Construction Matters: Building Wellbeing, One Story at a Time
Welcome to Construction Matters, a podcast that refuses to treat mental health as a polite afterthought. In an industry that lionizes toughness and stoicism, we ask the questions others sidestep: What does it cost to keep silent? And why should resilience mean suffering in solitude?
Here, no subject is quarantined for fear of discomfort. Each episode brings you unvarnished accounts from the men and women who raise our skylines and pave our roads—the real architects of Australia’s future. These are stories not of abstract “wellbeing initiatives,” but of lived experience: the triumphs, the breakdowns, and the stubborn dignity of those who endure both.
Our host is no parachuted pundit. He began with a shovel in hand and climbed to senior management without losing sight of the mud from which he rose. His perspective is earned, not borrowed.
This is not a sermon, nor a therapy session. It is a candid exploration of an industry’s soul—its present, its future, and the human cost of its progress. We aim to build a community where candour is strength, and solidarity is more than a slogan.
So, join us. Listen, argue, reflect. And remember: you are not alone in this struggle. Together, we can construct something rarer than steel or concrete—a culture of care, one story at a time.
Send us a text Podcast: Jim Penman CEO Jims Mowing. 🎙️ Welcome to our new episode! Ever wondered how one man built one of the most successful franchise businesses in Australia—and did it while living a deeply fulfilled life? 👤 Meet Jim—entrepreneur, visionary, and the heart behind a franchise empire that’s touched millions. In this conversation, Jim shares the secrets behind his growth, the values that shaped his journey, and why relationships—both personal and professional—are the true cu...
18 Mar 2024
John Hutchinson (Hutcho) People Matters
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Come and join me and have a listen to what leadership truly means - service to others and how this amazing human has dedicated his life in supporting many people from superstars in the NRL to the everyday people, in communities and the emerging youth of today.
There is so much more i could tell you about my new best mate Hutcho - but you will just have to listen for yourself.
The Audio of me is a little patchy in some parts, a problem I have now fixed for future podcasts - but Hutcho's message is clear !
As discussed on the podcast around mental health and suicide if you are in urgent need of help call triple 000
Other helpful numbers but not limited to are:
Lifeline (Black Dog Institute) 13 11 14
Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
Mates In Construction 1300 642 111
- 13 Yarn for support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 13 92 76
Brother to Brother (https://www.health.gov.au/contacts/brother-to-brother?language=en)
Service
The Brother to Brother crisis line provides phone support for Aboriginal men who need someone to talk to about relationship issues, family violence, parenting, drug and alcohol issues or who are struggling to cope for other reasons.
Brother to Brother
1800 435 799 (tel:1800 435 799)
Web Links
Lifeline
https://www.lifeline.org.au/
Headspace
https://headspace.org.au/
Headspace Yarn Space
https://my.headspace.org.au/online-communities/673335/
Black Dog Institute
https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/
https://apple.co/3T3KnaN
11 Mar 2024
Jarrod Hughes On Track In Super 2
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Get an insight into Jarrod Hughes a product of a dedicated focused and great guy.
He's forging a path in Dunlop Super 2 currently with Erebus and Image Racing. He pays homage to Paul Morris and the Norwell driver training, the supported by his father and family. Also lets not forget one of the biggest unsung heroes at Norwell Carina Napier who is the glue that holds it all together!
If you think that becoming a supercar driver is easy come and gain an insight into his path to date.
Want to get on board and sponsor Jarrod and see how he values the sponsors and community behind him. Quite a old head on young shoulders.
Email Jarrod and support him could the best investment you can make!
Jarrod Hughes: jhracing18@gmail.com
https://apple.co/3T3KnaN
10 Mar 2024
IWD Podcast Christina Maslach for the Hiway Group 7th March 2024
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The Hiway Group (Hiway) wanted to do something focused for our amazing ladies in our company. Prof Christina Maslach joins us to discuss Burnout and her journey as a woman through her career. Our employees got to ask her questions and the podcast was a real testament to how we engage with our people.
https://apple.co/3T3KnaN
7 Feb 2024
Arnold Dix - People Matters
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Arnold Dix need's no introduction - he's the dedicated family man and passionate about helping people. He joins me for an all-access and down to earth chat, Join me for an all-access and down to earth chat with Arnold Dix (https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-rhoden-90b27a14/overlay/create-post/#), a dedicated family man and passionate advocate for helping people.
Arnold shares personal insights about his extraordinary experience during the Silkyara-Barkot tunnel rescue and the value of kindness that he employs in his everyday life, among other topics such as quantum physics and why he is just an average bloke.
Despite him being catapulted into the media spotlight, Arnold remains humble and true to his purpose, volunteering to help in dire situations without seeking recognition. A person who operates at the ultimate level in our industry. Whilst his authentic view on life sets a standard I think we can all aspire to.
Don't miss this opportunity to hear from Arnold himself and see why so many people are gravitating towards him. Thank you, Arnold, for sharing your wisdom and perspective with us.
https://apple.co/3T3KnaN
15 Aug 2023
Prof Chrsitina Maslach discusses Burnout
Send us a text Join me and Prof. Emerita, Christina Maslach who is the founder of the MBI (Maslach Burnout Inventory). Christina Maslach is a Professor of Psychology (Emerita) and a core researcher at the Healthy Workplaces Center at the University of California, Berkeley. She received her A.B., magna cum laude, from Harvard-Radcliffe College (1967), and her Ph.D. from Stanford University (1971), and has been on the Berkeley faculty since then. With her ongoing tenure at Berke...
