What does it really mean to be “tough” in construction—and how is that mindset harming our workforce?

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.

What happens when the pressure becomes too much—and you don’t know how to ask for help?

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.

In honor of Minority Mental Health Month, Sonya and Zulk sit down with engineer and construction leader Kwame Ben Eden for a deeply honest conversation about the lived experience of being a person of color in the industry. From growing up in Jamaica and finding identity in Ghana, to navigating systemic bias on job sites across Canada, Kwame shares how perseverance, self-discipline, and mentorship shaped his journey. This powerful episode explores racism, resilience, and what it truly means to lead with integrity in a space that doesn’t always welcome you.

In this episode of Above and Below, hosts Sonya Bohmann and Zulq Malik are joined by Monique Lewis and Loretta Mulberry to explore how language access, cultural sensitivity, and communication shape safety and mental wellness on construction sites.

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.

Above & Below – Episode 4, Part 2

“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.

In this special Men’s Health Month edition of Above & Below, we hand the mic to the men — for a candid, no-filter conversation about mental health in the construction industry.

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.

In this episode of Above and Below, CIASP Executive Director Sonya Bohmann and co-host Zulq Malik are joined by Giovanni Cautillo, President of the Ontario General Contractors Association, for a powerful and practical conversation about mental health in the construction industry—both in the U.S. and Canada.

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.

In this powerful Mental Health Month episode of Above and Below, hosts Sonya Bohmann and Zulq Malik sit down with Jessica Hallahan, MPH, founder of Journey to Yourself, to talk about what resilience really means in the construction industry.

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.

In the premiere episode of Above and Below, co-hosts Sonya Bohmann (Executive Director, CIASP) and Zulq Malik (SmartBuild Construction Software) dig into why the construction industry must change how it talks about mental health. From personal stories to staggering stats, they open up an honest conversation about suicide prevention, leadership, and the real-life pressures workers face—on and off the jobsite.

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