Episode #062 | Lauren Rimmer

Happy New Year!

For the first episode of 2026, we have sat down with Lauren Rimmer, founder of Construct Change and a leading growth consultant in the construction sector.

Lauren shares her honest experiences working with SMEs, in M&E, ESG strategy, & corporate responsibility, all while tackling the important truths construction is facing today:

The pair discuss mental health and suicide, staff retention, unrealistic client expectations & why tick-box social value systems like the TOMs are failing real people.

🔵 Connect with Lauren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-rimmer-47160375/

🔴 Watch on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/jQL8xVBVHWA

🟢 Listen On Spotify! - https://open.spotify.com/episode/0gWOSwn4vsSab611Yxlycy?si=iPvkdRs9Rfi-dX0DMAw5UQ

🟣 Listen on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growth-consultant-on-silly-expectations-social-value/id1778487912?i=1000744119352

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⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro! What is Construct Change? World of Growth Consultancy

06:57 Working in M&E + ‘Ridiculous’ Client Expectations?

10:41 Focusing on ESG & Corporate Responsibility + Discussing EAPs

15:53 Working with Stuart Wallis from MACE + What’s coming this year!

18:26 Being ‘vocal’ on LinkedIn… Women vs Men on Social Media

28:30 Investigating suicides in Construction (RIDDORS..?)

37:41 Why the pair hate the Social Value Calculator (TOM System)

45:14 Let’s take care of the people already in construction before getting more in??

48:20 ‘Women Into Construction’ disappearing + Why we need Women in the Industry

59:19 What to look forward to in 2026! + A degree in… dance?

01:07:15 Outro!

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

Episode #061 | Rocky Clark & Sam Sharp

It's the last episode of 2025 & we're going out with a bang!

We were fortunate enough to have been joined by absolute rugby legend Rocky Clark - England Women’s rugby icon, over 100 international caps, and 2014 Rugby World Cup winner!

Rocky sits down with host Steve and also returning guest Sam Sharp from WRS Contracts for a wide-ranging conversation of rugby careers, the growth of the women's game, in & outs of playing at the top level & also how NOT to train for a 3-day cross-border charity cycle...

🔵 Connect with Rocky on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rocky-clark-mbe-03a6b4164/

🔵 Connect with Sam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-sharp-066983b6/

🔴 Watch on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/Gid5F4QDnCs

🟢 Listen On Spotify! - https://open.spotify.com/episode/48uD5HDZzDgHHCMobaR486?si=2592222875cc4383

🟣 Listen on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/construction-sport-podcast/id1778487912?i=1000743308008

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⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Worst intro yet

00:49 Welcome Rocky Clark! Facts about Rocky Clark…

06:25 Bike ride: how the trio met + Who are the ‘The Golden Girls?’

13:54 Rocky was never going to play rugby at all?! - To paving the way for Women!

17:58 The true feeling of Winning a World Cup + Rocky’s favourite club she played for…

25:20 Who were the toughest scrum opponents? + The History of SWF Rugby Club…

33:35 Fijians in the Women’s game & Offloads + Construction-based Women’s team?

36:22 More on Cycling + Sam’s John Smit Saviour Story!

40:43 Rocky’s first ever trip to the Casino - Cycling to Paris with Rugby Centurions!

48:46 What is post-match at Twickenham like as an England player? + Women’s Rugby

53:02 Who should win BBC Sports Personality of the year? (Ellie Kildunne)

56:51 Why Henry Pollock is brilliant + Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua Prediction...

59:38 Is Rocky Clark going to do a Hyrox? + Construction ‘Strongman’ Competition?

01:01:22 Quick recap on WRS Contracts + Rocky Drives Forklifts???

01:04:40 Outro!

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

Episode #060 | Dave Vickers & Katie Kelleher

It's here!!!

At Construction Sport, we believe that it's difficult to fight depression with depressing stats & chats. It can be important - but we focus on bringing people together through sports, exercise, and most importantly, having a right old laugh!!!

Sit down & join us alongside legends of the game DiggingWithDave & KatieCranes as we celebrate the spirit & deserved downtime of the Christmas period with drinks, snacks, games, sh*t banter, and jokes that may or may not cross the line...

MERRY CHRISTMASSSSSSSSSSS!!!

⚪ Follow Dave on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/diggingwithdave2023/

⚪ Follow Katie on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/katie_cranes/

🔴 Watch on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/KD-CFXZTQrc

🟢 Listen On Spotify! - https://open.spotify.com/episode/0Rhy5dHkcTTBQmyrFM6pUz?si=9WuJ9FurQyy1uIssRFScag

🟣 Listen on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cranes-vs-diggers-the-hilarious-christmas-special/id1778487912?i=1000742587729

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⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Disclaimer.

