Episode #084 | Alfie Ruffell & Bradlee Williams

Today we sit down with Alfie & Brad of SPEAK to discuss their personal journeys, addiction, the reality of mental health in construction, and why the industry needs more than just toolbox talks.

The trio explore the pressures facing tradespeople, subcontractors, site managers and business leaders across the UK, including the cost of living crisis, isolation, suicide prevention, workplace culture, collaboration across the industry, how organisations can create real change and finally where does charity money actually go?

🔵 Connect with Alfie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alfie-ruffell/

🔵 Connect with Brad on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradlee-williams-00b218332/

🔴 Watch on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/Fb_KPvtmwa8

🟢 Listen On Spotify! - https://open.spotify.com/episode/6GayLIhmZ34bIAeBOWjOj0?si=WdHM62YsTMeKTrleRi1klw

🟣 Listen on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-addiction-to-saving-lives-suicide-in-construction/id1778487912?i=1000772017947

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⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 SPEAK: Alfie & Brad’s Story - Growing Cannabis & Struggling with Addiction

09:34 Why doing more than just a Site Talk is crucial. + Collaboration

17:42 Construction’s Sport’s very first event + Banging that drum.

24:25 Collaborating for Mental Health in Construction + The Lost City Campaign Day

35:44 Where does charity money go? + What are companies really doing for Mental Health?

49:08 Why Brad moved to Rail Work + Something that would shut construction down…

01:00:23 Consequences of cost of living + More on SPEAK’s Goals & Prepping for AI

01:13:17 What the future holds for the lads + Final Comments on Mental Health…

01:29:28 Outro! + Arsenal league win & Being a Portsmouth Fan…

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode #083 | Dan Carey

Next up on the pod!

Dan Carey, founder of Core4 - a nationwide construction business specialising in groundworks, scaffolding and commercial projects - shares his journey through the industry.

The pair discuss accreditations, growing a business, communication, health & safety, parenting, UK Construction Week, property investment, scaffolding systems and the future of construction.

Whether you're a labourer, apprentice, tradesperson, site manager, business owner or company director, there's plenty of value in this conversation.

🔵 Connect with Dan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-carey-core4s/

🔴 Watch on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/7OrIepHPLLs

🟢 Listen On Spotify! - https://open.spotify.com/episode/5AGVQd1t5XBEi5EBg5W31h?si=ojqmG-zZTYeSK7_7-DoMrw

🟣 Listen on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-groundworker-to-nationwide-construction-boss-dan/id1778487912?i=1000770957741

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⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 What is Core4? Working nationwide + Art of Communication & Parenting

11:12 Moulding young people to a trade & getting ‘found out’!

17:33 Dan talks Scaffolds: Systems, methods & finance + Buying Churches & Police Stations

35:01 Is UK Construction Week still worth visiting? Should learning a trade be compulsory?

40:53 Did the pair always want to get into construction..? + Silly Accreditations

51:54 How our Podcast Studio came to life! + What is Dan’s Mobile Podcast?

59:11 Health & Safety & Conspiracies in Construction + Cons of Night Shifts

01:17:50 Final Comments: What’s coming up for Dan

01:24:13 Outro!

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Episode #082 | Josh Gilbert

This week, bricklayer from Essex Josh Gilbert joins host Steve for a real conversation about life on site, bricklaying culture, hard graft, boxing & sports, accountability & mindset and the realities of working in construction. As well as bravely discussing the effects of losing someone close to you.

Whether you're a bricklayer, labourer, chippy, sparky, plumber, groundworker, plant operator or just someone who understands hard work, this one will hit home.

🔵 Connect with Josh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-gilbert-5a96a9242/

🔴 Watch on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/eUOhepfN0sQ

🟢 Listen On Spotify! - https://open.spotify.com/episode/0UT18WNpv9PBz7KZc8bxlA?si=6ej-8IUwS5GWmyh3StsTtw

🟣 Listen on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bricklayer-on-site-culture-grit-accountability-loss/id1778487912?i=1000769812873

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⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Life in Essex: Burnham-on-crouch + Brickwork Business & ‘useless’ college kids?

20:35 Characters on site now vs then & Types of Brickwork

28:12 Ins & Outs of Construction & Bricklaying culture

33:35 Josh’s 10-acre plot of land story + Cons with Travelling for work

42:36 Old site habits & How different jobs used to get done

47:30 Going into Development? Impacts of COVID, Loving the job & is Bricklaying an art?

01:01:46 Are we losing our sense of grit, determination & accountability? + Upbringings

01:13:08 Sports: Football, then getting hooked on golf

01:18:18 Josh talks on the loss of his older brother

01:28:33 Right vs Wrong: Final bits of advice

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode #081 | Dillon Falvey

Today on the pod - Entrepreneur Dillon Falvey joins us to break down the realities of investing, business acquisitions, AI, drinking culture, and what it actually takes to build wealth in today’s world.

