Building PA Podcast

In recognition of Suicide Prevention Month, we have a well-respected thought leader in the mental health and wellness space, Senior Director of the National Stigma Initiative at Shatterproof, Rachel Cooper.

This episode its all about stigma and how it is one of the key drivers and main barriers to treatment and recovery. 

The national nonprofit organization Shatterproof was founded over 10 years ago. The organization is focused and is grounded on three main components:

1. Increasing access to and quality addiction treatment services. 
2. Engaging, mobilizing, and empowering the community. 
3. Addressing addiction stigma. 

Cooper notes "Stigma means different things to different people."  We delve deeper into the conversation of substance misuse, mental health, and how they are connected.

This powerful episode gives each of us tools we can use to help reduce stigma not only in the world of construction but in the world around us.

Click on the link to learn more about Shatterproof.

In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Month,  The Building PA Podcast is sharing a powerful podcast replay with one of the construction industry's most notable individuals and advocates for mental health in construction, Mandi Kime, Safety Director for AGC of Washington.

This podcast replay is worth sharing not only with those in the construction industry but also anyone in a stressful job or personal situation. Share your comments to let us know what you are doing to recognize National Suicide and Prevention Month! Be sure to listen to the The Building PA Podcast each week throughout the month of September for new podcasts on mental health and wellness. Take care!

Original Content:
According to the CDC, men working in construction have one of the highest rates of suicide compared to all other industries. A shocking statistic, but one not that can not be ignored.

Today's podcast is all about shining a light on mental health and wellness in construction. We're kicking off this month with a candid conversation with the Director of Safety for the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Washington, Mandi Kime.

Kime is an accomplished safety professional and leader within the construction industry on the topic of mental health & wellness.

This podcast conversation is candid, bold, and thought-provoking. To learn that men are two and a half times more likely to die by suicide than homicide is jaw-dropping. That statistic is worth repeating, MEN ARE 2 1/2 TIMES MORE LIKELY TO DIE BY SUICIDE THAN HOMICIDE, and the only way to move the needle on this statistic is to talk, engage, educate, and build awareness.

This podcast is filled with tips to help recognize the signs of depression or distress. We've included resources and links to help you gain access to private mental assessments.

If you are in the construction industry, take a moment to listen to this episode. Do it for yourself, your staff, a coworker, or a friend.

If you or someone you know needs immediate help, text or call the Suicide and Crisis hotline at 988.

Check out mantherapy.org for a private mental health assessment. This is a great resource and starting point if you are dealing with anxiety, depression, and/or substance abuse. 

On the road again...

Co-hosts John O'Brien and Chris Martin took the show on the road. This time their field trip landed them at the Carpenter's Dive School in Sicklerville, NJ.

After touring the facility they sat down with Tim Waring, the training coordinator at the Sicklerville Dive School. This school is the first UBC (United Brotherhood of Carpenters) dive center. 

Waring explains that commercial diving involves tasks such as welding, burning, and piling underwater. It's like being an underwater pile driver, where the skills used in above-ground construction are transferred to underwater projects.

The Dive School allows for the training of both divers and pile drivers. It's seen as an additional skill to enhance a pile driver's capabilities, providing more opportunities for work.

Listen to learn more about what the school has to offer young individuals interested in becoming carpenters or pile drivers. 

To learn more about the partnering opportunity heard at the beginning of the episode, Brand Builders, email [email protected] for more information. 

We invited co-founders Kristen Fallon and Jon Lattin to the Building PA Podcast to share more about Let's Build of Lehigh Valley. This unique hands-on experience for girls aged 12-18 opens up the world of AEC.

The mission of Let’s Build Construction Camp for Girls was founded with a goal to ignite the spark within girls to explore the built environment through architecture, engineering, construction, and building materials manufacturing (AECM) related careers.

Listen and share this podcast with the young females in your life. Click on the link to learn more about Let's Build!

The primary goal of the WELL Building Standard is to prioritize the health and well-being of occupants. By incorporating features that enhance indoor air quality, lighting, acoustics, and ergonomic design, buildings can create environments that support physical and mental health, productivity, and overall comfort.

This podcast replay with guest Chip Desmone, CEO of Desmone Architects is the epitome of WELL Building which is expressed through his business practices, WELL Gold Certified Building , and commitment to the WELL Building process. 


Original Content:
WELL Building. What is it? How does it differ from Lead building and is this the wave of the construction future? These questions and many more are answered by Chip Desmone, CEO of Desmone Architects.

Desmone and his team of architects designed the first WELL Gold Certified Building in Pittsburgh, PA. They are one of just six WELL certified spaces in Pennsylvania.

Listen and learn how WELL intersects design with human health. Desmone shares his journey through WELL certification and the continued commitment, and dedication it takes to maintain this certification status. 

Desmone comments that their “accidental brilliance” has led them to have a healthy, productive workspace environment focused on their employee’s mental health, fitness, and positive workplace culture.

The Constructors of Western Pennsylvania (CAWP) and the Master Builder's Association of Western Pennsylvania (MBA) have partnered to bring a new mental health initiative to the construction industry in western PA called Yinz Good?

Jason Koss, director of industry relations for the CAWP, and Bob McCall, director of safety for the MBA are the co-founders of this initiative in partnership with Youturn Health. Jason and Bob joined us on the podcast to discuss the importance of this campaign and why now was the right time for it. 