00:22 Entrance: Grand Reveal & Guest Settle-In!

02:03 Intro! What’s to come in this Special Episode + Costume Review!

06:00 What’s the best chocolate? + UK North vs South Debates & Comedians!

20:59 Spooky circumstances with Dave…

24:53 Dave Comes Bearing Gifts!!!

31:13 DiggingWithDave on Tele! (ITV’s You Bet! on Tour) + Digger Simulators!

37:34 Katie talks Cranes: Licences, Experience, Career + What Does The CPA Do?

48:02 Katie & Dave tell us their FAVOURITE Brand of Crane & Digger

56:40 THICK AS A BRICK QUIZ IS BACK!!! Round 1: General Knowledge!

01:21:16 Thick As A Brick Quiz! Round 2: Closest Wins!

01:30:24 Thick As A Brick Quiz! Round 3: Finish The Lyric!

01:46:14 Intermission: Dave hosts a silly little game… (Don’t show us ya teeth Keith!)

01:55:06 Crane VS Digger VS Curveball QUIZ!!! (Round 4)

02:14:10 HILARIOUS Chat about Old School TV Shows!!!

02:35:36 Time to reveal the WINNER of this year’s special!

02:39:47 A Crackers Outro!!

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

Episode #059 | Yoshimi Douglas Street

On today's ep we sit down with Yoshimi Douglas-Street, Operations Director at MACE, to talk honestly about working on high-end London construction sites & navigating careers as a woman in a male-dominated industry.

The pair also discuss how sport can shape mindsets, skills shortages, educating trauma & how we can attract the next generation into construction.

This episode is for everyone: trades, managers, directors, apprentices & anyone who believes the industry can do better.

🔵 Connect with Yoshimi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yoshimi-douglas-street-3b41b71a/

🔴 Watch on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/-bNEt6LW3IU

🟢 Listen On Spotify! - https://open.spotify.com/episode/3NILxTuohIAVcKxrHFRv4L?si=RFyw7CDfRI6hhuVHiM87jg

🟣 Listen on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/operations-director-on-high-end-sites-female-leadership/id1778487912?i=1000741674388

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⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro to Yoshimi: Co-Founder of ‘Ladies Can Golf’ - Golf Club Stigma

06:23 Communities in & learning from Sports + Yosh’s Basketball & Netball Career!

12:49 Construction Background & Roles! + Working on Battersea Power Station

20:34 Being in Construction in London + How the pair worked through Covid…

25:07 What it’s like actively Championing Women in Construction + Work/Life Balance

33:18 Personal story & how exercise and therapy made a difference + Educating Trauma

42:37 Integrating sport into Construction like the police, army do + Titles mean nothing

47:39 What it’s like working on high-end London sites & being a woman in a senior role

01:00:40 Pros vs Cons of Electric Vehicles + Company Sustainability's & Going Green

01:06:42 Are we running out of good Tradies? + Why Super Trowel is an amazing event

01:12:55 Promoting the industry to youngsters + mentoring programmes?

01:16:32 Yosh’s Japanese background & heritage (And Steve’s ffs)

01:19:13 Steve recounts his experience driving vintage tractors across the UK…

01:24:27 Yosh’s Women & Allies + Creating Change in Construction Event

01:30:02 Final Comments: Recapping the GCT Gherkin Summit Event

01:33:02 Outro!

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

Episode #058 | Logan Price

Today we welcome an inspiring young man Logan Price who climbed an astonishing 15,000 feet up the treacherous Matterhorn in Switzerland for mental health in construction - and raised over £20,000 in doing so for  @TheB1M  Get Construction Talking campaign!

Logan has always been involved in construction, from working on HS2, Quantity Surveying, & Engineering. The pair discuss site life, a 'construction tax,' rugby, and his own reasons for why he took on one of the toughest climbs in Europe...

🔵 Connect with Logan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/logan-price-813716203/

🔴 Watch on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/9Sr5niO0euk

🟢 Listen On Spotify! - https://open.spotify.com/episode/0RAuN4fzFGzLo0cVPkbpdu?si=xmhPbTQpRl-k-WSVRfN4AQ

🟣 Listen on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-man-who-climbed-15-000-feet-for-mental-health-in/id1778487912?i=1000740654557

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⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Pre-intro waffle: Always be prepared (not)

01:54 Intro! Logan’s roles in construction & working on HS2

05:18 Transitioning from Engineering to QSing + back home from working away

08:57 CITB reigning back grants: Levy System & Training Courses

13:31 Playing rugby for Holt RFC (it’s not going great…) + Our Military Trek

19:32 Veterans coming into Construction + Travelling for rugby & post-match stories!

