chris martin

Friends, despite popular sayings to the contrary, there is rest for the wicked, actually. In this instance, the “wicked” referenced is Elizabeth and after 2+ years of weekly shows, she’s taking a break. She’ll be back before you know it and she’s talking about the reasons behind it and the benefits of this creative journey on today’s episode. Thanks for your support so far and we’ll see you soon!

Radiant Badass

Chris Martin, Creativity Coach

Radiant Badass

Chris Martin, Creativity Coach

Lorenzo Tabb from Reading, PA, and owner of Tabb Construction, joins us on the podcast to discuss his journey as a fourth-year apprentice with the Carpenters Union and his transition into commercial contracting. 

Tabb shared his experiences, challenges, and the certifications his company holds, such as EDWOSB (federal) and minority business certifications. 

He emphasized he is currently focused on interior systems projects, including framing, drywall,  doors, and hardware. 

Tabb also highlighted the support and encouragement he has received from the industry and expressed his determination to succeed. The conversation concluded with optimism about Tabb Construction's future and its growth within the commercial sector.

What makes your insurance broker invaluable? One that knows the construction safety side and the insurance risk side and uses that knowledge to find solutions for construction clients.

We sat down with the Director of Construction Risk Partners, Joe Poliafico, an industry veteran with over 30 years of experience in construction risk management. Joe shares insights into his journey from the contractor side of the construction business to his current role at Construction Risk Partners (CRP). He provides a glimpse into CRP's unique approach to insurance brokerage, focusing primarily on the contracting space and helping contractors enhance their businesses through a risk-oriented lens.

Joe's storytelling takes us through the pivotal moments of his career, highlighting the importance of safety and risk management in the construction industry. He emphasizes how safety isn't just about following textbook guidelines but also about practical implementation in the field. 

Joe candidly recounts his early experiences, where safety was viewed as a mere formality to secure insurance coverage, and how he turned that perspective around to become an integral part of the organization's success.

The conversation delves into Joe's journey from being a figurehead for insurance compliance to a genuine advocate for safety and risk reduction. He shares anecdotes and challenges he faced along the way, showcasing his dedication to improving safety standards in the industry. Joe's passion for helping contractors succeed shines through as he discusses CRP's construction-centric approach and its commitment to understanding and enhancing clients' businesses.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the construction industry or those interested in the intersection of safety, risk management, and business growth. Joe's insights offer valuable lessons on how safety and success can go hand in hand, making it a compelling and informative conversation.

In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Month,  The Building PA Podcast is sharing a powerful podcast replay with one of the construction industry's most notable individuals and advocates for mental health in construction, Mandi Kime, Safety Director for AGC of Washington.

This podcast replay is worth sharing not only with those in the construction industry but also anyone in a stressful job or personal situation. Share your comments to let us know what you are doing to recognize National Suicide and Prevention Month! Be sure to listen to the The Building PA Podcast each week throughout the month of September for new podcasts on mental health and wellness. Take care!

Original Content:
According to the CDC, men working in construction have one of the highest rates of suicide compared to all other industries. A shocking statistic, but one not that can not be ignored.

Today's podcast is all about shining a light on mental health and wellness in construction. We're kicking off this month with a candid conversation with the Director of Safety for the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Washington, Mandi Kime.

Kime is an accomplished safety professional and leader within the construction industry on the topic of mental health & wellness.

This podcast conversation is candid, bold, and thought-provoking. To learn that men are two and a half times more likely to die by suicide than homicide is jaw-dropping. That statistic is worth repeating, MEN ARE 2 1/2 TIMES MORE LIKELY TO DIE BY SUICIDE THAN HOMICIDE, and the only way to move the needle on this statistic is to talk, engage, educate, and build awareness.

This podcast is filled with tips to help recognize the signs of depression or distress. We've included resources and links to help you gain access to private mental assessments.

If you are in the construction industry, take a moment to listen to this episode. Do it for yourself, your staff, a coworker, or a friend.

If you or someone you know needs immediate help, text or call the Suicide and Crisis hotline at 988.