When asked how Yinz Good? came to be, McCall commented that the rising rate of suicide among men in construction and the demand from their members for a program on mental health and wellness was a driving factor in the MBA's motivation to develop a program like this. Koss was on board noting that their members, unions, and other safety professionals recognized the need to help the construction industry in an open and non-threatening way. To do this, Yinz Good? centers its initiative on a central website, YinzGood.com. 

YinzGood.com houses free information on topics like:

• stress management
• substance misuse
• how to have tough conversations and more. 

The digital library of resources include materials such as:

• videos
• blogs
• webinars
• assessments
• toolbox talks 

YinzGood.com can be accessed anonymously and is available now for anyone to visit. The website was designed for construction employers, individuals, loved ones of those in the industry, and YOU.

Tune in to this episode to learn more and help us start the conversation around mental health and wellness in construction by asking one simple question: "Yinz Good?"

Follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on the latest news. You can find us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. 

In this episode, we tap into the mind of the Vice President of Innovation for Wohlsen Construction, Ed McCauley to discuss innovation in the construction industry.

Our co-hosts explore the role of technology and IT in construction. McCauley shares his thoughts on virtual design in construction. McCauley explains how they use innovative tools and technologies to improve project management, coordination, and efficiency.

Various innovations in the construction industry are highlighted, including image recognition for quality and safety observations, robotics for demolition and progress monitoring, and exoskeletons for enhancing worker capabilities and reducing strain. 

They also touch on the potential of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) in construction, especially in maintenance and operations.

The conversation further delves into the application of LEAN principles in the construction process, emphasizing continuous improvement and collaboration to identify and solve challenges. 

The trio also touches on the cyclical nature of technology innovation, expecting future tangible advancements that directly impact construction professionals in the field.

McCauley believes that there will be continual advancements in drone usage and 3D modeling positioning this technology at the forefront of innovation for now and in the future.

To learn more about Wohlsen visit their website wohlsenconstruction.com.

The Building PA Podcast recently had a sit-down interview with Paul Hoback, the Executive Vice President, and Chief Development Officer for the Allegheny County Airport Authority. Hoback is currently overseeing the Terminal Modernization Program for the Pittsburgh International Airport.

During the podcast, Hoback made an important announcement for all contractors and sub-contractors. On Thursday, August 10, from 3 PM to 5 PM, at the Carpenters Union Hall in Collier Township, the Allegheny County Airport Authority will be revealing opportunities for upcoming projects worth over $50 million.

There are numerous opportunities for contractors to participate in this project, with several bid packages set to be awarded this fall. While registration is not mandatory, interested contractors and subcontractors are encouraged to register by emailing [email protected].

The event will provide detailed information about four critical bid packages associated with the projects, which include:

1. New offices/facilities for U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
2. Relocation of the Allegheny County Police Department.
3. Airline fit-outs.
4. Landscaping.

It's essential to note that this is just the beginning, as more projects are planned to follow in the future.

Make sure to tune in to the podcast to learn more about these exciting current project opportunities and the airport's planned growth plans.

Give yourself the chance to be inspired by Retired Major General John Gronski by listening to this enlightening podcast replay.

The question of whether there are natural-born leaders or if leadership skills can be learned is a topic of debate. However, the truth is that both perspectives hold truth. It is undeniable that some individuals possess inherent qualities that make them effective leaders from an early age. On the other hand, anyone can acquire and enhance leadership abilities through learning and practice.

Draw inspiration from Major General Gronski's experiences and expertise. His insights and anecdotes are likely to ignite your own leadership potential, motivating you to learn, grow, and improve your own leadership skills.

Original Content
Sometimes you record a podcast that leaves you feeling uplifted, inspired, and motivated.  It's filled with practical advice that can be applied to your professional career and your personal life. That's what you will hear in this episode of the Building PA podcast.

Our special guest, Ret. Major General John Gronski is a  world-renowned author and motivational speaker.  Gronski speaks about leadership and what it takes to become a good leader.

His advice to others is "have the courage to make a decision" and recognize that an all-in,  optimistic attitude can make all the difference in the outcome and the perception of those you lead.

John Gronski is the author of The Ride of Our Lives and Iron-Sharpened Leadership.

In this podcast episode we talk with Edna Howard, the president of Voices of Encouragement, a training and development company focused on empowering the workforce.

The discussion is around the importance of employee wellness, safety concerns, and workforce challenges.

Howard shares her passion for leadership development and helping leaders have "light bulb" moments of understanding.

This episode addresses mental health topics and issues, particularly in the construction industry, which has been affected by addiction and suicide problems.

Howard advises companies to start by conducting a needs assessment and creating a supportive culture that promotes open communication, work-life balance, and healthy behaviors. Providing resources and support such as counseling, mental health workshops, stress management training, and employee assistance programs is crucial.

The podcast emphasizes the significance of reducing the stigma around mental health by promoting awareness and education.  The importance of self-care and meeting individuals where they are on their wellness journey, acknowledging their unique circumstances, and tailoring support accordingly.

Overall, the goal is to improve employees' mental health and well-being through a multifaceted approach that prioritizes culture, support, and education.

Edna Howard is the author of Mindset Reset: Three Powerful Principles to Transform Your Thinking. Click on the link to buy directly from Amazon. You can also learn more about Voices of Encouragement by clicking on the link attached.