25:25 Logan’s story on ending up meeting Fred Mills, B1M (Mental Health Awareness)

39:33 What Climbing Mont Blanc & The Matterhorn is really like… (vs Ski Season)

52:29 Another mental challenge: Ben Banaghan Running Iceland Recap

55:24 What’s next then? + Can ANYONE just go and run a marathon???

01:04:28 Final Comments: Honest thoughts on the GCT Gherkin Summit

01:11:24 Outro!

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

Episode #057 | Kathryn Evans

Are prenups really worth it? What rights do you actually have in a breakup or divorce? How can you protect your mental health during separation?

Today we sit down with Kathryn Evans, an experienced divorce lawyer, to talk all things custody, legal rights & fees and emotional recovery.

Whether you work in construction or not, this episode is packed with real-world advice for anyone going through a breakup, relationship trouble, or divorce.

🔵 Connect with Kathryn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-evans-a4a6a741/

🔴 Watch on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/Kh-GthrGk2A

🟢 Listen On Spotify! - https://open.spotify.com/episode/3zXec9nzD5c0vSbsShners?si=425b8f20d0b644ae

🟣 Listen on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/divorce-lawyer-reveals-the-truth-about-breakups/id1778487912?i=1000739495571

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⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro! About Kathryn & the work she does + Are prenups worth doing?

04:50 When is a Divorce Lawyer most busy? + Covid Impact & Funding

07:53 Difference between an ‘urgent’ & ‘non-urgent’ case

11:11 The most common ways Kathryn is contacted + ‘silver divorces’

13:18 Men vs Women custody rights & False stats in construction

17:52 Mental Health support issues + Stress in the workplace

21:41 When should you contact a divorce lawyer? + Divorce Tips

24:31 How to navigate legal fees (House equity, loans) + standard procedures

27:25 Dealing with abusive relationships + non-court dispute resolutions

29:38 Splitting money & sorting custody after divorce + being the bigger person

32:18 Jurisdictional disputes, case law + final comments from Kathryn

35:08 How accurate are legal drama tv shows? + Outro!

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

Episode #056 | Chris Rodgers

In this hard-hitting episode of the Construction Sport podcast, mental-health advocate and former Army man Chris Rodgers opens up about running 500 miles in full PPE this year in order to raise awareness for suicide in the construction industry.

Chris talks in depth about his relationship with the mental health topic as a whole, and the pair also discuss leadership & hierarchy issues on site, accreditations, pushing limits and also keyboard warriors...

🔵 Connect with Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-rodgers-a38773154/

🔴 Watch on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/e1XceebVjgU

🟢 Listen On Spotify! - https://open.spotify.com/episode/5t0XR1oOtsOwAHECD6MsB0?si=lv_sXJKlRzOIk0XB18Iz0w

🟣 Listen on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-man-who-ran-500-miles-in-ppe-for-mental-health-in/id1778487912?i=1000738514433

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⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro! Who is Chris, What he does & 50 Mountains in 5 Days Challenge!?

03:14 Running/Eating habits (or lack thereof) + More about Chris (army background)

20:53 Life in Weston-super-Mare + Getting hacked on LinkedIn & Keyboard Warriors

30:45 GCT Summit Recap: Discussing Mental Health in Construction.

44:06 Benefits & downgrades of different leadership roles/types on different sites

54:17 Chris’ Journey: Personal reasons for Running 500 miles in PPE

01:09:46 The true credibility of Awards Nights and Accreditations

01:14:05 The pair’s very different ways of looking after their wellbeing!

01:19:20 Planning issues leading to extra pressures from top down

01:22:26 Next steps: Chris’ Ideas + Plan for a Charity & How CS is run…

01:35:35 Final thoughts: Mental vs Physical systems, NHS + Learning your limits

01:44:42 Outro

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

Episode #055 | Ben King & Harry Reeve

Long-term friends of Construction Sport Ben King & Harry Reeve of Pyramid Scaffold Design are on the pod today! Two guys who have been on the tools, and are now changing the scaffolding game in design & consultancy. The trio discuss the reality of courses, promoting the industry, issues with money chasing & more on construction sport events + an exciting 24hr Treadmill Challenge that YOU can sign up to! Watch on to find out more...