Check out mantherapy.org for a private mental health assessment. This is a great resource and starting point if you are dealing with anxiety, depression, and/or substance abuse. 

The primary goal of the WELL Building Standard is to prioritize the health and well-being of occupants. By incorporating features that enhance indoor air quality, lighting, acoustics, and ergonomic design, buildings can create environments that support physical and mental health, productivity, and overall comfort.

This podcast replay with guest Chip Desmone, CEO of Desmone Architects is the epitome of WELL Building which is expressed through his business practices, WELL Gold Certified Building , and commitment to the WELL Building process. 


Original Content:
WELL Building. What is it? How does it differ from Lead building and is this the wave of the construction future? These questions and many more are answered by Chip Desmone, CEO of Desmone Architects.

Desmone and his team of architects designed the first WELL Gold Certified Building in Pittsburgh, PA. They are one of just six WELL certified spaces in Pennsylvania.

Listen and learn how WELL intersects design with human health. Desmone shares his journey through WELL certification and the continued commitment, and dedication it takes to maintain this certification status. 

Desmone comments that their “accidental brilliance” has led them to have a healthy, productive workspace environment focused on their employee’s mental health, fitness, and positive workplace culture.

In this episode, we tap into the mind of the Vice President of Innovation for Wohlsen Construction, Ed McCauley to discuss innovation in the construction industry.

Our co-hosts explore the role of technology and IT in construction. McCauley shares his thoughts on virtual design in construction. McCauley explains how they use innovative tools and technologies to improve project management, coordination, and efficiency.

Various innovations in the construction industry are highlighted, including image recognition for quality and safety observations, robotics for demolition and progress monitoring, and exoskeletons for enhancing worker capabilities and reducing strain. 

They also touch on the potential of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) in construction, especially in maintenance and operations.

The conversation further delves into the application of LEAN principles in the construction process, emphasizing continuous improvement and collaboration to identify and solve challenges. 

The trio also touches on the cyclical nature of technology innovation, expecting future tangible advancements that directly impact construction professionals in the field.

McCauley believes that there will be continual advancements in drone usage and 3D modeling positioning this technology at the forefront of innovation for now and in the future.

To learn more about Wohlsen visit their website wohlsenconstruction.com.

In this podcast episode we talk with Edna Howard, the president of Voices of Encouragement, a training and development company focused on empowering the workforce.

The discussion is around the importance of employee wellness, safety concerns, and workforce challenges.

Howard shares her passion for leadership development and helping leaders have "light bulb" moments of understanding.

This episode addresses mental health topics and issues, particularly in the construction industry, which has been affected by addiction and suicide problems.

Howard advises companies to start by conducting a needs assessment and creating a supportive culture that promotes open communication, work-life balance, and healthy behaviors. Providing resources and support such as counseling, mental health workshops, stress management training, and employee assistance programs is crucial.

The podcast emphasizes the significance of reducing the stigma around mental health by promoting awareness and education.  The importance of self-care and meeting individuals where they are on their wellness journey, acknowledging their unique circumstances, and tailoring support accordingly.

Overall, the goal is to improve employees' mental health and well-being through a multifaceted approach that prioritizes culture, support, and education.

Edna Howard is the author of Mindset Reset: Three Powerful Principles to Transform Your Thinking. Click on the link to buy directly from Amazon. You can also learn more about Voices of Encouragement by clicking on the link attached. 

In this episode, Vice President of Aims Construction, Mike Tarle,  gets in-depth on the topic of how the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry can better deal with local government. Tarle, who serves as the town council president of McCandless Township, shares his insights from both his professional experience in the construction industry and his role in local government. 

They delve into the importance of developing personal relationships with government officials, meeting the concerns of neighbors and stakeholders, and addressing challenges such as stormwater management and outdated zoning codes. 

The conversation highlights the significance of communication and collaboration between the AEC industry and local government for successful development projects.

Building with confidence and navigating risk in construction: Insights from NFP, the Global Insurance Broker.

In this episode, the Building PA Podcast and guest Ivan Usero sheds light on the critical role of NFP, a global insurance broker, in helping construction companies mitigate risks. Ivan Usero provides valuable insights into risk management strategies, the importance of technology, and various types of risks in the construction industry. 

