How can lessons from motorsport improve the way we build?

In this episode of The Hodcast, hosted by Sam La Roche, George Blundell, Managing Director of Explore Modular, shares how racing shaped his thinking around precision, preparation and performance.

We talk about

• Why by working together we achieve more

• Parallels between motorsport and modular construction

• Leadership under pressure

• What construction can learn from high performance industries

A grounded conversation about quality, consistency and the future of building.

Sponsored by Site Ready Solutions and Grayson GB Ltd

Powered by Garry Staines

#TheHodcast #GeorgeBlundell #ExploreModular #MMC #ModularConstruction #ConstructionLeadership #TogetherWeCan

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In this episode of The Hodcast, I am joined by Clare Friel, Managing Director of Friel Marketing, for a wide-ranging conversation about marketing, AI, leadership, and legacy in a digital and construction-led world.

We talk about how people and businesses really behave online, not how they intend to. Clare shares her perspective on authenticity without virtue signalling, how leaders should decide when to speak publicly and when to stay quiet, and why clarity and standards matter more than ever as AI reshapes how work is done.

We also explore women in construction and leadership. What is still misunderstood, the pressure that comes with visibility, and why real cultural change only happens when behaviour changes, not when policies are written.

The conversation then moves into performance and growth. How do you define high performance when metrics are easy to track but meaning is harder to measure? How do you balance pace with depth in a world that rewards immediacy? And what responsibility comes with having a voice when digital footprints last far longer than intentions?

We close by stepping back from careers and platforms to ask the deeper question. When titles and metrics are stripped away, what does a good life actually look like, and what is non-negotiable if you want to avoid the regrets of the living?

The Hodcast is a podcast about the work of becoming.

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Why is construction overlooking one of the most skilled and disciplined talent pools available?

In this episode of The Hodcast, hosted by Sam La Roche, Will Draper, founder of Military to Masonry, explains why ex military personnel are ideally suited to construction and how better pathways could transform both the industry and the lives of service leavers.

We talk about• The transferable skills veterans bring to construction• The realities of transitioning out of the military• How Military to Masonry creates clear routes into the trade• What construction employers need to understand• Why purpose, structure and teamwork matter after service

A thoughtful and practical conversation about recruitment, responsibility and building a workforce that values experience and character.

Sponsored by Site Ready Solutions and Grayson GB Ltd
Powered by Garry Staines

#TheHodcast #WillDraper #MilitaryToMasonry #Veterans #ConstructionCareers #SkillsGap #TogetherWeCan

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

Exclusive for Hodcast listeners!

www.authenticbrew.com

Our listeners gets a 10% discount throughout January if they use ‘AR10’ at checkout!For more from Andy Ramage go to the links below!

www.andyramage.com

www.coachbusiness.school

What if high performance is not about doing more, but removing what is holding you back?

In this episode of The Hodcast, hosted by Sam La Roche, Andy Ramage shares how taking a break from alcohol can improve sleep, clarity, relationships and overall performance in everyday life.

This is not about perfection or elite sport. It is about practical changes that help normal people feel better, think clearer and live with more intention.

We explore
• The benefits of taking a break from alcohol• Why sleep is the foundation of performance• How alcohol affects stress, mood and decision making• The connection between wellbeing and family life• How to build sustainable habits that actually last

A thoughtful and accessible conversation for anyone curious about improving their health, focus and quality of life.

Sponsored by Site Ready Solutions and Grayson GB Ltd
Powered by Garry Staines

#TheHodcast #AndyRamage #AlcoholFree #Wellbeing #Sleep #Performance #Lifestyle #TogetherWeCan

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

How do you move from running a business to shaping an industry?

In the first episode of the new year, Sam La Roche sits down with Garry Staines to reflect on the progress made since his last appearance on The Hodcast and how new initiatives have reshaped his approach to leadership, training and influence.