🔵 SIGN UP to the Treadmill Challenge: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cugd3w1CMxk7vKr-tTpLj0x5jDR4VjOR68I5-KvikCo/edit?usp=sharing

🔵 Check out Pyramid Scaffold Design: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7393908466274443265/

🔴 Watch on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/4Q8xeaLYbK4

🟢 Listen On Spotify! - https://open.spotify.com/episode/3CO55dL4IzO9e3selFM0Ri?si=U8IOmWX5S5CJ_Xg1tANX0w

🟣 Listen on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/construction-sport-podcast/id1778487912

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⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro! Harry’s (dodgy) Moustache, coming off the tools, Stag Do’s & Propa Cafes!

08:44 What is & who are Pyramid Scaffold Design?

18:00 Promoting the industry, courses, & Steve’s previous job roles on the ground

23:55 Scaffolding Education, Degrees + Learning on the job?

30:16 How can the scaffold industry become more desirable? + Looking after yourself

36:10 Long Hours & The issues with always chasing the money…

40:36 Actually getting to people on the ground + Some interesting projects the pair have had

45:38 The pair’s honest thoughts on our ConSpo Treks + Harry’s life as a reservist

52:20 How Steve’s ‘military journey’ ended with him moving to Austria?

56:21 24-Hour Treadmill Challenge! Giving Blood, & Steve’s operation story

01:05:39 Recapping the ConSpo Military Trek + What’s coming up next..?

01:09:40 What’s next for Pyramid Scaffold Design? + Getting beaten up at Jiu Jitsu

01:13:14 Sign up to Harry & Ben’s 24hr Treadmill Challenge! + Hardest Geezer

01:17:41 Outro!

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

Episode #054 | Andrew Curtin

In this topical episode of the Construction Sport Podcast, host Steve sits down with Andrew Curtin, founder of Construction Wave, to unpack one of the biggest stories in UK construction - the rise and fall of ISG.

Once a huge construction powerhouse behind major UK projects, ISG went into administration in September 2024. Andrew’s article exposed how data, hierarchy, and decision-making led to the company’s collapse - and how the industry responded.

🔵 Check out Construction Wave: https://constructionwave.co.uk/

🔵 Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtinandrew/

🔴 Watch on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/6seAPUo-yuM

🟢 Listen On Spotify! - https://open.spotify.com/episode/6kxUdhkUsieEpwyo7ScrW2?si=8_1hkjT_RNCvBBk0nVHPTg

🟣 Listen on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-rise-fall-of-isg-what-really-happened-andrew-curtin/id1778487912?i=1000736415492

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⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro! Life at Construction Wave & CFO Summit + Tick-boxing Mental Health?

07:02 The rise & fall of ISG: How Andrew’s article came about

11:06 How ISG Began & Key Projects + Steve’s UKREiiF event experience

18:50 Closing their Residential Business & Poor Data Centres + Hierarchy Issues

24:14 Rebounding under new ownership + Losing a 3 Billion-pound factory project

32:22 Gross profits vs turnover, company assets, & the ‘beginning of the end’

39:52 What are some good things that Steve is seeing in the industry? + On-Site Content

46:20 Negative news is what thrives + the huge effect of a company going under

50:32 ISG’s last few straws on the camel’s back + Invoice financing

58:22 Final takeaways on ISG: Were they really a bad company? + Ashville Aggregates

01:03:47 Andrew’s final thoughts & comments + What’s next for Construction Wave

01:08:03 Outro

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

Episode #053 | John Holliday & James Melhuish

What does the Autumn Budget, tax changes, and the IR35 Rules really mean for construction businesses & the economy?

In this jam-packed episode of information, John Holliday and James Melhuish from Pocknells Accountants join us to go through everything finance - from minimum wages, employers NIC, education & cashflows to fraud and the brutal truth about profitability in the construction world.

🔵 Connect with John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnholliday1/

🔵 Connect with James on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ifajames/

🔴 Watch on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/BGtsGGtJxxU

🟢 Listen On Spotify! - https://open.spotify.com/episode/4IX8y259hIhCeCSTib6pXz?si=aUWCdgmdSSegkX-ZknXwDA

🟣 Listen on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/tax-systems-fraud-autumn-budget-the-real-cost/id1778487912?i=1000735383145

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⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Coming up & what to expect in this pod...

02:26 Intro! Who are our guests + Their accountancy firm is a prison..???

08:12 The pair’s new accountancy practice + Talking Newborns

11:08 How changes to tax system, employers NIC, minimum wage have affected businesses.

18:33 Remembering that money isn’t everything + Adapt or die mindset

23:26 Different types of advice for different situations + Nov 26th Autumn Budget

31:35 The talent of mums during maternity & juggling PA jobs + Harder to switch-off

36:46 What are the IR35 Rules? + Investigating fraud & dealing with vulnerable/legal cases

46:54 Why schools aren’t teaching all things finance & why we should.