By understanding and addressing these risks, contractors can protect their projects, enhance safety measures, and ensure a smoother claims process.

Usero highlights the concept of outsourced risk management, where NFP assumes the responsibility of handling commercial insurance and risk-related matters on behalf of their clients. They assist in program design, risk transfer, consultation, and other aspects to minimize exposures and positively impact clients' bottom line.

The hosts and Usero discuss the significance of mitigating risk in the construction industry. They explore different types of risk, including environmental, force majeure, and supply chain risks. Asano stresses that risk mitigation is crucial because construction risks can be costly, often ranging from 10% to 15% of project value, especially in cities like New York and Chicago.

They also touch on vandalism and theft, contractural transfer and trends, and future considerations.

Usero shares insights into emerging trends in the insurance industry. He emphasizes the need for contractors to be proactive and innovative in adopting technology and managing risks. Additionally, he advises paying attention to market updates, such as changes in construction insurance policies, inflation's impact on costs, and potential penalties associated with coinsurance.

NFP is a massive global insurance broker, generating close to $2 billion in revenue. They offer services in various areas, including employee benefits, property and casualty, retirement planning, and more. Usero describes NFP as an agile and adaptable entity, capable of navigating the complex insurance landscape for their clients.

In this episode, we hear best practice and guidance from leading experts and practitioners on the front line of sustainable business in Northern Ireland - featuring Chris Martin, Head of Sustainability UK, Danske Bank, Brian Reid, CEO, Deli lites and Lynsey Hollywood, Senior Lecturer at Ulster University Business School.

In his new book, The Wolf In Their Pockets, Chris Martin offers up some insight and advice regarding what happens to us when we spend too much time staring into our smartphone screens. Chris writes, In the same way that a soccer goalie would have a difficult time evaluating and blocking penalty kicks if a dozen of them were kicked at him all at once, our ability to discern what is true and what is good is hindered by the waterfalls of content we attempt to drink every time we scroll our favorite feeds. In this way, we are responsible for our lack of discernment. We can become so information-drunk that we don’t know what is real anymore. Our unquenchable thirst for more content blurs our understanding of reality and can lead us into any number of intellectual or moral ditches. But we aren’t the only ones to blame. The trouble is that the actual social media platforms themselves spread sensationalism at the cost of truth, and this makes it even easier to succumb to a lack of discernment.

La jornada de reflexión llega con los partidos satisfechos por la campaña y con el Gobierno asegura "total transparencia y máxima garantía" en los comicios para los cuales ha desplegado un dispositivo de seguridad sin precedentes.

Mientras tanto, Oporto (Portugal) alberga un Foro Social ante el cual España y Bélgica plantean impulsar un fondo europeo para mejorar los esquemas de protección social en el bloque y una carta de derechos sociales y laborales.

Además de la jornada de reflexión hoy es el Día Nacional de la Celiaquía, una enfermedad muchas veces silente.

Y tras echar un vistazo al mapa del tiempo nos adentramos en los conciertos de Coldplay en Barcelona: una de las giras más accesibles, ya que sus canciones llegan a ‘todo el público’, incluidas las personas con discapacidad auditiva. 

Edición: Ismael Arranz
Realización: Cristina Muñoz

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Muzi" is a South African singer, songwriter, DJ and producer who has released 4 studio albums since 2016, and who mixes traditional sounds with a new electronic approach.

On this episode we discuss everything from his background, to his creative approaches and how fatherhood fundamentally changed his outlook to a career in music.

"Roots to Grooves" is a production of SIGNL.

• https://www.signlradio.com
• https://www.instagram.com/signlradio
• https://www.twitter.com/signlradio
• https://www.facebook.com/signlradio
• https://www.mixcloud.com/signl
• https://open.spotify.com/user/96mhz6qfjoztxbl2dpm0uj903?si=aAZpsoEnRAKdx85kr1QWhg

Construction safety is an ongoing conversation. This podcast replay with Bob McCall, safety director for the MBA shares insight into job site safety and how safety is compromised when we aren't focused on the root cause which is often stress and mental health and wellness.

