This week, Sheldon sits down in person with his friend and fellow safety disruptor, Sam Goodman – The Hop Nerd. Known for his sharp takes on Human & Organizational Performance (HOP), his book Safety Sucks, and his wildly popular “Darrell the Safety Man” YouTube character, Sam brings humor and real-world insight to the conversation.

Together, they dive into:

• The reality of working for yourself (the freedom and the grind).
• Why corporate “safety theater” (like inflatable mascots and wacky campaigns) misses the point.
• The creative process behind Darrell, and how absurd safety moments often come from real-life experiences.
• How leaders can move from “doing safety to people” → to “doing safety with people.”
• Why silence is dangerous in organizations, and how curiosity builds trust.
• The connection between psychological safety, worker mental health, and reducing tragedies in high-risk industries.

It’s candid, funny, and thought-provoking—just what you’d expect when Sheldon and Sam get together.

💡 Key Takeaways

• “Darrell the Safety Man” is funny because it’s true—most skits are based on real experiences.
• Engagement isn’t costumes, posters, or slogans—it’s giving workers a seat at the table.
• Safety pros must move away from “cop mode” and build trust through curiosity and respect.
• Silence in the workplace is dangerous—leaders must create space where workers feel safe to speak up.
• Worker mental health (and construction suicide rates) must be part of the safety conversation.

👤 About the Guest

Sam Goodman is The Hop Nerd, a leading voice in Human & Organizational Performance, safety culture, and innovative approaches to worker engagement. He’s the author of Safety Sucks, host of The Hop Nerd Podcast, and creator of the satirical YouTube character “Darrell the Safety Man.” Sam uses humor and candor to challenge outdated safety practices while championing human-centered approaches.