52:29 Are all successful people moving to the middle east…? + Qualifications & Licenses

01:01:03 Steve rounds up what he’s been up to (walking 100km in 24 hours..?)

01:07:24 How we are genuinely making a difference. + Going to therapy

01:16:19 Outro

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

Episode #052 | Mark Anthony

In this eye-opening, one-year anniversary podcast episode, we welcome Mark Anthony of Demolition News who dives deep into the heart of the demolition & construction industries.

Mark speaks very openly about the politics of the industries, mental health negligence, the shocking 2016 Didcot incident, huge multi-million pound scandals and even his own personal anecdotes around suicide, trauma & mental health.

Prepare to be educated in this thought-provoking 2-hour special where nothing is off the table.

🔵 Connect with Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-anthony-998458b/

🔴 Watch on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/9cgCbaTm-6Y

🟢 Listen On Spotify! - https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Y1D5K1JanZI7LVIIIi8Ve?si=7sOiwGksTXiuhapk5ff7xw

🟣 Listen on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/industry-secrets-from-major-scandals-to-fatal-incidents/id1778487912?i=1000734036869

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⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro: How the pair met, the effect of Covid Lockdowns & Mark’s Career Path

05:36 Why Mark gravitated towards Demolition & Construction + Are they different sectors?

12:37 Political side to the sectors - Will we get to ‘zero emissions by 2050’?

17:02 Didcot Incident 2016 - What went wrong? + Consequences of Incompetence

25:20 The impact of Mental Health negligence in Construction + ‘Social Value’

34:04 Women in Construction, Diversity in Workplace, & Calling out Tick-Boxing

41:50 Shortage of workers: Brexit & Migrant Workers + Apprenticeships & CITB issues…

50:01 Construction ‘Lack of’ Leadership Council… + Weird rules working through Covid

01:02:12 Mark’s insights on CMA investigation into Demolition Colluding Scandal

01:09:56 The reality of constant badgering & pressure in Construction

01:15:23 Exhibitions: ConExpo, Bauma, & Mark talks going to Utility Expo in Kentucky

01:20:05 Grenfell Tower: Reached Demolition stage but why Mark won’t report on it.

01:23:39 Mark’s Story: Personal reasons for his passion towards Mental Health.

01:40:40 The benefits of opening up, + Witnessing suicide trauma & Learning from mistakes.

01:53:49 Ending Light-heartedly: Supporting West Ham & Grassroots Profanity!

01:58:19 Outro

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

Episode #051 | Mikaela Jubb

On today's episode - Mikaela doesn’t hold back.

She's dabbled in many different careers until eventually building her own construction recruitment business, Underdog Recruitment, and has plentiful experience in the sector.

From dealing with all sorts of people, to leadership, insolvencies, mental health funding & the effect women have in construction, this episode dives straight into the realities of the industry - pressures, stigmas, and what needs to change.

🔵 Connect with Mikaela on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikaelaunderdogrecruitment/

🔴 Watch on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/zbBdRkT01JE

🟢 Listen On Spotify! - https://open.spotify.com/episode/2h6w7s2vNROueq0tRQ7np2?si=gs5MIChvQ4yILoYedKmKyQ

🟣 Listen on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/telling-it-how-it-is-people-skills-finding-balance/id1778487912?i=1000732966315

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⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro! Growing up in Southampton + What is it that Mikaela does in Construction?

05:56 Ben Banaghan’s Record Iceland Run + Why the pair are getting into Running

15:07 Working with Mechanical & Electrical SMEs + Cold Calling, Communication

21:42 How the pair first met + Mental Health Funding

27:43 Men vs Women expectations & pressures. + The struggle of finding balance

33:57 Should we be forcing ‘women in construction’ or let nature take its course?

44:01 Mikaela’s client list + Her experiences & insights regarding insolvencies

50:40 Supporting mental health in construction + Leadership & People skills

58:58 Mikaela’s honest testimonial on our ConSpo Marathon Treks! + Morning People

01:09:56 Construction Sport Sailing? + Mikaela Goes on X Factor???

01:13:51 Mikaela’s many career changes before starting her business…

01:20:24 The stigma of construction… especially how it's sold to students.

01:28:25 Outro

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

Episode #050 | Dr Luke Hands

This is a big one.

For nearly a decade, we at Construction Sport have been shouting it from the rooftops: sport is one of the most powerful, stigma-free ways to support ones mental health, especially in construction.

Now, we have Dr Luke Hands joining us on the pod, a man with a whole PhD in Mental Health in Construction, and who has the data and research to prove that what we've been advocating is spot on.