On the heels of Construction Safety Week, we thought this podcast was a good refresher for everyone working in the construction industry.

Original Content
In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with the Director of Safety, Bob McCall of the Master Builders' Association. McCall is a seasoned professional in safety-related matters and candidly spoke about COVID, mental health, and the need for more programs that help construction workers.

McCall shared that COVID placed a greater reliance on safety and the need for companies to plan their work. The pandemic brought personal lives into the workplace. Workers and their families who were affected by the pandemic had a greater level of stress on the job. It's a different level of impairment and one that brought the issue of mental health and awareness of construction workers front and center.

McCall shares that it's time to start having real conversations about mental health and share resources for workers in construction.

Please listen to this podcast and share it with your family, friends, and coworkers. 

If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 988.

In recognition of National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 17-21, we thought it was the perfect opportunity to share a podcast replay with Rich Barcaskey of the Constructors Association of Western Pennsylvania (CAWP). He shares some great advice. As drivers, follow work zone signs, slow down, and save lives!

Take a listen to this podcast replay. It's a great reminder of the small things we can do to keep our highways safer.

Original Content:
We've all been there, you're in your car on your way to your annual family vacation destination or just making your daily trip to work, and you're stopped or slowed down because of traffic due to road construction. It seems like road construction and repair are everywhere, and you're right, it is! And whether you believe it or not, it's a good thing.

With the recent Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, road construction and repair of bridges and highways are booming and making our infrastructure in PA better and safer.

We invited the Executive Director of CAWP (The Constructors of Western Pennsylvania), Rich Barcaskey to give us some insight into heavy highway repair, construction, and the importance of being a patient and responsible driver when you are driving through construction zones.

One of the most important, if not the most important concern for the CAWP is the safety of their workers. As drivers, we can do our part by obeying the speed limit, minimizing distractions, and staying alert while driving through construction areas.

This summer CAWP developed a new initiative to recognize the hard-working men and women working in heavy highway and construction. The program is called CAWP Cares and includes a bag packed with essentials for workers to help them take care of themselves— sunscreen, a cooling towel,  a tick-removal kit, and many more useful items to have on the job. CAWP has also included a printed brochure with daily tips to help them with their mental health and physical well-being.

To learn more about the Constructors of Western Pennsylvania check out CAWP.org.

If your Twitter feed has been anything like mine the past 3 weeks, it's been all about Gwenyth Paltrow and how she lost half a day of skiing. For my girlies who weren't keeping up with the court room, here's the ~lo down~ on the whole ordeal, and why we're all just a little obsessed with Gwenny P.

Well, it looks like prefabrication IS here to stay. It's been over a year since we aired this podcast and supply chain issues continue to remain a headache for the construction industry.

This podcast is worth another listen. Why? Because there are some great tips and stories of how prefabricated products are solving problems and helping to get jobs done without delay.

Original Content - 
Jim Gabriel, president of MODLOGIQ shed light on why prefabrication is trending across the construction industry. 

Owners, general contractors, designers, and architects are turning to modular construction for several reasons. One of the biggest reasons is that the world is changing. Gabriel speaks openly about the pandemic and how modular construction has helped contractors and projects continue to move ahead even when job sites are shut down. This is due in part, to 80% of modular construction being constructed off-site. When MODLOGIQ finishes a project, it’s set and ready to be shipped and installed without the headache of on-site construction. 

We also will put to rest some of the myths about modular construction and prefabrication. The perception is that modular construction is cheaper. Gabriel comments, “it’s not cheaper, it provides more cost certainty for their clients and helps reduce cost escalation.” 

You’ll also hear more about the unique ways modular construction is being used. Gabriel talks about “pushing the envelope” in their industry. Prefabrication and modularization are pushing to do more than just affordable housing or single-family homes. MODLOGIQ is trying to bring their business up to standards that designers and owners expect from traditional builds. 

We know our listeners always want to hear the take on safety as it relates to our topics. We asked Gabriel how prefabrication translates to a safer job site. He shares his thoughts, insights, and more in this next episode of the Building PA Podcast.