Down With The Dig

September is Suicide Prevention Month. Unfortunately, every year 45,000 Americans die by suicide, and the rate is higher in the construction industry than in any other occupation. In this episode, we speak with former Business Manager of Akron Local 894, Bill Orr. Bill's family has been affected by suicide, which he shares on DWTD.

This episode follows the journey of Joan, a member out of Local 125 in Youngstown. Hear his experience of what the non-union sector was like prior to joining the Ohio Laborers' Union.

Shella hosts CEO of StrongArm Technologies, Sean Petterson.  StrongArm Technologies was founded in 2013 on a seemingly simple mission: Deploy cutting-edge technology and data to protect the world's Industrial Athletes from preventable strain, injury and death. Listen as they discuss this and more on this episode of DWTD.

Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted joins host Vince Irvin to discuss In-Demand Jobs Week  which is recognized May 2-6, 2022. Their discussion covers the significance of this week, some of the jobs needed the most right now, and what we can do to connect those looking and those hiring. Listen to the full episode here.

In this episode, KJ arrives on a job site during a major wind storm over 550 feet in the air. Listen to his account in his own words.

Join Randy and Tony for a special episode as they discuss the best songs about work.

Pam B went into work on a typical hot summer day. Her shift was wrapping up when a vehicle intruded into her work zone, striking her and sending her airborne some 40 feet away. Hear the full story in Pam's own words on Real Construction Stories from DWTD.

Coming soon to the DWTD family, Real Construction Stories. In these episodes, you will hear real stories from real members. We hope you enjoy our initial installment - Panic at the Theater.

Luis Font, currently a Field Coordinator for the Laborers' District Eight Organizing Committee (DEROC) - shares the challenges with his upbringing. He sheds light on how joining the Laborers' Union helped turn his life around and how he works every day to give back and maximize the second chance he received. Listen to the full story here.

The holiday season is filled with cheer, hope, and gift-giving. So it's fitting that this week's guest is Jacques Smith. Jacques was confronted with a terminal diagnosis due to an aggressive liver disease. However, in 2018 Jacques was gifted a second chance at life after receiving a liver transplant facilitated through Lifebanc. Jacques sits down with Shella on Down With The Dig and shares his incredible story and how he is making every day in his new life count.

More about Lifebanc can be found here.