Send us a text

Get the best tools & supplies → supplyhouse.com/t-m - Use code SH5 for 5% off!

A devastating fire. Locked doors. No escape. This episode tells the shocking true story of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire—one of the deadliest workplace disasters in American history—and how it reshaped fire codes, safety laws, and the future of skilled trades.

Lia breaks down the tragedy, the heroes who responded, and why today’s electricians, fire alarm techs, and inspectors are the reason disasters like this never happen again.

⸻

🎧 In this episode:

• The horrifying story of the 1911 Triangle fire 🔥
• How 146 lives were lost in just 18 minutes
• The real reasons workplace doors were locked shut
• How this tragedy sparked massive safety reforms
• The role of skilled trades in preventing modern-day disasters
• What to do if your workplace is unsafe (hint: RUN to HR)

If you’re in the trades—or just love a good history-meets-justice story—you won’t want to miss this one.

👇 Subscribe for more blue collar badassery every Thursday!

⸻

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome & intro

00:30 – The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire: What happened

02:30 – Locked doors, flammable fabric, and no sprinklers

04:00 – The fire spreads—fast

06:00 – The aftermath: 146 lives lost

07:00 – How safety laws changed forever

08:00 – Meet the modern heroes: fire techs, electricians & inspectors

10:00 – What YOU can do if you see unsafe conditions

11:30 – Final thoughts & safety reminders

12:30 – Subscribe & share your stories!

⸻

📲 Stay Connected:

Instagram: @sparkylifeoflia
Facebook: The Sparky Life Podcast

⸻

🛠️ Huge thanks to our sponsor: SupplyHouse
Get the best tools & supplies → supplyhouse.com/t-m
Use code SH5 for 5% off!

⸻

🔍 Keywords:
Triangle Shirtwaist Fire, workplace safety, construction podcast, skilled trades, fire codes, fire alarm systems, electricians, fire inspectors, building safety, labor history, trade workers, 1911 factory fire, industrial disaster, OSHA, fire prevention, life safety, electrical safety, workplace hazards, Sparky Life podcast

Support the show

Send us a text

Get the best tools & supplies → www.supplyhouse.com/t-m - Use code SH5 for 5% off!

Welcome to another episode of The Sparky Life Podcast, where we shine a light on the real heroes of the skilled trades. In this raw and inspiring conversation, Lia sits down with Bobby Armstrong – an HVAC technician, entrepreneur, and all-around badass – who opens up about his wild ride through the trades, from childhood struggles to launching his own business.

We cover addiction, stereotypes, money management, and why the skilled trades deserve more respect. If you’ve ever thought about ditching the 9-5 to build something with your own hands — this episode is for you.

⸻

💬 In This Episode:

• Bobby’s journey from rebellious teen to respected HVAC technician
• How the skilled trades helped him overcome addiction and find purpose
• What people get wrong about construction workers
• The hidden math and intelligence behind hands-on trades
• Money talk: how owning a business changed his life
• Breaking the cycle of toxic construction site culture
• Why tradespeople are the backbone of modern civilization

⸻

⏱️ Timestamps:

0:00 – Intro: This might make you quit your desk job
0:36 – Meet Bobby: HVAC Indiana Jones
1:04 – Childhood, family, and finding the trades
6:10 – From substance abuse to success story
10:30 – Breaking blue-collar stereotypes
17:00 – Why trades = purpose + pride
24:30 – What people don’t get about tradespeople
28:42 – Financial freedom & launching an HVAC business
31:54 – Final thoughts + subscribe!

⸻

🎧 Don’t Miss This If You’re:

• In the trades or considering a career in them
• Battling stereotypes or burnout
• Curious how real people build freedom through skilled work
• Ready to be inspired (or laugh at a pee bottle in the wall)

⸻

📲 Stay Connected:

Instagram: @sparkylifeoflia
Facebook: The Sparky Life Podcast

⸻

🛠️ Huge thanks to our sponsor: SupplyHouse
Get the best tools & supplies → supplyhouse.com/t-m
Use code SH5 for 5% off!

