Construction is full of tough people… and that toughness is costing lives. In this raw conversation on masculinity, enoughness, mental health, addiction, and suicide prevention, Brandon Anderson (a construction safety leader and mental health advocate) explains why the construction industry has one of the highest suicide rates—and why the real danger isn’t just the jobsite. It’s the silence. The “suck it up” culture. The belief that men are disposable. The coping that turns into alcoholism, opioids, and overdoses. If you’ve ever felt like you had to carry everything alone, this episode will hit hard—in the best way. You’ll hear why most people don’t need perfect advice… they need someone to listen. You’ll learn a simple 60-second check-in that can save a life, what to say when someone opens up, and how to spot the quiet signs when a friend is not okay. This is for construction workers, blue-collar men, leaders, fathers, husbands, and anyone who wants to help someone struggling with depression, addiction, or suicidal thoughts. You are not alone. And your story isn’t over.

You’ll learn why “tough guy” masculinity can block men from asking for help and how that fuels mental health struggles in the trades. You’ll hear what to say when someone finally opens up, including how to avoid turning it into a comparison story and instead respond with presence and trust. You’ll learn the 60-second pause technique—how to ask “No, really… how are you?” and listen long enough for the truth to come out. You’ll also hear why hope matters, how “Hold On, Pain Ends” reframes suicidal pain, and how leaders, coworkers, and friends can create a culture of care without turning it into performative “touchy-feely” nonsense.

00:00 Intro
00:18 Meet Brandon Anderson + construction background
02:22 Why construction has a major mental health + suicide problem
07:13 The “suck it up” culture and why men don’t ask for help
10:12 Feeling disposable at work and in society
11:35 Most people just need someone to talk to
15:13 The real demographics affected (not just “kids”)
20:16 Opioids, injury, and the overdose pipeline
21:39 Personal loss + why conversations like this matter
24:09 Hope stands for Hold On, Pain Ends
33:14 What to say when someone opens up
34:01 The 60-second check-in that can save a life
36:52 The Hope Coin idea and reaching the unreachable
41:14 Trust your gut and reach out
44:05 Listening as leadership (and real ministry)
48:09 Practical takeaways to take action today
49:37 Where to connect with Brandon (LinkedIn/IG/Facebook)

#MensMentalHealth #SuicidePrevention #ConstructionLife #AddictionRecovery #Masculinity

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