change often begins when no one is watching.

This episode is a reminder that leadership is not just a title—it’s a series of choices we make every day, especially when it comes to creating a culture of care.

From apprenticeships to executive roles, this conversation dives into the emotional side of leadership, the importance of building real human connection at every level, and how everyday interactions—“the moments, not the meetings”—can be opportunities to lead, support, and transform.

Whether you’re a seasoned project manager, a craft worker, or just starting out, this episode will inspire you to reflect on how you’re showing up for others—and who you’re letting show up for you.

🔗 Download Ted’s free white paper, Everyday Mentorship:

https://mailchi.mp/27a1f1e1d42c/jsbyw51s80

Matthew shares his experience navigating substance use while working in the trades, often hiding in plain sight while struggling with internal battles. Sarah opens up about the power of unconditional love, and the moments that tested their trust, communication, and resilience.

Together, they reflect on what it means to truly support someone through recovery, how stigma keeps too many people silent, and why sharing stories like theirs is essential to breaking down shame in the construction community.

This episode is a testament to vulnerability, strength, and the impact of choosing connection over judgment.

Kathy shares insights from the Ontario Construction Industry Suicide Prevention Roundtable, the growing adoption of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), and the critical importance of micro-trainings and accessible resources like LivingWorks Start. The conversation dives into the importance of psychological safety, the value of peer support, and what both employers and employees can do today to start building a healthier, more connected workforce.

Whether you’re in Canada or the U.S., this episode is a reminder that the challenges are shared — and so are the solutions.

Together, they discuss the gaps that still exist in the construction industry, the importance of peer support, and the resources that are beginning to make a difference. From Total Worker Health to cultural shifts across job sites, this episode is a call to action for leaders at every level to build a stronger and more caring construction community.

Together, they discuss:

• Why separating these conversations does a disservice to workers

• How substance use shows up on the job site

• What recovery-friendly workplaces actually look like

• The leadership shift from transactional to transformational

• Practical tools to support employees before a crisis occurs

This honest and hope-filled episode tackles stigma, language, and the systems that either support or fail our workforce. If you’re a leader looking to create safer, more compassionate job sites—or simply a human who cares about others—this conversation is for you.

Learn more at www.ciasp.org

These aren’t just HR topics; they’re life-saving conversations that need to happen on every job site.

In this episode of Above and Below, host Sonya Bohmann welcomes Cal Beyer, Senior Director at SAFE Project, for an honest conversation about the realities facing construction workers today and how industry leaders can show up for their teams.

Together, they explore:

• The link between substance use and suicide in the construction industry
• Why recovery belongs in safety conversations
• How tools like naloxone can save lives
• What it means to be a recovery-friendly workplace
• Practical steps companies of any size can take to reduce stigma and support change

Whether you lead a crew or care about someone who works in construction, this episode will leave you better equipped to help and more inspired to act.

• Scott Wiesner, Founder & CEO of C2MS and retired Army Colonel
• Greg Wuestner, Director of Engineering at QTS and former Infantry Officer
• Hayley Emerson, National Fundraising Specialist at Stop Soldier Suicide

Together, they discuss the urgent intersection between veterans, the construction industry, and suicide prevention. With personal stories of loss and survival, this episode offers raw insights into post-service challenges and the critical role employers can play in creating supportive environments.

They explore:

• Why veterans are naturally drawn to construction careers

• How to recognize hidden struggles and start meaningful conversations

• What small-to-mid-sized construction businesses can do to support veteran mental health

• Free, practical tools from Stop Soldier Suicide that anyone can access

This episode is a must-listen for anyone in construction leadership, veteran support roles, or anyone who wants to better understand the human stories behind the statistics.

Resources mentioned:

Stop Soldier Suicide

CIASP

In this emotional and informative episode of Above and Below, hosts Sonya Bohmann and Zulq Malik are joined by Michelle Walker, Nicholas DeJesse, and Ismet Dalipi to explore the concept of postvention—and why it’s one of the most critical, yet overlooked, aspects of suicide prevention in construction.

 You’ll hear:

• What “postvention” actually means on a job site

• How companies often get it wrong—and what to do instead

• Why silence can be more damaging than saying the “wrong” thing

• The importance of small actions, follow-up, and acknowledgment

• Real stories and lessons from leaders who have lived through it

“If you do nothing, you’re reinforcing the stigma. If you say something, you’re reinforcing that you’re human.”