This is the moment we’ve been waiting for - Luke breaks down his papers & findings that confirm that every match, every trek, every run, every event - it all matters.

Watch the full episode and join the movement to make mental health in construction about action, not just awareness.

🔵 Connect with Luke on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-luke-hands-62b52943/

🔴Watch on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/RIBGZY3azkM

🟢 Listen On Spotify! - https://open.spotify.com/episode/6QTrGmVcuD2zYPEBX4IXDC?si=K85XLaDKRq2trZY_Wf_-7g

🟣 Listen on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-proof-is-in-sport-can-save-lives-in-construction/id1778487912?i=1000731972763

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⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro - Who is Luke Hands? Upbringing, Education, Careers, and Professional Hurling

07:23 Is amateur sport suffering due to work/life pressures?

12:27 Luke’s a Bodybuilder!?

17:33 Life working at Murphy’s, HSQE + NEBOSH & Prevention + Mitigation

24:48 How Luke became Doctor Luke: Research Paper on Mental Health Data.

37:11 Luke’s Conclusion: Sport is the most natural stigma-free way to de-stress.

42:26 The terrible state of on-site welfare facilities still now in 2025 + Wallpaper Effect

45:09 How accurate really are the statistics? Suicides + Fatalities

52:03 What’s next? Data Response + How often should a DASS form be completed?

01:04:19 GCT Mental Health Summit: What we want to get out of it. + UK Pressures

01:08:05 How Luke & previous guest Karl Edwards know each other & their work!

01:12:01 Luke’s work with Ardmore - Infrastructure & Engineering

01:14:57 Outro + Final Comments

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

Episode #049 | Ben Banaghan #2

Ben Banaghan is BACK - as a World Record holder!

As the records stand, Site Manager Ben is now the fastest person to run the entire length of Iceland - from the most northern point to the southern tip - he did 590 km in UNDER 8 days!?

Find out EVERYTHING there is to know about what a challenge like this entails as Ben goes in depth on logistics, injury, calorie intake, weather, mindset, supplementation & much more (including why his time is technically an unofficial record, but what's being done to get into those history books!)

Whether you work on site, run marathons, or just need a shot of motivation - this episode will light a fire under you.

If you'd like to show some support for Ben's achievement, please donate here ➡️ https://www.justgiving.com/page/ben-banaghan-running-for-construction-sport?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

Follow Ben on Instagram ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/b_banaghan?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Watch on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/I8vNgWDdtsY

Listen On Spotify! - https://open.spotify.com/episode/31orjIbfnRSDfn3stFjziQ?si=m6wtwC9rTG6YMKZZcxBVlg

Listen on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/world-record-fastest-man-to-run-across-iceland-ben/id1778487912?i=1000730795477

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⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro! Ben is BACK with a World Record! + How it almost failed before starting…

07:14 Ben explains keeping a fierce mindset + What the Roads & Weather was really like

16:36 How was Ben's time so much faster than the previous record? + Dealing with Hills

24:38 How Ben’s comrade Ciaran played a huge part in getting this run complete!

26:48 In hindsight, what’s something Ben would/n’t do differently? + The Next Challenge!

30:34 What Ben was eating & His daily calorie consumption + Phone Signal Issues

36:27 Injuries that came up during the run - and how Ben dealt with them

40:07 Going from a size 9 to 10.5 in 8 days! + Back to work & gym

43:24 Why running Iceland was easier than work life (despite hallucinating mid-run…)

48:35 Seeing the northern lights + tackling geysers & glaciers, and sun & wind burn

51:57 What’s up next? Ben’s training plans & roadmap to Running Portugal..!

53:20 Ben’s inspiring nature & showing what’s possible + Producer Al is doing a marathon!

56:41 How to fuel yourself DURING an (ultra)marathon (Food + supplements)

01:01:39 Guinness World Records NOT accepting Ben’s achievement???

01:04:27 Outro!

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

Episode #048 | Alice Lester

Senior Brand & PR Manager at On The Tools Alice Lester joins us for a raw conversation on stigma & how construction workers are portrayed, the challenges they face, overall pressures and why campaigns like Project 7K and the Construction Industry Alert System are vital for change.

Alice also opens up about her own therapy sessions & the pair explore why people in construction find it harder to indulge in counselling, as well as covering almost every other problem the industry is currently facing.

Whether you’re a groundworker, brickie, project manager, or site director, this episode is for you.