From founding businesses and surviving failure to understanding what makes a company worth buying, Dillon shares brutally honest insights on money, discipline, growth, and success!

🔵 Connect with Dillon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dillonfalvey/

🔴 Watch on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/SbaoCAHnpxw

🟢 Listen On Spotify! - https://open.spotify.com/episode/2aHOL0Efle1R3QHNmabrsH?si=0BFjqG_2T6ep93xbqiIenA

🟣 Listen on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-truth-about-business-investing-making-real-money/id1778487912?i=1000768727403

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⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro! Who is Dillon? How he got into the Capital Connecting & Investing Business…

10:37 What are the true challenges with founding a Construction Business?

18:31 The Next-Best AI Assistant Tool: Claude

22:03 Differences in Business around the Globe + UK’s Terrible Transport System…

33:00 What makes a business worth buying? Dillon explains how he helps companies

45:36 Dillon’s failed business & How covid changed Hospitality + Why drinking is good..?

52:35 Long-standing legacy business vs exit-strategy business

59:34 Money in Sports: Rugby players aren’t paid enough + Being bigger than the game

01:08:16 It’s said all the time: But adequate sleep is ridiculously important.

01:13:37 Mental Health: What are construction workers doing wrong?

01:16:15 Relationship with Alcohol (benefits?) & The consequences of Drink Driving

01:24:41 Final comments: Visiting home, Productive Environments & Over-extending

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode #080 | Oliver Partington

Another special guest today!

Managing Director of STABILA UK Oliver Partington joins us to chew the fat on the Mental Health topic, tool theft, college systems & neurodiversity, the impact Super Trowel has on construction culture & what makes a company successful for 130+ years.

Oh & why the pair think Arsenal will bottle the league...

🔵 Connect with Oliver on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliver-partington-16232225/

🔴 Watch on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/T4OY7SYugNM

🟢 Listen On Spotify! - https://open.spotify.com/episode/2JE78db8CjQFSId1ZPCbtr?si=iXUtkUYTTS-TL3fQ3AeZ7A

🟣 Listen on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stabila-uk-md-on-mental-health-tool-theft-construction/id1778487912?i=1000767567509

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⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro! Life as the MD of Stablia UK & German Engineering being the best

13:11 How Oliver got into his position + The benefits of a Podcast

19:00 Super Trowel - How a bricklaying event has such a positive impact on the industry

27:35 The ins & outs of Stablia’s operations & Tool Theft Issues

36:01 Mental Health in Construction: Neurodiversity + UK College System

52:31 German Factory: Stabila Values & Beliefs

56:42 Final Comments: Will Arsenal bottle the league…?

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode #079 | Geoff Vincent

Today we have a familiar face on the podcast - we sit down again with Geoff Vincent, founder & MD of GVR Solutions, this time as a solo guest, to talk about the reality of the UK construction industry right now.

From recapping our 140-mile cycle event from Buckingham Palace to Sizewell C Nuclear Power Station, to discussing the pressures facing tradespeople, mental health on site, life in recruitment, community & camaraderie and the future of construction.

🔵 Connect with Geoff on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoff-vincent-gvr/

🔴 Watch on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/kqXVVDvW9y8

🟢 Listen On Spotify! - https://open.spotify.com/episode/3pjr3Z9l5pkIwN7Zjjdfxv?si=xrxRaJBpS0mNMbR18QFR3Q

🟣 Listen on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/construction-industry-under-pressure-mental-health/id1778487912?i=1000766469033

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⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro! Life at Geoff’s Recruitment Company: GVR Solutions + CS Peloton Days!

09:19 Geoff Recaps our Huge Annual Cycling Event: London to Sizewell! + What next…

26:10 Talking through 2 big accidents on the bike ride… + The ‘woke’ Youth of Today!?

31:30 Being accompanied by Rugby Legends The Golden Girls! + Building Community

38:27 Discussion on state of Construction Industry: Economy, Pressures, Staff

01:01:32 What it’s like working alongside the Aviation Sector!

01:09:17 Final Comments: What 2 big events are we doing next..?

01:11:48 Outro

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode #078 | Russell Stilwell

Today, we have a powerful chat with Russell Stilwell, founder of The Padded Cell, to uncover the raw truth behind mental health in the construction industry.

From a life-changing site accident to losing his best mate and dad, Russ opens up about trauma, substance abuse, and the harsh realities many tradespeople face but never talk about.

The pair dive deep into site cultures & stigmas, the good & the bad in coping mechanisms and the pressure of running SMEs.