This episode is a must-listen for company leaders, safety managers, and anyone trying to build a culture that stands up—for the living and the lost.

In this powerful episode of Above and Below, we’re joined by McKay Daniels, CEO of the National Roofing Contractors Association, to discuss the silent crisis of mental health in roofing and the broader construction industry. Together with hosts Sonya Bohmann and Zulq Malik, McKay shares how NRCA is stepping up—removing stigma, raising awareness, and taking action.

The conversation touches on:

• The generational pressures that keep workers from speaking up

• What it takes to “be tough enough to ask for help”

• Why collaboration across trades and associations is essential

• The story behind NRCA’s powerful mental health video

• Real talk about what gives us hope for change

Whether you’re in the field or the front office, this conversation is for you.

In this deeply personal episode, Paul Lawson shares his story of mental health challenges, professional burnout, and the breaking point that forced him to finally stop and reassess. From the stigma around vulnerability in construction to the internal shame that often holds people back from getting support, Paul speaks with courage and clarity about the journey to healing.

🔹 Why vulnerability is still taboo in the trades

🔹 How unprocessed trauma and overwork can collide

🔹 The unexpected place Paul found hope again

🔹 What it means to build a life around intention and care

This conversation is raw, reflective, and incredibly important—especially as we head into Suicide Prevention Month.

📍 Listen in and share with someone who may need to hear they’re not alone.

From bilingual champions and AI translation tools to glossary sheets and onboarding surveys, this conversation dives into real, practical steps contractors can take to build more inclusive and safer job sites. You’ll hear stories, insights, and advice on how simply trying to bridge language gaps can transform company culture and retention from the inside out.

💬 “Your willingness to drop the fear and just try has insane payoffs.”

▶️ Listen now—because language doesn’t just affect communication. It affects lives.

“Leadership, Legacy & Letting Go of the Mask”

Host: Zulq (CIASP Board Member)

Guests: Andrew Theokas, Stephen Dummit, and Jason Scholl

In Part 2 of this powerful Men’s Health Month conversation, host Zulq continues the dialogue with Andrew Theokas, Stephen Dummit, and Jason Scholl—three men in the construction industry who know the pressure to “man up” all too well.

Together, they dive deeper into:

• Why leading by example is the most powerful form of leadership

• How to break the cycle of silence for the next generation

• The role of mentorship, vulnerability, and trust on the jobsite

• What they’ve learned—and unlearned—about mental health as men

Real talk. Raw moments. And a clear message:

You don’t have to carry it all alone.

🎧 Listen in and share this with someone who needs to hear it.

CIASP Board Member Zulq sits down with Andrew Theokas, Stephen Dummit, and Jason Scholl to unpack the unspoken pressures men face: to stay silent, push through pain, and never ask for help.

In Part 1, the group explores:

• The myth of “toughing it out”

• Why vulnerability is a leadership skill

• How culture, upbringing, and jobsite expectations affect mental wellness

• What it means to truly support one another in the field

Whether you’re on a crew or leading one, this episode is for you — and the people who count on you to come home safe, every day.

Together, they explore the impact of COVID-19 as a turning point for the mental wellness conversation, how stigma and “tough guy” culture are slowly being dismantled, and why now is the time to make open dialogue and support a jobsite norm. Giovanni shares real-world strategies for creating psychologically safe workplaces, the cost of doing nothing, and why investing in worker well-being is not just the right thing to do—it’s the smart thing to do.

You’ll also hear personal takes on self-care, slow hobbies, and the importance of leading with intention, gratitude, and balance—three powerful words that anchor this candid and compassionate discussion.

From Philly sandwich debates to serious conversations about stress, self-awareness, and confidence on the job site, this episode explores how building mental strength is just as important as physical toughness. Jessica shares practical tips on communication, daily self-check-ins, and redefining self-care in a way that actually resonates with construction professionals. Bonus? A new favorite phrase you’ll want to steal: “BAMO – Breathe And Move On.”

Whether you’re in the field or the office, this is a must-listen for anyone looking to better support themselves and those around them.

Whether you’re on the front lines or in the boardroom, this episode will challenge how you see safety and connection in construction—and give you a reason to get involved.

🔗 Learn more: preventconstructionsuicide.com 📲 Follow CIASP on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook for weekly updates.