⸻

🔍 Keywords:
hvac, construction podcast, trades career, electrician, skilled trades stories, quitting corporate, Bobby Armstrong, addiction recovery, trades entrepreneurship, blue collar jobs, women in trades, working class heroes, financial freedom, trades business, respect tradespeople, ditching 9-5

Support the show

Send us a text

Special thanks to our sponsor: SupplyHouse – Get the best tools & supplies! https://www.supplyhouse.com

Welcome to the Sparky Life podcast with your host, Lia Lamela! In this episode, we dive into a crucial topic that everyone should be aware of: the coming biggest recession in United States history and why construction workers and skilled trade professionals are positioned to be the ultimate survivors. We break down the economic storm, the fascinating theory of K-waves, and discuss how events and figures like Warren Buffett's cash holdings and the presidency of Donald Trump play a role.

Tune in to understand:

• Why historical cycles and market trends point towards an economic downturn.
• The significance of the Kondratiev wave (K-wave) and what past cycles tell us.
• Why the slowing housing market, inflation, and corporate layoffs are key indicators.
• The potential impact of Donald Trump's presidency on the timing and severity of the crash.
• Crucially, why construction jobs are recession-proof.
• Actionable strategies for those in the skilled trades to not just survive, but thrive during an economic downturn, including getting more certifications, building a strong network, and managing your finances wisely.

This is a must-listen for anyone in the construction industry or considering a career in the skilled trades!

Timestamps:

• 0:00 - Introduction to Sparky Life and the looming economic recession
• 1:01 - Why a major recession is predicted: Slowing housing market and Warren Buffett's cash
• 2:15 - Inflation, debt, and the concept of K-waves explained
• 3:30 - Historical K-wave crashes and the current economic phase
• 4:35 - Donald Trump's presidency and its connection to the upcoming recession
• 6:10 - Why construction and skilled trades will survive and thrive during a recession
• 7:18 - Strategies for construction professionals to prepare and succeed
• 8:30 - Final thoughts and call to subscribe

Socials:

📲 Follow me on social media for more adventures:
𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦:     https://www.instagram.com/sparkylifeoflia
𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤:       https://www.facebook.com/thesparkylifepodcast

Don't forget to subscribe to The Sparky Life for more insights into the construction industry!

Keywords:
recession, economic downturn, construction, skilled trades, K-wave (Kondratiev wave), housing market, interest rates, inflation, debt, corporate layoffs, Warren Buffett, cash holdings, Donald Trump, presidency, infrastructure, repair, government spending, certifications, network, skills, Lia Lamela, biggest recession in United States history, construction workers and skilled trade professionals, recession-proof

Support the show

Send us a text

Ever wondered why you should NEVER take the elevator during a fire in a high-rise? This video dives deep into the life-saving technology of elevator recall and the critical role it plays in fire safety.

Learn why elevator recall is one of the most important fire safety systems in a building and how it's designed to prevent you from unknowingly entering a dangerous situation.

00:00 - Introduction to Sparky Life and the topic of elevators and fire safety.
00:30 - The crucial rule: Never take the elevator during a fire.
00:50 - Understanding elevator recall: How fire alarms take control.
01:40 - The disaster that led to elevator recall: The MGM Grand Fire in 1980.
02:45 - The danger of fire spread and smoke inhalation (responsible for 80-90% of fire deaths).
03:30 - How elevator recall works: Phase one (automatic recall).
04:30 - How elevator recall works: Phase two (firefighter control).
05:15 - Why elevator mechanics and fire alarm technicians must work together.
06:00 - The roles of elevator mechanics in elevator recall.
06:45 - The roles of fire alarm technicians in elevator recall.
07:30 - The importance of their collaboration for system functionality.
08:15 - Salaries in the field: Elevator mechanics (entry-level, experienced, union/specialised).
09:15 - Salaries in the field: Fire alarm technicians (entry-level, certified/experienced).
10:00 - Elevator safety guidelines during a fire: Don't use elevators, exit immediately if in one.
10:45 - Why elevators recall to a safe floor.
11:15 - The importance of using stairs and knowing emergency stairwells.
11:45 - Priority in a fire: Get safe first, then alert emergency services (unless trapped).
12:30 - Elevator recall as a critical safety net, but avoiding elevators is best.
13:00 - Mention of NFPA72 code requirements (chapter 21.3).
13:30 - Conclusion

💡 Special Thanks to Our Sponsor:
SupplyHouse – Get the best tools & supplies!: https://www.supplyhouse.com

Don't forget to subscribe for more insights into the builders of our civilization and the technologies that keep us safe! Drop a comment below with "fire alarm" if you found this episode fiery!