🔵 Connect with Russell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-stilwell-3b3a7417/

🔴 Watch on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/_WfK9-VtKfI

🟢 Listen On Spotify! - https://open.spotify.com/episode/3xvx3OgcNw5vsq44cC8bJE?si=iP1pvojaQvG7p3qS1D89Pg

🟣 Listen on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/construction-sport-podcast/id1778487912

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⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro! Recovering from injury - is skipping the way forward? Winning a World League!

11:47 Learning & Understanding the Human Body & Mind (Seven Chakras)

20:31 How Russ ended up in the Construction Industry: Backstory & Site Accident

42:26 Harsh truths to running an SME in Construction + Stress & Wellbeing Management

57:49 Substance Abuse: Coping with the loss of a best mate & dad, the wrong way…

01:06:40 Supporting Mental Health in Construction: Reality of some Site Cultures

01:31:18 Outro - Russ takes on the London Marathon!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode #077 | Ghitta Basson

Next up on the Pod, we have psychotherapist & hypnotherapist Ghitta Basson - who shares what she’s seen working directly on UK construction sites - from Crossrail to Thames Tideway.

Being at the forefront of Construction Worker Mental Health for some time now, Ghitta breaks down the real reasons people struggle in silence, what’s happening beneath the surface, and how the industry is (and isn’t) changing.

🔵 Connect with Ghitta on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ghitta-basson-rym/

🔴 Watch on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/MPu9qKDuIqo

🟢 Listen On Spotify! -

🟣 Listen on Apple Podcasts! -

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⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro! Ghitta’s background & becoming a psychotherapist in construction

08:33 What is hypnotherapy? Unconscious mind + Focus state

19:55 Leading workshops on Crossrail & The importance of building relationships

33:09 The Success of the Thames Tideway Project - Why?

41:04 Other ways Ghitta educates construction workers on site

51:37 Is positive mental health in construction even moving forward..?

01:00:50 Abseiling down The Shard, Reformer Pilates, Wellbeing Centres & Breathwork

01:14:41 Final Comments: ADHD Campaign & Women in Construction

01:18:33 Outro

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode #076 | Garry Staines

What does success in construction really look like?

In this episode we sit down with Garry Staines - MD of GSQ Brickwork and CEO of Site Ready Solutions.

From starting as a bricklayer to leading a 250+ workforce, Garry shares the real truth behind success, the pressures of running a business, and why he felt he had to give up alcohol - now 6 years sober.

The pair also dive into skills shortages, industry challenges, site culture, egos, young people entering the trade, social media, pressure & mental health in construction.

🔵 Connect with Garry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garry-staines-a75046160/

🔴 Watch on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/_IQAManjQro

🟢 Listen On Spotify! - https://open.spotify.com/episode/3mdvTHyZmEAz9vPnJlLNZd?si=woRRM0s8SzeZpCxdV78_AA

🟣 Listen on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/bricklayer-to-ceo-the-truth-about-success-in/id1778487912?i=1000761522314

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⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro! Garry’s career & background: Becoming a bricklayer

09:49 Having to give up alcohol: The highs & lows of owning a business (GSQ)

30:56 Insights of growing a bricklaying firm: Relations, Politics, Skills Gap & Shortage

47:24 On-Site Cultures: Young people, Social Media, Stigma, Education, Egos, Attitude

59:49 Benefits of Online Presence & Digital Legacy + Mental Health Pressures & Fitness

01:14:20 How women can have positive impact on site culture + Working with Ex-inmates

01:18:54 Final Comments & Outro: Check out Site Ready Solutions & GSQ

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode #075 | Yoshimi Douglas-Street #2

Today - we’re back with legend in the game Yoshimi Douglas-Street!

From winning awards & reshaping women’s golf: Yoshimi shares her journey, her rebrand, and why creating inclusive opportunities in sport is so powerful for mental health & general wellbeing.

PLUS… we officially announce the Construction Sport x ForeHer Collective Golf Day 2026!!!

More details to come in the following weeks..!

🔵 Connect with Yoshimi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yoshimi-douglas-street-3b41b71a/

🔴 Watch on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/7u3tIi5USH0

🟢 Listen On Spotify! - https://open.spotify.com/episode/1A4aAN9PL3t9srlHPbrbRp?si=U5uC0njRQe-RRZIaUjbraw

🟣 Listen on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/were-hosting-a-golf-day-women-in-golf-big/id1778487912?i=1000760237188

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⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Pre-intro waffle: Coming up!

02:23 Intro - What award has Yosh won!?

06:53 Yosh talks about her rebrand & what’s to come! + Being ‘good’ at golf

11:59 Announcement: The ForeHer Collective x CS 2026 GOLF DAY!

16:31 Yosh talks working with American Golf + Golf Day DJS!?

21:09 Women in Golf + Holiday reset & Golf Abroad + Annual Cycle Event…

27:14 Why creating sporting opportunities is beneficial to wellbeing + Final Comments

34:16 Outro!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.