For more info about Project 7K: The Lost City, click here: https://thelostcity.org/

Watch on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/jBp1KvRRW30

Listen On Spotify! - https://open.spotify.com/episode/3KVVLfTDA7NvbHIbVCW9Ud?si=gVXdNzhhSMyCgyS_X-ju6A

Listen on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/constructions-tough-truths-stigma-pressure-accountability/id1778487912?i=1000729502862

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⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Pre-into waffle: UK Accents

00:51 Intro! Who is Alice? & Her role at On The Tools. + Next OTT Awards Night!

10:20 Is ‘Groundworker’ a Trade? College Courses & Working through Covid.

16:27 The Stigma towards Construction and What We Should be Promoting!

30:14 The housing situation: Pressure Kills. + Super Trowel Controversy & UK Attitude.

37:46 Alice’s White Papers at On The Tools: Tool Theft, WIC, Banter/Camaraderie

46:46 People who are an Inspiration in the Industry

53:28 Why it can be tough to get Construction Workers into Therapy + Ice Baths & Wellness

59:38 Project 7K: The Lost City (Campaign) What is it + Why Sport & Exercise is a solution

01:07:01 Why we created our Industry Alert System + CITB Top100 Influential WIC Awards

01:10:36 Final Thoughts: Site Fatalities, Accountability, Construction Mental Health Support.

01:20:10 Outro!

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

Episode #047 | Nicola & Josh Phillips

Today we have Mr & Mrs Phillips on the pod!

The pair dive into how they ended up working at the same tiling firm, and talk openly through their perspectives of why the construction industry can be an absolute neckache! Also covered is marketing, accreditations, & some honest feedback for the CITB...

This conversation is for anyone in construction - from apprentices to directors, with touches on mental health, equality, and the realities of working in the trades.

Watch on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/NQH97SKfMBA

Listen On Spotify! - https://open.spotify.com/episode/3KnbVLBZOs1cKBM7FPxgl1?si=YVerWDHvSqSdn-eLciWg-Q

Listen on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/is-construction-getting-tougher-to-work-in-mental-health/id1778487912?i=1000728212013

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⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 pre-intro waffle

01:06 Intro! Who are these 2 & where do they come from?

09:07 Construction Sport Wellness Retreats: Why they’re great! + Our 1st Cricket Match!

30:25 Mental Health through Sport + Groundworkers vs Tilers & Project Overpromising…

39:25 How can we promote the industry in the right way? + Josh’s route to Construction.

54:19 What it’s like working together as a married couple… 2 minutes from home

57:29 Is the industry getting tougher to work in..? Accreditations, Revenues & The CITB…

01:17:49 Equality & Why ‘Women into Construction’ folded..? + Marketing in Construction

01:25:55 What do the pair actually know about tiling? + The Best Construction Exhibition..?

01:29:32 Outro!

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

Episode #046 | Stuart Wallis

On today's ep, we warmly welcome Stuart Wallis! A construction veteran with a trade union background and a powerful voice for change in the industry.

The pair cover everything from site culture and welfare conditions to mental health, politics, educating the younger generations & night shifts at Heathrow Airport. Stu also speaks openly & honestly about his personal struggles with family & mental wellbeing.

Follow Stu's Podcast Here: https://youtube.com/@hardhatsandheadspace?si=uivN5y0NSxtxZVGR

Watch on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/FKlHrg7O7Ak

Listen On Spotify! - https://open.spotify.com/episode/0hMGhwDADolX8pzPNjAHre?si=_wWP8spkR9mBdbuRJpriIA

Listen on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fixing-construction-culture-site-welfare-young-people/id1778487912?i=1000727188624

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⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro! Who is Stu & What does he do? + When the pair first met!

07:53 How Free Haircuts Changed a Construction Site for the Better…

16:35 Stu’s Background: Growing up, past jobs (trade union), values & ethics.

25:58 How Stu’s helped to fix the bad ways we educate construction to youngsters

44:03 Employed/Self-employed, payment terms & What it’s like working night shifts

56:13 What working at Heathrow Airport is really like + MACE’s biggest UK jobs

01:07:29 Site conditions: Poor welfare. How can we change that?

01:12:29 ‘The Big Divide’ - Talking Politics in Construction

01:19:21 Stu’s Anecdotes: People who love the job vs bringing his teenager to work..!

01:26:03 Site Inductions: Stu Gets Personal on Family Health & Mental Wellbeing Issues.

01:42:51 Another random (and unexpected) Story... Stu doing Panto!

1:49:05 Outro

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

Episode #045 | Ben Banaghan

Ben Banaghan has been on construction sites from the age of 14. Now, as in RIGHT now, he’s out in Iceland attempting something unbelievable: running the full length of the country - approx 570km from north to south - in just 8 days. (8th - 15th September 2025)

This isn’t just about running. It’s about mental toughness, graft, and proving what’s possible when you come from a working-class background and push your limits.