15 Aug 2023
Burnout Matters
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Join me and Prof. Emerita, Christina Maslach who is the founder of the MBI (Maslach Burnout Inventory).
Christina Maslach is a Professor of Psychology (Emerita) and a core researcher at the Healthy Workplaces Center at the University of California, Berkeley. She received her A.B., magna cum laude, from Harvard-Radcliffe College (1967), and her Ph.D. from Stanford University (1971), and has been on the Berkeley faculty since then.
With her ongoing tenure at Berkeley University and lifelong dedication to tackling the Job Burnout Phenomenon.
She is recognized as an International ambassador in this field.
A warm intelligent and caring human being who has written many research papers, and books.
Christina is not done yet, she continues to discuss and educate at length, in person, and in Podcasts. For the benefit of those who have read and absorbed her work, It imprints into our consciousness and raises our intellectual and social anthropological awareness which resonates with our core human values!
I think she is a beacon burning bright that illuminates and educates all of us on this very important topic.
Come and join us and discover what Burnout means and how we as people and organizations big and small, can tackle this issue through social engagement with each other and fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment.
Make 'The Burnout Challenge' a part of your and your company's must-reads and DNA.
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/christina-maslach/the-burnout-challenge/
https://www.theburnoutchallenge.com/
https://apple.co/3T3KnaN
8 Apr 2023
Killer Contracts
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Hello
In this podcast, I catch up with Michelle Cirson a Construction Adjudicator: Lawyer, and Founder of Tricks Of Your Trade:
http://www.tricksofyourtrade.com.au
E-Mail: michelle@tricksofyourtrade.com.au
Mob: 0490370945
Whether you are a sole trader or a tier 3 or tier 2 company contracting always involves a contract the clue is in the word.
Michelle sees the good the bad and the ugly around contracts and contracting in our industry. She is on a mission to proactively help the subcontracting world to inform and educate and arm themselves against contracts that do not protect and limit the risk in the contracting world.
I truly believe In this Boom and Bust industry that we work in. That we need to protect our businesses by understanding the fundamental applications of what your contract means.
That you as a business owner and your business commit to by entering into a lawful agreement. You need to understand that you are not putting the company that you have worked so hard to build does not crumble in front of you.
Michelle gives you simple and cost-effective advice that you can proactively take so come and listen in and learn a thing or two that hopefully will allow you and your business to thrive and survive - its too late when the ink is dry if you haven't gone through a real due diligence process!
https://apple.co/3T3KnaN
24 Mar 2023
Red Brain Blue Brain
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Hello
In this episode, I catch up with Clint Adams who is an amazing individual.
Come join us and listen to how he got into the human development potential movement around mental health and well-being. From his time in the Victorian Police working his way through HR in several sectors. Now consulting with companies right into the heart of our awesome construction Industry.
Clint is on a mission to help people understand themselves better, his practical counseling approach emphasizes the social aspect of people and groups. Learn how he employs his life experience with a self-managing process including but not limited to of simple yet powerful Red Brain, Blue Brain approach.
Find out how to identify the thoughts that can be causing your disruptive or harmful behavior patterns and how to intercept these. Then we can employ a calmer and more centered and reflective approach to life in and outside the workplace.
Want to know more then hit play!
Link to book: Lighting The Blue Flame
https://www.amazon.com.au/Lighting-Blue-Flame-Clint-Adams/dp/1528913973
Clint LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/clint-adams-3a8449205/
As discussed on the podcast around mental health and suicide if you are in urgent need of help call triple 000
Other helpful numbers but not limited to are:
Lifeline 13 11 14
Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
Mates In Construction 1300 642 111
13 Yarn for support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at 13 92 76
https://apple.co/3T3KnaN
28 Feb 2023
Mental Health Makes Cents
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Construction Matters First Podcast Recorded
Called: Mental Health Makes Cents.
Hello Construction Land.
Want to know more about your return on investment (ROI) from a social financial and ethical viewpoint for our people in our businesses, regarding investment into Mental Health and Well-being programs?
Andrew Tessler et al, who are Economists for Oxford Economics produced a report in 2021 called The Cost of Doing Nothing.
I dig into the report findings with the help of Andrew to help you and your businesses shine a light on some of the important data.
I believe that making money is a direct consequence of having healthy engaged people.
The bottom line for any business, is that I think we cannot afford to ignore this.
Whether you think I'm right or wrong or you are on the fence? Then this is the podcast for you!!!
We would also like to recognize Daniel Crook and everyone involved in producing this report - Thank you so much!
YouTube Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqi5DtFfHyY
The Cost Of Doing Nothing Report Link:
https://lnkd.in/eitsrngs (https://lnkd.in/eitsrngs)
Music Credits
Music from #Uppbeat (https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?keywords=uppbeat&highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7036481561646518273) (free for Creators!):
https://lnkd.in/esxWvAVw (https://lnkd.in/esxWvAVw)
License code: 5X9FWG7QZ6YWOEDD
https://apple.co/3T3KnaN
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