Keywords:

Elevator recall, Fire safety, High-rise buildings, Fire alarm systems, Smoke detectors, Heat detectors, NFPA72, Emergency recall operation, Elevator mechanics, Fire alarm technicians, MGM Grand Fire (1980), Smoke inhalation, Evacuation, Stairwells, Automatic recall (Phase one), Firefighter control (Phase two), Supply House, Salaries (elevator mechanics, fire alarm technicians), Emergency services, Safe floor/Lobby, Fire spread.

Support the show

Send us a text

We speak with Megan Switzer for a raw and honest conversation about the complex dynamics of women supporting women, particularly within male-dominated fields.

Get ready for some eye-opening truths as they delve into the question of why women don't always support each other. Drawing on Dr. Sha Andrews' research (as featured in Forbes), they discuss the "power dead even rule" coined by Pat Helm and colleagues from "Hardball for Women", which suggests that for healthy relationships between women, their power and self-esteem must be perceived as similar. They explore how disruptions in this balance can lead to negative behaviours and a lack of support.

Lia and Megan also touch upon:

• The influence of emotional intelligence (EQ) and how women in higher leadership may adopt more male-specific competencies.
• Megan's personal experiences entering the construction industry as a general contractor and the contrasting support she received online versus on the job site.
• The "Queen Bee Syndrome" and the mindset of scarcity that can sometimes exist.
• Anecdotes of both supportive and unsupportive interactions with other women in the industry, including a revealing experience with a non-profit aimed at empowering women.
• Personal reflections on the challenges of forming and maintaining strong female friendships and the impact of societal expectations.
• The importance of consciously working to change negative patterns and truly support other women.
• The hosts share powerful insights and experiences on navigating a male-dominated environment and the vital need for female solidarity.

Stay tuned until the end for an exciting announcement! Lia and Megan reveal that they will be starting a monthly talk show called "Hard Hat and Acrylics", taking a more NPR-style approach to discussing research, facts, and various topics within the construction space, from workwear to AI.

00:01:00 - The "Power Dead Even Rule" and Lack of Support Among Women

00:04:09 - Contrasting Online Support vs. Job Site Reality

00:05:58 - Trying to Protect a Female Intern from Negative Dynamics

00:19:03 - Queen Bee Syndrome and the Scarcity Mindset (Dr. Sha Andrews)

00:23:44 - Negative Experience with a Women's Non-Profit and Sabotage:

00:27:29 - Differing Reactions to Being Surpassed by Male vs. Female Competitors (Danica Patrick)

00:33:44 - The Fallacy of Becoming "One of the Guys" and Lack of True Support

00:37:48 - Realising the Importance of Female Friendships and Community

00:45:22 - The Need for Genuine Support Beyond Superficial Interactions

01:03:53 - Madeline Albright's Quote About Women Not Supporting Women

🌟 Meet Our Guest – Megan Switzer! 🌟
Host of Doin’ Girly Things

📢 Follow Megan & Stay Inspired:
Megan: https://meganswitzer.com/

💡 Special Thanks to Our Sponsor:
SupplyHouse – Get the best tools & supplies!: https://www.supplyhouse.com

Keywords:

Women supporting women

Lack of support

Construction industry

Male-dominated industry/fields

Power dead even rule

Queen Bee syndrome

Scarcity mindset

Female friendships

Assertiveness

Online vs. offline support

Internalised biases/misogyny

Mentorship

Competition (negative)

Solidarity

Support the show

Send us a text

In this episode of Sparky Life we discuss the critical role of digital presence in the construction industry with tech guru Daniel Leal. We explore the importance of having a professional website, the impact of technology on business efficiency, and the evolving landscape of education in tech careers. Daniel shares his journey from a small town in Texas to becoming a successful entrepreneur, emphasizing the need for skilled trades to embrace technology for growth. 

The conversation also highlights the significance of aesthetics in online presence and how it influences customer perception. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of website design and communication for businesses, particularly in the construction industry. They emphasize the need for clear messaging, aesthetic appeal, and the use of technology to enhance efficiency. The discussion includes practical tips for improving website design and the benefits of leveraging apps to streamline business operations.