Garry shares insight into
• Building Site Ready Solutions and new training pathways
• The importance of mentoring and long term thinking• What it means to become a person of influence• How leadership evolves as responsibility grows• Why real change requires action, not opinion

This conversation sets the tone for the year ahead. Practical, reflective and focused on creating lasting impact.

Sponsored by Site Ready Solutions and Grayson GB Ltd
Powered by Garry Staines

#TheHodcast #GarryStaines #ConstructionLeadership #Training #Mentoring #Influence #TogetherWeCan

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

This special episode of The Hodcast brings together some of the most powerful moments from conversations recorded throughout 2025.

Hosted by Sam La Roche, this highlights episode features clips from
• Charlie Collison• Cllr Jessica Power• Lee Marley• Richard "Greeny" Green• Bob Noseda

Together, these voices reflect the themes that shaped the year. Training, leadership, skills, regeneration, resilience and the future of construction.

Whether you are listening for the first time or returning to revisit the moments that stood out, this episode captures why honest conversation still matters.

A reflection on a year of conversations worth having.

Sponsored by Site Ready Solutions and Grayson GB Ltd

Powered by Garry Staines

#TheHodcast #ConstructionPodcast #Leadership #Training #SkillsGap #TogetherWeCan

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

What actually keeps young people engaged in training and work, and why do so many systems fail them?

In this episode of The Hodcast, hosted by Sam La Roche, Martyn Price MBE shares his experience of building employability and training models that focus on people first, not just outcomes.

We talk about
• Why dropout rates remain high• The role of relationships in employability• What makes pre employment programmes effective• How industry and training providers can work together• What leaders need to change if they want better results

A grounded and insightful conversation about creating pathways that work for young people and the industries that need them.

Sponsored by Site Ready Solutions and Grayson GB Ltd
Powered by Garry Staines

#TheHodcast #MartynPriceMBE #Employability #SkillsGap #ConstructionCareers #YouthDevelopment #TogetherWeCan

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Rupert Bates joins Sam La Roche to discuss the future of house building in the UK, what leaders are really talking about, and how media, industry and education must align to inspire the next generation.Sponsored by Site Ready Solutions and Grayson GB Ltd
Powered by Garry Staines
#TogetherWeCanShow House Media - https://www.showhouse.co.uk/

WhatHouse? Awards - https://www.whathouse.com/awards/

BBQ Magazine - https://www.thebbqmag.com/

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Why is construction struggling to attract young people, and what do we need to change to fix it?

In this episode of The Hodcast, hosted by Sam La Roche, Dan Edwards, Founder of Constructed Pathways, shares what he has learned from working directly with young people, schools and industry leaders.

We discuss
📉 Why many young people do not see construction as a real opportunity
🎓 How education and industry have lost connection
👷 What employers can do to attract and retain new talent
🧱 How Constructed Pathways is helping rebuild the talent pipeline
🌍 What it will take to close the skills gap for good

A practical and honest conversation for educators, employers and anyone invested in the future of the construction sector.

Sponsored by Site Ready Solutions and Grayson GB Ltd
Powered by Garry Staines

#TheHodcast #DanEdwards #ConstructedPathways #SkillsGap #Education #ConstructionCareers #Apprenticeships #TogetherWeCan

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

How do you attract people who are not ready to buy, commit or make a decision?

In this episode of The Hodcast, hosted by Sam La Roche, Jill Willis, Founder of Attract & Engage, explains why the answer lies in stronger storytelling, better communication and a clearer understanding of the 95 percent who are not yet ready to take action.

We talk about:
📰 The influence of her journalism background
🏗️ What construction can learn from consumer brands
🎓 The value of connecting businesses, schools and communities
📣 How to market construction to the next generation
👷 What needs to change to close the skills gap

A thought provoking conversation for leaders, educators and anyone shaping the future of the industry.

Sponsored by Site Ready Solutions and Grayson GB Ltd
Powered by Garry Staines

#TheHodcast #JillWillis #ConstructionMarketing #Storytelling #SkillsGap #FutureWorkforce #TogetherWeCan

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