If you’re in construction, trades, or the running world - this one will hit home. Ben’s journey is about more than sport. It’s about mental health, resilience, and showing working people what’s possible, & why it's worth doing.

If you'd like to show some support for Ben, please donate here ➡️ https://www.justgiving.com/page/ben-banaghan-running-for-construction-sport?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

Follow Ben's journey ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/b_banaghan?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Watch on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/LOjlmiYSDSs

Listen On Spotify! - https://open.spotify.com/episode/75TELLueBAQn9snQXU78Wb?si=mH3LGb4hSnCDrEq6crpaPw

Listen on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/from-building-sites-to-breaking-records-570km-in-eight/id1778487912?i=1000725878129

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⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro! Ben’s Journey - in construction from 14, always been mad about sports.

02:31 Ben’s past experiences: Running the length of Ireland AND the UK!

09:01 So… Ben is RUNNING ICELAND! Logistics & how he’s feeling…

17:52 How Ben Deals with Injuries & Niggles + Applying for Guinness World Record

24:54 Ben’s experience with Mental Health Struggles in Construction, & Why sport works.

31:03 Dealing with Recovery & Fatigue + Calories In vs Out & Why food is so important.

38:59 More Logistics: Icelandic daylight and wildlife & rescue teams + Alcohol Ban?

43:14 Why Ben’s taking 4 pairs of Running Shoes to Iceland…

45:05 Ben’s Flight Plans + A word for the companies who have generously supported him.

49:06 The power of Social Media on big running adventures. (HardestGeezer in Africa)

53:19 Final Thoughts & Comments

57:20 Ben’s Target Pace & Heart Zones + Outro!

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

Episode #044 | Steve's Solo Pod

Steve goes solo in this episode of the Construction Sport Podcast to break down shocking new data from the HSE - obtained via a Freedom of Information request.

Over the last 3 years, too many accidents, incidents, and fatalities have occurred on UK construction sites. In this episode, Steve exposes the statistics, asks why workers are still dying on site, and explores who is (or isn’t) taking responsibility. From that, he talks plans moving forwards and what needs to change in the industry.

Watch on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/57725JKRE1I

Listen On Spotify! - https://open.spotify.com/episode/69tpyGOqEhNurN09PVGaEX?si=dkG5AMZNQA2PkSQXKgChGQ

Listen on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hse-stats-reveal-shocking-reality-of-site-fatalities/id1778487912?i=1000724728383

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⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro - Why is Steve doing a solo pod today?

01:50 Steve’s ‘Freedom of information’ Request to the HSE. Stats & Dates

05:12 Steve dives into the stats + Pie Chart Graphics: Fatalities on Site

10:29 What are we doing for those affected by what they have witnessed? + TRiM

17:55 Final Anecdotes & Moving Forward

21:46 Outro

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

Episode #043 | Joli Riley

This week we sit down with business coach, scuba instructor, and wellbeing advocate Joli Riley to explore the connection between mental health and performance.

We dive into Joli’s adventures scuba diving around the world, breathwork therapy, imposter syndrome and how nutrition & sports helps protect our mental wellbeing.

Whether you work in construction, business, or simply want to improve your mental health, this episode is packed with tools to help you live and work better.

Connect with Joli on LinkedIn! - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joliriley/

Watch on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/eJCRYGy0wZc

Listen On Spotify! - https://open.spotify.com/episode/4dipSrAQZf83UQEYoDJNQ4?si=QjI1lMg_QtOQb5TbVhY-4g

Listen on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bettering-mental-health-breathwork-scuba-diving-beating/id1778487912?i=1000723711669

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⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro! Joli’s Career Background(s!)

06:04 Joli’s Scuba Diving Life Travelling the World + Exploring Cultures!

13:44 We hosted an Ice Bath Challenge, but why? + Breathwork & Therapy

21:50 Joli’s current role as a Business Coach, how she helps people.

31:44 Difference between Business & Executive Coaching + Imposter Syndrome

39:14 Being in Singapore when Covid struck… Will it ever happen again?

45:38 Coming together through breathwork, yoga, wellbeing sessions. + SOMA Breathwork

52:17 You are what you eat - Exploring good nutrition for positive mental health

57:25 Where is the BEST place to Scuba Dive in the World? + Diving Logistics

01:02:33 Why does playing/doing sports work so well for mental health?

01:05:07 Final Comments & Outro (Bungee Jumping with Anton Oliver..!)

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