Chapters

00:00 The Importance of Digital Presence in Construction
03:00 Insights from the Aspire Event
05:56 Embracing Technology in the Construction Industry
08:49 Daniel's Journey in Tech and Entrepreneurship
11:45 The Evolving Role of Education in Tech Careers
15:05 The Human Element in Tech and AI
17:52 Leveraging Technology for Business Growth
21:10 Building Credibility Through Online Presence
23:48 Aesthetic Impact on Business Perception
26:46 Website Tweaks for Success
37:06 The Importance of Clear Communication
49:02 Leveraging Technology for Efficiency

🌟 Meet Our Guest – Daniel Leal! 🌟
Entrepreneur and tech wizard behind Spiderbug AI. Specializes in custom websites, AI chatbots, lead generation tools, and app development to drive your business forward.

📢 Follow Barb & Stay Inspired:
BARB ALLEN: www.spiderbug.ai
Instagram: danielleal04

💡 Special Thanks to Our Sponsor:
SupplyHouse – Get the best tools & supplies!: https://www.supplyhouse.com

Keywords

construction, digital presence, technology, entrepreneurship, AI, website design, business growth, education, skilled trades, marketing, website design, construction consulting, business success, clear communication, technology in trades, app development, skilled trades, marketing strategies, branding, user experience

Support the show

Send us a text

In this electrifying episode of The Sparky Life, host Lia Lamela dives deep into the dynamic world of the construction industry with an absolute powerhouse: Barb Allen, a trailblazer with over three decades of experience in leadership, from a licensed carpenter to superintendent and business owner. Join us in todays amazing conversation.

0:00 Introduction: Women Reshaping Construction and Persistent Challenges 
1:00 Introducing Barb Allen: Extensive Experience and Perspective 
2:30 Being Labelled "Difficult" as a Female Leader 
4:30 Leadership Techniques: Letting People Come to Their Own Conclusions 
7:30 The Initial Shock of Women in the Trades 
8:30 Shift to Microaggressions and Unconscious Biases 
11:30 Differences in Male and Female Conversational Styles 
12:30 Dealing with "Yesing to Death" and Lack of Follow-Through 
14:30 Leadership Title Without Actual Authority 
17:30 Bosses Undermining Authority and the Importance of Reinforcement 19:30 The Constant Need to Reprove and Reasons for Women Leaving 21:30 Having Conversations with Leaders About Lack of Authority 
25:00 Using the Socratic Method for Leadership Discussions 
27:30 Approaching Leaders with the Assumption of Good Intentions 
28:30 Sponsor Message: Supply House 
29:30 Lack of Understanding from Clients and Design Teams 
31:30 Assumptions About Women's Lack of Field Experience 
34:30 Leadership Skills Versus Trade Skills and the Peter Principle 
37:30 The Necessity of Leadership Training and its Impact on the Bottom Line 
40:30 Reasons for Leaving Jobs: Bad Bosses Versus Pay 
41:30 The Cost of Employee Turnover and the Practice of Pigeonholing 43:00 Differences in Male and Female Leaders Letting People Go 
46:00 Being the One to Speak Up in Meetings and Male Colleagues' Reactions 
48:00 Advice on Speaking Up and Potential Career Repercussions 
52:30 Example of Inappropriate Industry Event and Varying Reactions 
57:30 The Importance of Building a Strong Support Network 
58:30 Where to Find Barb Allen and Her Podcast

Follow Barb here - www.constructionbarb.com or @constructionbarb

Thanks to our sponsor SupplyHouse! - Visit www.supplyhouse.com/t-m

🔥 Don’t forget to LIKE 👍, COMMENT 💬,  SUBSCRIBE 🔔 for more motivation & success tips!

📲 Follow me on social media for more adventures: 

Instagram:     @yourconstructionnetwork
Facebook:       https://www.facebook.com/thesparkylifepodcast

#construction #womeninconstruction #leadership #mentorship #career #trades #superintendent #genderequality #podcast #lialamela #barballen #thesparkylife #constructionbarb #constructivebehaviors #empowerment #building #industry #2025

Support the show

Send us a text

Welcome to the Sparky Life! We welcome Jonathan Cinelli, a strategic construction broker and licensed electrician with three decades of experience, to discuss how to rebuild the foundation of the construction industry.

In this episode, Jonathan addresses the toxic culture within the construction industry and shares his forward-thinking approach to business, which disrupts traditional toxicity and transactionalism.

00:00:00 - Introduction: The Construction Industry Crisis. 
00:02:55 - Introducing Jonathan Cinelli: Rebuilding Construction.
00:03:58 - Jonathan's Background and Leadership Approach. 
00:06:57 - Encouraging Understanding & Supporting People. 
00:16:58 - Building Trust & Team Dynamics. 
00:20:37 - Addressing Flaws: Change Orders & Communication. 
00:26:59 - Creative Solutions: Food, Connection, and Culture. 
00:33:25 - Changing the Culture: A People-First Approach. 
00:39:06 - Qualities of a Great Leader. 
00:40:02 - Contact Information and Closing.

Follow Jonathan here - @jonathanacinelli

Thanks to our sponsor SupplyHouse! - Visit www.supplyhouse.com/t-m

🔥 Don’t forget to LIKE 👍, COMMENT 💬,  SUBSCRIBE 🔔 for more motivation & success tips!

📲 Follow me on social media for more adventures: 

Instagram:     https://www.instagram.com/yourconstructionnetwork
Facebook:       https://www.facebook.com/thesparkylifepodcast

Support the show

Send us a text

Welcome back to the Sparky Life with your host, Lia Lamela! In this episode, Lia discusses the importance of women supporting women in the construction industry.

Key points from this episode:

• The challenges women face in male-dominated spaces and how networking and support can help.
• An appeal for women to come together, build each other up, and create larger networks for success in their careers.
• The need for genuine support and sponsorship rather than superficial interactions.
• The idea that women need to take responsibility for making changes and improving relationships with one another.
• A call to action for women to support, sponsor, employ, and uplift each other.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction to Women in Construction
00:01:24 - The "Mean Girl" Phenomenon
00:02:24 - Networking and Sponsorship
00:03:27 - Superficial vs. True Support
00:04:27 - Changing the Culture
00:05:14 - Responsibility on Women
00:06:16 - Tribal Sisterhood
00:06:57 - Call to Action
00:07:23 - Listener Engagement
00:07:58 - Your Construction Network
00:08:42 - Closing Remarks

Quotes:

"If we came together and focused more on building each other up and really supporting one another... a lot of the challenges that we face in our industry, we wouldn't face." - 00:01:47

"I have met so many, so many different amazing people in the construction industry, but I have really found that it is hard to find women that really support other women." - 00:03:13

Thanks to our sponsor SupplyHouse! - Visit www.supplyhouse.com/t-m

🔥 Don’t forget to 𝐋𝐈𝐊𝐄 👍, 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 💬,  𝐒𝐔𝐁𝐒𝐂𝐑𝐈𝐁𝐄 🔔 for more motivation & success tips!

📲 Follow me on social media for more adventures: 
𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦:     https://www.instagram.com/yourconstructionnetwork
𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤:       https://www.facebook.com/thesparkylifepodcast

Support the show

Send us a text

Join Lia Lamela on The Sparky Life as she interviews Jack Teetor, the creator of the documentary, Blind Logic: The Ralph Teetor Story. This captivating film tells the inspiring story of Ralph Teetor, a man whose life intertwined with the birth of the American automobile age and the industrial revolution.

Discover the extraordinary journey of Ralph Teetor, who despite losing his sight at the age of five, became a leader in the automotive industry. His parents raised him to believe he was not handicapped, which allowed him to develop his other senses and pursue his passions for mechanics and engineering.

00:00:00 - Introduction to Ralph Teetor and Blind Logic
00:02:58 - Ralph Teetor: An American Icon
00:04:15 - The Impact of Blindness on Ralph's Life
00:06:10 - Early Engineering Feats
00:08:01 - The Making of the Documentary
00:10:08 - Historical Accuracy and the Growth of the Automobile Industry
00:12:12 - Ralph Teetor's Impact on his Community
00:13:52 - The Rise of Unions and Labor Relations
00:15:56 - Union Strikes and the Mafia's Influence
00:17:40 - Martial Law and Employee Loyalty
00:19:02 - The Value of Good Leadership
00:20:32 - Ralph Teetor's Visionary Thinking
00:21:06 - The Meaning of "Blind Logic"
00:22:01 - Distribution of the Documentary
00:23:59 - Ralph's Legacy and Parallels to the Modern Automobile Industry

This episode offers a sneak peek into an inspiring documentary about an extraordinary man. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of the automobile, leadership, and the power of vision and determination.

For more information visit - www.blindlogicproductions.com

Thanks to our sponsor! - www.supplyhouse.com/t-m

Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe to The Sparky Life for more stories about the builders of our civilization!

Support the show